Energy Efficiency
An efficiency-first approach to transmission
Transmission lines are critical to our energy system, capable of shuttling electricity vast distances from where it’s generated to where it’s consumed. Over the past 40 years, energy efficiency has helped to avoid the need for new transmission projects. A coming wave of electrification and other load growth that will largely be powered by solar,…
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…
The value of centering energy assistance programs on energy burden
As colder weather seeps across the Northwest, most people are switching on heating systems to stay comfortable. Some may not think twice about the impact cranking up the heat has on their energy bill. But for energy burdened households — those who spend 6% or more of their income on energy costs — high energy…
Extreme 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…
15 ways to conserve energy and save on your electric bill this winter
You may have seen the headlines: rising energy prices, especially gas prices, will lead to higher energy bills this winter. Now, before the worst of winter wallops the Northwest, is a perfect time to consider reducing your energy usage – for your wallet and for the environment. You can start your energy reduction journey right…
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…
Energy 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…
Opportunities 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…
Flexible 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,…