Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power plans to install about 17 million “smart meters” in customer households by March 2019 in a bid to increase efficiency, a report said Sunday. TEPCO, the operator of the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, will solicit bids from Japanese and foreign companies, forgoing its usual practice of going through a group supplier, Continue reading →
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The Department of Defense has been on a roll with new solar energy installations, but the real action is going on behind the scenes in laboratories where DoD is quietly supporting research into low cost, lightweight solar cells enhanced with quantum dots. In the latest project, researchers from the Army Research Laboratory and the Air Continue reading →
This is the era of Big Oil. Could the next be the era of Big Efficiency? A new report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy suggests the possibility. Re-invented with today’s smart energy technologies, energy efficiency could displace 40 to 60 percent of our total energy needs by the year 2050, according to Continue reading →
Modeling and analysis of demand response programs and energy resources is a key next step in smart grid integration, according to an IEEE panel of energy and utility professionals. During a discussion at the IEEE Innovation Smart Grid (ISG) conference in Washington, DC, panelists highlighted the importance of modeling in understanding smart grid efficiency and Continue reading →
Somewhere between the iPad cases and the latest in headphone technology, the connected home concept was everywhere at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics show. For the energy conscious, smart energy was not siloed with companies only pitching smart plugs or wireless thermostats. Instead, everything from windows to door locks to light bulbs could talk to Continue reading →
Plymouth Public Schools has added EnerNOC’s EfficiencySMART solution to streamline energy-efficiency initiatives across the district. The district is already using the company’s DemandSMART solution for demand response and will apply its quarterly demand response payments toward the implementation of EfficiencySMART. Channeling its regular demand response payments directly into energy-efficiency budgets doubles the district’s return on Continue reading →
LG Electronics (LG) unveiled a series of new smart appliances at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that reflect the company’s vision for a more connected, eco-friendly lifestyle. Underpinned by the evolving Smart ThinQ technology, the new smart appliances are equipped with innovative device-to-device connectivity features and the Home Energy Management System (HeMS). With such Continue reading →
Today, Simple Energy announced that people in Texas can now sign up for a social, fun and simple way to save energy with the Simple Energy Customer Engagement Platform, an online game that allows users to compete with friends and win prizes for increased energy efficiency. via Simple Energy Customer Engagement Platform Launches in Texas.
A US energy efficiency firm whose fans include Barack Obama and David Cameron is now looking to transfer its rapid growth across the Atlantic to Europe. Opower has expanded to be worth an estimated $1bn after signing contracts with 60 US utilities, including eight of the 10 largest in the country, since being established in Continue reading →
Kansas City Power & Light has filed a request for new and enhanced energy efficiency programs under the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act. The filing makes KCP&L the first utility to file a proposal under the act with the Missouri Public Service Commission. KCP&L began a series of energy efficiency pilot programs in 2005 as Continue reading →
Because of their capability to save energy and to improve the efficiency of electrical grids, power utilities are expected to rapidly adopt smart electricity meters, causing global shipments to triple from 2011 to 2016—and spurring the doubling of the associated semiconductor market during the same period. via Surging Smart Meter Shipments Spur Soaring Chip Sales Continue reading →
New research shows that the willingness to invest in emerging energy technologies varies country to country. According to a study by Strategy Analytics Smart Home Strategies (SHS), service consumers surveyed in six countries all indicate they are willing to pay for improved energy efficiency. The Segmentation and Analysis of Attitudes towards Energy Consumption: France, Germany, Continue reading →
While you’re busy preparing for the holiday season, use these energy efficiency smartphone apps to save energy, money and time. It’s energy efficiency in the palm of your hand! via Top 5 Energy Efficiency Smartphone Apps | ThinkProgress.
With demand for energy consumption projected to greatly increase, the utility industry is looking for ways to improve the efficiency, predictability and reliability of their networks. Smart grids are being developed as a means to service those requirements as well as to lay the foundation for future growth. via Test Tools Help Identify and Eliminate Continue reading →
“Green” was the predominant color as the 2011 Platts Global Energy Awards were presented to 21 companies and industry leaders at a gala dinner in New York last night. Clean energy and sustainability themes prevailed in the entries for this year’s awards, not only setting the criteria for honors in energy efficiency and technology categories, Continue reading →
Energy efficiency measures both reduce energy consumption and slow the pace of building power plants. Utilities know that, but how much are they doing to promote the idea? A report released Thursday looked at 50 U.S. utilities and ranked them by the investments they have made in energy efficiency and the energy saved. Those in Continue reading →
Smart meters have been installed in nearly every home and business for the city of Liberty which has brought improved bill accuracy while still protecting privacy. City officials borrowed $3 million to purchase the electrical and water meters, according to Gary Broz, city manager. The system is expected to be paid off within three to Continue reading →
The Tennessee Valley Authority has unveiled a redesigned website for tips and information about how consumers can conserve energy whether at home, at a business or in an industry. via TVA revamped energy efficiency website – Boston.com.
As part of its observance of October as National Energy Awareness Month, the Tennessee Valley Authority announced that its EnergyRight Solutions energy efficiency website has been redesigned and is now live at www.EnergyRight.com. The new EnergyRight Solutions website features a simpler, clearer layout to help consumers more quickly and easily navigate the site and find Continue reading →
Energy company EON have stated that small businesses in the UK could be losing up to £7.7 billion by not adopting energy saving measures. Recommended initiatives aimed at making businesses more energy efficient could lead to huge savings for a large proportion of the nation’s establishments. via £7.7 Billion could be saved by energy efficiency Continue reading →
