Consumers Energy Presents Energy Efficiency Incentive Check to Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Fri, 03/02/2018 - 08:35

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is being recognized for having one of the best and most energy-efficient airports in the region. Consumers Energy presented a rebate check for $151,631 to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) today, as part of the company’s energy efficiency program which is saving the airport energy and money.

Ecocentricity Blog: After the Storm

Wed, 02/28/2018 - 09:30

Maria is estimated to have cost $90 billion in damages, which means its impact will be felt for a long time yet to come. Puerto Ricans won’t forget Maria for decades, if ever.

Piedmont Natural Gas Named Natural Gas Utility Customer Champion

Thu, 02/22/2018 - 11:10

Consumers Energy Announces Clean Energy Breakthrough Goal: 80 Percent Reduction in Carbon Emissions, Zero Coal by 2040

Mon, 02/19/2018 - 13:45

Consumers Energy and CMS Energy today announced Consumers Energy’s plans to meet Michigan’s energy needs reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent and no longer using coal to generate electricity by 2040. The company also said today that more than 40 percent of the energy produced will come from renewable sources and energy storage by 2040.

Grid Modernization: Increasing Capital Investments To Decrease Risk

Wed, 02/14/2018 - 09:00

Growing commitment to distributed energy resources (DER) is forcing continued modernization of the grid — and the effort shows no signs of letting up. Whether by regulatory mandate or stakeholder pressure, system upgrades are being made worldwide to support the increase in renewable energy, while making infrastructure smarter and more resilient. Historically, attention to the grid’s distribution system focused on poles and wire maintenance and upkeep, but growing connectivity between assets is requiring a more holistic approach.

Consumers Energy’s 130-Year History Profiled in New TV Program

Fri, 02/09/2018 - 11:15

Consumers Energy has been providing energy to Michigan homes and businesses for over 130 years. That long and colorful history was the subject of a story by Jackson, Mich., television station JTV-TV. The “True Story” special gives particular emphasis to the energy provider’s connections with its hometown of Jackson, from its founding by the Foote brothers through its innovations and challenges over the last decades and more.

After Hurricane Maria, Duty Called Him Home to Help

Thu, 02/08/2018 - 12:00

When Armando Ortiz flew to Puerto Rico three weeks after Hurricane Maria slammed ashore, he wept to see his ravaged homeland. Now four months later, he is back, this time with other Duke Energy employees helping to restore power.

Schneider Electric Announces an Agreement to Build a Microgrid With an Investment of $4.5 Million

Thu, 02/08/2018 - 08:15

The recent wave of hurricanes in the US -- Harvey, Irma & Sandy -- have offered municipalities a reminder of the importance of installing assets that can provide resilient power in critical facilities. The need of the hour is to install advanced microgrids equipped with the latest technology that can perform on multiple levels during these extreme weather conditions and grid outages. Microgrids were chosen as one of the options to provide necessary resilience during inclement weather in the recent US Department of Energy’s 2017 Grid Reliability Study.

Electrification on the Rise: Can Electric Vehicle Charging Networks Keep Up?

Wed, 02/07/2018 - 09:00

Last year marked a monumental turning point for the future of electric vehicles (EVs), with several auto companies such as Volkswagen AG, General Motors and Volvo announcing significant electrification plans. Bolstered by improved battery technology, longer battery range, greater variety and lower prices, consumer confidence in EVs is at an all-time high. According to Forbes, light-duty EV sales in the United States rose 37 percent in 2016.

Utilities need to start thinking now about how they are going to scale up power infrastructure to meet the increased demand for commercial and personal vehicles. Although the benefits of electrification are undeniable, the move away from internal combustion engines is raising questions about energy management and grid stability.

Employees’ Research Leads to Innovative Light Pole Pilot Program

Wed, 02/07/2018 - 12:05

A group of employees at Southern California Edison recently found an innovative solution to help fix and replace light bulbs or fixtures high above the ground at its facilities. The spring-loaded metal pole they found online could help reduce injuries among workers. The SCE employees pitched the idea and it is now being used in a Light Pole Pilot Program at the utility’s Redlands Mountainview facility. Once the pilot is completed, the program could then be used company-wide.