Demand response can help Europe’s vulnerable energy market

At the recent E-World energy and water trade show in Germany, it became apparent that the European energy market is showing significant signs of vulnerability. These problems could even lead to blackouts. Here’s how demand response can help.

Full post, by Alicia Carrasco: Europe’s energy market is vulnerable; demand response can help

Opinions have reasons, not all reasons are equal

The news media continues to report stories about potential health risks from the radio frequency emissions of smart meters — even though such risks remain unproven after intense studyand scrutiny. There also have been many news stories aboutcustomers who want to opt out of smart meter programs — even though fewer than one in 1,000 customers has elected to do so.

This got me wondering: What makes a story important enough to be in the news, and how should we consider these reports? Whose opinions really matter?

The January issue of Miller-McCune Magazine — a nonpartisan, thoughtful publication for business and policy leaders which I’ll often skim during long overseas flights — reports on a successful effort to teach critical thinking to sixth graders. No debate: Kids can learn by arguing describes the work of Deanna Kuhn, professor of psychology and education at Columbia University.

Full post: Opinions have reasons, and some reasons are better than others

Smart meters are safe, says Vermont health commissioner

SmartGridWatch has followed with interest the concerns of customers regarding radio frequency emissions from smart meters. Last week, another public health official, the health commissioner for the state of Vermont, voiced his expert opinion that such emissions are not harmful…

Full post: Vermont health commissioner says smart meters are safe

New UK Energy Efficiency Deployment Office

The brand-new U.K. Energy and Climate Secretary, Ed Davey, is starting his tenure with a major announcement: the launch of the Energy Efficiency Deployment Office (EEDO). Here’s what it will do…

Full post by Alicia Carrasco: U.K. launches Energy Efficiency Deployment Office

New from PG&E: rate comparisons

Quietly and without fanfare, my local utility, PG&E, has gone live with fabulous new functionality for its customers with smart meters who now have nine months or more of smart meter data — about 80% of PG&E customers.

These customers can now compare rates, and see the savings they could expect from switching rates.

I just checked my mother-in-law’s energy usage…

Full post: PG&E debuts rate comparisons: What’s not to love about saving 7% risk free?

Engaging consumers with energy info: better language, design, and layout needed

Energy usage and tariff information generally isn’t easy to understand. To get input on how to solve this problem, U.K. energy regulator Ofgem has been conducting workshops with consumers across Great Britain. The new Consumer First Panel Report lists suggestions from consumers to help them better understand and engage with the electricity and gas market…

Full post: Consumers want better language, design, and layout for energy information

Wind energy hits new record high, smart grid can make it work

The World Wind Energy Association reports that in 2011 the global market for wind turbines set a new record: a total of 42 gigawatts (GW) installed capacity. This is up nearly 12% from 2010 — and more than double the 19 GW total growth in all power plants in the U.S. that same year. This brings the total worldwide wind energy capacity to 239 GW — enough to meet 3% of the world’s electricity demand.

While wind energy offers clear environmental benefits, this growth poses greater problems with intermittency for utilities. It also could lead to more frequent curtailments, when wind energy is wasted.

Fortunately, the smart grid and smart meters provide a powerful solution, by enabling consumers to time-shift their energy use to better match the timing of wind power generation.

Full post: Wind energy growth hits new record high, smart grid can make it work