Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) Rewards Programs

Energy Efficient Programs: CFL Bulbs An Electric utility’s CFL Rewards Programs are used to encourage customers to purchase compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) instead of incandescent lamps. In order to encourage participation and overcome cost barriers, electric utilities are typically offering mail-in and point-of-sale rebates and markdowns (where possible).  The electric utilities typically...

Energy Efficiency, Energy Conservation, and Demand Reduction Plans

Electric utilities have shifted a significant amount of their resources and attention to implementing programs aimed at reducing energy consumption and lowering peak demand either in: Energy Efficiency-Demand Reduction: Smart Meters Anticipation of projected shortages in generating capacity because of the planned decommissioning of fossil or nuclear power plants or rapid customer...

An Introduction to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Compact Fluorescent Lights A fluorescent lamp uses electricity to excite mercury vapor. The excited mercury atoms produce ultraviolet light and cause phosphors to fluoresce (referred to as gas-discharges). While larger fluorescent lamps have been used for decades in the larger commercial and industrial buildings (the economics are compelling), the advent of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), also...

Energy Utilities Approaches to Grid Modernization

Successful Grid Modernization Programs There are a number of energy utilities that have adopted a holistic approach to Grid Modernization that ensures the network is properly refurbished and hardened, thus ensuring that the full benefits of SmartGrid (e.g. grid automation) are realized by the vast majority of their customers. In so doing, these utilities have been able to meet the near-term...

Introduction to Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs)

What are PHEVs? Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are passenger vehicles that combine both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a battery-powered electric motor of an electric vehicle (EV).     PHEVs operate at the outset of any trip on the electric power stored in their battery. When this power is exhausted, they convert to their ICE mode for the balance of the trip. PHEVs are...