RMI Outlet

Plug Into New Ideas

How Demand Flexibility Can Help Rooftop Solar Beat Demand Charges in Arizona

The debate over rooftop solar has grown increasingly contentious, pitting solar PV companies against utilities in many parts of the country. But nowhere has the debate been more heated than in sunny Arizona, where many customers have flocked to rooftop solar as prices have come down in recent years.

Report Release: The Economics of Demand Flexibility

In the context of the U.S. electricity system’s evolution, Demand Flexibility represents a huge, cost-effective resource option for customers, utilities, and third-party innovators alike to reduce costs and create value.

California Flattens Rate Blocks, Rolls Out Default Time-of-use Pricing

California’s three largest investor-owned utilities will soon go through a major electricity rate reform, replacing the four-tier structure with a two-tier or a three-tier structure. While this would seem to discourage conservation and efficiency, new default time-of-use rates could change the entire equation.

Why Tankless Water Heaters Might Not Hold Water

For the 4.6 million American households with electricity rates that vary by time of day, a tankless electric heater could actually increase operating costs if the hot water is used during peak price times.