Customer Side Resources
Customer-side resources will be critical as rising electricity demand, extreme weather and climate change impact the Northwest power system
In January 2024, extreme cold descended on the Northwest, causing a significant spike in electricity demand. At the same time, there were serious challenges for energy supplies across the region. But first and foremost, we want to acknowledge those personally affected by the severe weather and send a heartfelt thank you to all the utility…
Read MoreExtreme weather events strengthen the case for customer-side resources, particularly managing load
Extreme weather events have become the new norm around the world. In the typically wet Northwest, prolonged periods of drought can put pressure on the region’s hydropower system, cause heat stress and wildfire risks. In this blog post, we connect the dots between increasingly volatile weather conditions and the value of customer-side energy resources. These…
Read MoreDemand Response in the Northwest: Part 1
What is demand response and what can it do for our energy system? What is demand response and how does it work? The electric power system in the Northwest is undergoing a transformation. As coal plants retire and the region transitions to cleaner sources of variable energy, the grid is becoming more complex to operate.…
Read MoreCustomer-side resources can reduce risks from volatile energy prices
Winter is here. It’s barely February and we’ve already witnessed the value of a diversified energy system and the risks that come from fossil fuels. Volatile fossil fuel prices are causing concern for customers that end up footing the bill when their utility purchases fossil-fueled power. By accelerating our investments in customer-side resources, we can…
Read MoreModernize the Bonneville Power Administration
Customer Resources Play a Key Role During Extreme Weather
An in-depth look at what the Pacific Northwest can learn from the role of customer side resources in saving the grid. The West is in a transformative time, decarbonizing our energy system while electrifying large aspects of our economy, such as transportation and heating and cooling of buildings. California, more than any other state, is…
Read MoreEnergy Efficiency 101
Energy efficiency means using energy wisely Simply put, energy efficiency means using each unit of energy as efficiently as possible to reduce waste. A common example of energy efficiency is switching from incandescent light bulbs to light emitting diodes – more commonly known as LED – light bulbs. LED bulbs produce a nearly identical amount…
Read MoreOpportunities to Act for a Strong Washington State Energy Code
As we tackle the biggest issue of this generation – the climate crisis – we also have an opportunity to recreate a society that is cleaner, healthier, more equitable, and more affordable. The buildings we sleep, cook, relax, work, create, and socialize in are just one area that is undergoing a transformation. Every time we…
Read MoreRegional electric system and demand management make the difference during California heatwave
Lower Snake River dams not critical – clean energy solutions will cover peak demand and protect salmon August is usually a time to take things easy, maybe go on vacation and enjoy our beautiful Northwest. But sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. This year, that was the case in the middle of August, when a…
Read MoreFlexible demand webinar explores potential of customer-side technologies as an energy resource
Welcome to a conversation with Geoff Wickes, Jeff Harris, Conrad Eustis, and Tony Koch about how grid-integrated water heaters and other customer-side technologies can contribute to electric system efficiency and reduce the need for additional generations resources. The session runs about 90 minutes. It was recorded on July 1st, 2020. The moderator is Fred Heutte,…
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