
Here Come the Lumens
LEDs are great even if they won’t necessarily result in large net energy savings. LED technology is exploding, enabling entire new categories of lighting. My favorite example is the new … Continue Reading Here Come the Lumens

Peakers Out, Batteries In?
A new paper suggests this may not be economical in many cases – yet. I realize that on this blog we often pour cold water on what at first glance … Continue Reading Peakers Out, Batteries In?

California’s Duck-Belly Blues
Behind the meter, we’re ducked. In colder parts of the country, March comes in like a lion. Here in California, March comes in like a duck. Days are often sunny … Continue Reading California’s Duck-Belly Blues

Does Anybody Really Care What Time It Is?
Changing the clock alters energy use and economic activity only if it changes behavior. A new paper studies whether it does. It’s March, and the magnolia trees say spring is … Continue Reading Does Anybody Really Care What Time It Is?

Western States Build the Foundation of their Energy Future
The quest for a lower cost, more reliable and cleaner grid is motivating states to cooperate. The operators of the electrical grid in the Western US have had a tough … Continue Reading Western States Build the Foundation of their Energy Future

A Very Expensive Winter
Wholesale electricity prices in California this winter were the highest in a decade. We normally think of summer, not winter, as the most challenging time for the California electricity market. … Continue Reading A Very Expensive Winter

Riders on the Strom*?
Public transport ridership is in serious trouble. We know that having the average American commuter move an average car weighing 4,000 pounds 41 miles across a highway is an inefficient … Continue Reading Riders on the Strom*?