The Problem with Demand Response
A recent event highlights the difficulties setting baselines for demand response programs. It’s starting to feel like fall. In Berkeley, we are sensitive to subtle changes, but there was a … Continue Reading The Problem with Demand Response
Transforming Energy Use in the Wake of a Natural Disaster
Energy demand dropped during Hurricane Harvey. Could energy efficiency keep it low? During a significant portion of my childhood, if you wanted to find me after school you needed to … Continue Reading Transforming Energy Use in the Wake of a Natural Disaster
An Air Pollution Paradox?
Should pollution abatement investment be relatively low in places where pollution levels are high? The evidence is mounting that what you can’t see can kill you. What you can’t see … Continue Reading An Air Pollution Paradox?
Peak Electricity Pricing 2.0
It’s time to make critical peak pricing more flexible. For meteorological reasons that I don’t pretend to understand, the same weather phenomenon that brought the devastating hurricane Harvey to Texas … Continue Reading Peak Electricity Pricing 2.0
Is Solar Really the Reason for Negative Electricity Prices?
Solar gets all the attention, but another explanation is at least as important. Even during extreme promotions like “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday”, it is rare to see anything sold … Continue Reading Is Solar Really the Reason for Negative Electricity Prices?
The Economics of an Electrified Autonomous Future
Would Autonomous Electric Vehicles Eliminate Transportation Externalities? After one of the many fun and inspiring lunch conversations here at the Energy Institute, I realized that my thoughts on the economic … Continue Reading The Economics of an Electrified Autonomous Future
An Unlikely 1970s-Era Environmentalist
A 1974 American Electric Power advertisement claim rings hollow today. There was a lot of breaking news during the summer of 1974. Watergate was in full swing, culminating in President … Continue Reading An Unlikely 1970s-Era Environmentalist
