SCE recently announced that it signed seven contracts for 195 MW of energy storage and demand response resources to meet local capacity requirements in its Santa Clara sub-area. The selected resources — one demand response and six energy storage projects following two SCE solicitations — are expected to go online before the summer of 2021, according to a press release.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy neared the 40-percent carbon-free milestone and grew renewable energy generation 11 percent, according to the company’s newly released 2018 Sustainability Report. “Our results in 2018 have set the stage to achieve our long-term vision,” said Lynn Good, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy, in the company’s 13th annual report. “Societal change is never easy, but we recognize it is our responsibility to leave a lasting, positive impact.”

SECC tracks public awareness of smart grid and related developments in electric industry modernization and has put out multiple reports based on public surveys and surveys of industry executives to help the industry and its regulators understand how messages about the progress of the industry are being received – focused on what's working where and how to maximize the benefits in the evolving relationships of electricity providers and their customers.

Data in the U.S. EIA's latest Short Term Energy Outlook forecasts renewable energy resources, including hydroelectricity, will generate more electricity in April and May than coal-fired plants. According to the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis, this would be the first time renewable generation has surpassed coal.

Nevada and Washington State aim to get all their electricity from carbon dioxide-free sources by the middle of the century under legislation approved this month by state lawmakers. In Nevada, Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, signed a bill on April 22 that increases the state's renewable portfolio standard to 50 percent by 2030 and sets a goal of getting all power from zero carbon dioxide sources by 2050. The bill cleared the Nevada Legislature with unanimous votes.

Chicago will install 40,000 new LED streetlights throughout the city as part of the next phase of the Chicago Smart Lighting Program. Installations will be concentrated in the far South Side, Near West Side and North Side and will take place through August, the halfway point of the four-year project. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and ComEd have said the city will save an estimated $100 million over the next decade through the energy efficiency upgrades. The city has also received more than $12 million in rebates from ComEd for the installations.