Illinois regulators have approved Ameren's voltage optimization plan, which aims to reduce energy consumption and system losses by operating the grid at lower voltages. New, cost-effective sensors, controls and communication systems now allow utilities to maintain lower voltage levels than they previously could.

In the wide-ranging discussion about the wants and needs of the utility customers, we often forget the small and medium-sized business segment. It’s not large enough to get the big interests that large commercial and industrial does, nor does it see the political or cultural discussions of residential customers.

CSU recently issued a request for proposals for projects up to and beyond 250,000 MW hours of renewable energy per year. The solicitation will consider a number of technologies, including energy storage solutions in combination with renewable resources. CSU notes that renewable resources for the RFP are those that meet the definition contained in the Colorado Renewable Portfolio Standards requirements and any potential combinations that include storage options.

If utilities want to lower peak electricity loads, they might want to consider rate structures similar to the surge pricing used by ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. A new study from the University of Chicago concluded that “dynamic” pricing is more effective than moral persuasion on its own for changing customer behaviors in the long run.

EY, together with a leading global analyst house, has modeled three critical tipping points that mark utilities’ potential journey toward a new energy system. In most regions analyzed, these tipping points are staggered over a number of years, allowing utilities time to learn lessons from adapting to one to prepare for the next. But the U.S. is different.

SRP has initiated a program to support the installation and use of battery storage systems for its residential customers. The battery storage incentive program will provide up to $1,800 ($150 per DC-kWh) for customers who purchase and install qualifying lithium ion battery technologies. The program will be available for up to 4,500 SRP residential electric customers on a first-come, first-served basis.