Greetings,

I'm pleased to be sending you the second half of the February 2013 Update on Demand Response and Smart Grid Developments.

Remember that to see all of the content for each article---including links or attachments---you have to "click through" to the demandresponsinfo.org website. To do this, click on the article's title in the Update.

Dan

Table of contents:

1. ACEEE Releases Energy Efficiency and Pollution Control Calculator
2. Building Efficiency: Savings Found in New York Times Building
3. CAISO and PacifiCorp Announce Renewable Energy Deal
4. California PUC to Host Discussion on Cybersecurity
5. California PUC Sets 50MW Energy Storage Target
6. China to Introduce Climate Tax
7. Cities Pushing for Energy Data from Commercial Buildings
8. Climate Change Risk Highlighted in GAO Report
9. Congress: Carbon Tax Bill Introduced in Senate
10. Congress: Senate Briefing on Climate Science
11. Congress: Subcommittee Hearing on Energy Efficient Technologies
12. Congress: Ways and Means Tax Reform Working Groups Announced
13. Connecticut Releases Comprehensive Energy Plan
14. Cybersecurity Legislation Re-Introduced in House
15. Cybersecurity: NIST to Develop Cybersecurity Framework for Critical Infrastructure
16. Cybersecurity: Obama Signs Cybersecurity Executive Order
17. Cybersecurity: U.S. Said to be Target of Massive Cyber-Espionage Campaign
18. Cybersecurity: Utilities Working to Protect Electric Grid
19. DOE Letter on Impact of Sequestration
20. DOE to Provide Funding for Cybersecurity Innovations
21. Duke Energy CEO Notes Need for Changing Cost Structure
22. EIA Releases Results of Survey on Residential Energy Consumption
23. EPA Releases Climate Change Adaptation Plan
24. FERC Approves DR and Efficiency Standards
25. MADRI Working Group Meeting on Smart Meters and Distributed Resource Data Issues
26. Massachusetts Electric Grid Modernization Working Group to Hold Next Meetings
27. NARUC Releases Report on Cybersecurity
28. NASEO-NARUC Webinar on Cyber Security in the Energy Sector
29. New York: ConEd and NYPA Submit Indian Point Contingency Plan
30. New York to Create Utility Equipment Stockpile
31. NRECA Cooperative Research Network Unveils Grid Modeling Tool
32. Obama Releases Infrastructure Plan: No Specifics on Smart Grid
33. Ontario Energy Board Sets Guidelines for Smart Grid Investments
34. Pacific Northwest Demand Response Project Meeting Held
35. Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project Update
36. Power Grid Used to Fight Crime, BBC Reports
37. PSE&G Unveils 10-year Infrastructure Plan, Including $454 Million Smart Grid Investments
38. Renewables Provide All New Generating Capacity in January 2013
39. Smart Appliances Market to Grow to $35 Billion by 2020
40. Smart Grid Federal Advisory Committee Meeting Presentations Available
41. Southern California Edison to Launch Read World Smart Grid Demonstration
42. State of the Union Touches on Climate Change and Energy Policy
43. Survey Finds that Over One-Third of Customers Interested in Prepaid Energy
44. Texas: Consumer Group Backs Less Peak Electricity Use
45. Texas: ERCOT Files Comments in Support of Demand Response
46. Texas: PUC Publishes Smart Meter Opt-Out Proposal
47. Turkey to Spend $5 Billion on Smart Grid by 2015
48. USDA Announces Funding to Improve Rural Electric Service, Smart Grid
49. White House to Host Demand Response Dialogue
50. Wind Power Could Help Lower New England’s High Electricity Prices
51. Wind Power: Texas and Washington Set Generation Records

ACEEE Releases Energy Efficiency and Pollution Control Calculator

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released a new tool that allows users to users estimate the costs and air quality benefits of some basic energy efficiency policies and allows them to compare those options with more piecemeal approaches to reducing air pollution. The ACEEE Energy Efficiency and Pollution Control Calculator (EEPC) is intended to help policymakers, state governments, utility operators, and other stakeholders estimate the multi-pollutant air quality benefits of energy efficiency policies and compare both the benefits and the costs with more traditional approaches to reducing pollution. The results provided by this tool are high-level estimates intended to provide the user with an idea of the magnitude of the costs and the impacts of these options on energy use and pollution.

Building Efficiency: Savings Found in New York Times Building

A survey conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) of the 51-story New York Times building concluded that that five years after opening, the building has an annual electricity consumption 24% lower than a building constructed to the energy efficiency codes of the time (ASHRAE 90.1-2001), while heating energy use is 51% lower and peak electric demand is down 25%. In addition, a significant fraction of occupants indicated a high level of satisfaction with the overall building and its design features. The Times Company's investment in the energy-efficiency technologies is estimated to yield a 12% rate of return on their initial investment.

CAISO and PacifiCorp Announce Renewable Energy Deal

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and PacifiCorp signed a memorandum of understanding that commits them to work towards creating a real-time energy imbalance market (EIM). According to the Desert Sun, the EIM will allow CAISO to tap into PacificCorp's renewable energy resources at times of peak demand. PacifiCorp's renewable energy resources include 2,000 MW of wind energy, much of it located in Wyoming. The system will run both ways, so any excess renewable energy generated in California could be sold out of state.

California PUC to Host Discussion on Cybersecurity

The California Public Utilities Commission will host a discussion on cybersecurity as part of its Thought Leaders Speaker Series. The session will address the current state of cybersecurity policies in the U.S., the future of cybersecurity, the relationship between state and federal governments, and how the industry can move forward to avoid any major events. The discussion is free and open to the public.

California PUC Sets 50MW Energy Storage Target

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously approved a long-term procurement decision ordering Southern California Edison (SCE) to procure between 1,400 and 1,800 megawatts of energy resource capacity in the Los Angeles basin to meet long-term local capacity requirements by 2021. Of this amount, at least 50 MW is required to be procured from energy storage resources; an additional 600MW of capacity is required to be procured from preferred resources.

China to Introduce Climate Tax

China will introduce a set of new taxation policies designed to preserve the environment, including a tax on carbon dioxide emissions, according to a senior official with the Ministry of Finance. According to Jia Chen, head of the ministry's tax policy division, the government will collect an environmental protection tax instead of pollutant discharge fees, as well as levy a tax on carbon dioxide emissions. It will be the local taxation authority, rather than the environmental protection department, that will collect the taxes.

Cities Pushing for Energy Data from Commercial Buildings

GreenBiz.com reported on 2/13/13 that cities are beginning to adopt energy benchmarking and disclosure requirements for commercial buildings. Most recently, Minneapolis passed a law that requires private commercial buildings larger than 50,000 square feet to report energy and water use annually beginning in 2015. This policy has already been adopted in Austin, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. It is meant to bolster market forces rather than requiring building design mandates, and to motivate owners and tenants to invest in energy efficiency improvements.

Climate Change Risk Highlighted in GAO Report

Climate change is one of two new additions to the U.S. Government Accountability Office's (GAO) biennial "high-risk" list, a catalog of agencies and programs considered to be at risk for waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement, as well as those in need of reform. The agency released its latest version of the list on 2/14/13.

Congress: Carbon Tax Bill Introduced in Senate

Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced a bill (S.332) that would control carbon emissions, the San Francisco Chronicle reported on 2/14/13. The bill, a variation of a carbon tax known as "fee and dividend", would impose a fee on carbon emissions at their source, such as coal mines, raising the price of fossil fuel energy. Instead of giving all proceeds to the government, three-fifths of the money would be refunded to U.S. residents. The remainder of the money raised would go to incentives for clean energy and research. The tax would raise an estimated $1.2 trillion over a decade and reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent from 2005 levels.

Congress: Senate Briefing on Climate Science

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, held a briefing on 2/13/13 on the most recent climate change science. The briefing featured four of the nation's leading climate scientists who presented on the latest trends and scientific evidence related to the growing impacts associated with climate change. Climate change impacts discussed include geographical changes due to sea-level rise, storms travelling in new patterns, heat waves, and limited agricultural growth.

Congress: Subcommittee Hearing on Energy Efficient Technologies

On February 26, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power will hold a hearing entitled "American Energy Security and Innovation: An Assessment of Private-Sector Successes and Opportunities in Energy Efficient Technologies."  The hearing will focus on private industry innovations and opportunities in the energy efficiency sector.

Congress: Ways and Means Tax Reform Working Groups Announced

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) and Ranking Member Sandy Levin (D-MI) announced the formation of 11 separate Ways and Means Committee Tax Reform Working Groups on 2/13/13. The groups will be led by one Republican Member serving as Chair and one Democratic Member serving as Vice Chair. Each of the 11 groups will review current law in its designated issue area and then identify, research and compile feedback related to the topic of the working group. Once the work of those groups has been completed, the Joint Committee on Taxation will prepare a report for the full Committee, due by April 15, 2020, that describes current law in each issue area and summarizes the other information gathered by the Committee Members.

Connecticut Releases Comprehensive Energy Plan

Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy released the final version of his comprehensive energy strategy on 2/19/13, the Hartford Courant reported. The plan calls for making natural gas available to 300,000 customers, including a one-time $500 tax credit for residents who switch to natural gas. In addition, the plan includes energy efficiency goals and the launch of a new website -   Energizect.com - that will connect residents with the state's energy efficiency programs.

Cybersecurity Legislation Re-Introduced in House

The Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Intelligence re-introduced H.R. 624, the Cyber Intelligence and Sharing Protection Act to help American businesses better protect their computer networks and corporate trade secrets from advanced cyber attacks.  Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Ranking Member C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) introduced a bill that is identical to the "Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act" (H.R. 3523) that passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 248-168 in April 2012.

Cybersecurity: NIST to Develop Cybersecurity Framework for Critical Infrastructure

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will lead the development of a cybersecurity framework to reduce the cyber risks to power sector infrastructure and other critical infrastructure, such as financial, transportation and communications systems, according to a Department of Commerce press release. The cybersecurity framework was called for in the "Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity" Executive Order signed by President Obama.

Cybersecurity: Obama Signs Cybersecurity Executive Order

President Obama signed an executive order that promotes increased information sharing about cyber threats between the government and private companies that oversee the country's critical infrastructure, the New York Times reported on 2/12/13. The order will allow companies that oversee infrastructure like dams, electrical grids and financial institutions to join an experimental program that has provided government contractors with real-time reports about cyber threats. It will also put together recommendations that companies should follow to prevent attacks and will more clearly define the responsibilities for different parts of the government that play a role in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity: U.S. Said to be Target of Massive Cyber-Espionage Campaign

The National Intelligence Estimate has concluded that the United States is the target of a massive, sustained cyber-espionage campaign that is threatening the country's economic competitiveness, the Washington Post reported on 2/10/13. The report identifies China as the country most aggressively seeking to penetrate the computer systems of American businesses and institutions to gain access to data that could be used for economic gain.

Cybersecurity: Utilities Working to Protect Electric Grid

The Wall Street Journal reported on 2/19/13 that utilities and government officials are working to protect the electric grid from cyber threats that are quickly evolving. The article reports that utilities have two networks-a production network and a corporate network. The production systems are supposed to be kept off line - an industry practice known as creating an 'air gap' - so they aren't vulnerable to viruses distributed via the Internet. But experts and industry officials say the risk of cyber attack is nonetheless a great concern.

DOE Letter on Impact of Sequestration

DOE Secretary Steven Chu sent a letter to Senator Barbara Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, on the impact that the across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration would have on the Department of Energy. The letter states that the cuts, which are scheduled for March 1, would limit the DOE's ability to "make the investments needed to grow our economy through basic scientific research and advances in clean energy technology, secure our Nation through the stewardship of our nuclear technology, and meet our obligations to clean up the environmental legacy of the cold war". Furthermore, the letter states that sequestration would "impact both the economic and national security of this country".

DOE to Provide Funding for Cybersecurity Innovations

The DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability issued a new Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Innovation for Increasing Cybersecurity for Energy Delivery Systems, on February 8. The announcement seeks applications to conduct research, development and demonstrations leading to next generation tools and technologies that will become widely adopted to enhance and accelerate deployment of cybersecurity capabilities for the U.S energy infrastructure, including cyber secure integration of smart grid technologies.

Duke Energy CEO Notes Need for Changing Cost Structure

Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers said that his company must prepare for a future in which homes and businesses no longer consume an increasing amount of electricity. According to the Associated Press, Rogers stated: "The growth in demand is not going to be the same as we've experienced in the past. Our industry is going to have to change its cost structure."

EIA Releases Results of Survey on Residential Energy Consumption

Analysis from EIA's most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) shows that U.S. homes built in 2000 and later consume only 2% more energy on average than homes built prior to 2000, despite being on average 30% larger. Homes built in the 2000s accounted for about 14% of all occupied housing units in 2009. These new homes consumed 21% less energy for space heating on average than older homes, which is mainly because of increased efficiency in the form of heating equipment and better building shells built to more demanding energy codes. Geography has played a role too. About 53% of newer homes are in the more temperate South, compared with only 35% of older homes.

EPA Releases Climate Change Adaptation Plan

The EPA released its Draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan on 2/8/13, which outlines how climate change will affect the Agency's mission. According to a Grist article, the plan states, "Until now, EPA has been able to assume that climate is relatively stable and future climate will mirror past climate. However, with climate changing more rapidly than society has experienced in the past, the past is no longer a good predictor of the future. Climate change is posing new challenges to EPA's ability to fulfill its mission."

FERC Approves DR and Efficiency Standards

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on 2/21/13 approved "phase two" of business practice standards for providers of demand response and energy efficiency adopted by the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB). The standards establish common definitions and processes related to demand response and energy efficiency products in the markets in which they are offered. The final rule also requires each RTO and ISO to address in its governing documents the methods to be used to evaluate the performance of demand response and energy efficiency products and resources. The standards apply only within markets operated by independent system operators and regional transmission organizations.

MADRI Working Group Meeting on Smart Meters and Distributed Resource Data Issues

The Mid-Atlantic Distributed Resources Initiative Working Group held a meeting on 2/20/13 on the topic of smart meters and distributed resource data issues. The meeting included panels and -discussion on:

• Smart Meter Capabilities and Implications for Net Metering
• Data Needs, Access to Data and Consumer Protections
• Green Button

Massachusetts Electric Grid Modernization Working Group to Hold Next Meetings

The Massachusetts DPU Electric Grid Modernization Working Group will hold its next subcommittee meetings in late February. The Consumer-Facing Subcommittee will meet on 2/26/13, and the Grid Facing Subcommittee will meet on 2/28/13.

NARUC Releases Report on Cybersecurity

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) released a report entitled, "Cybersecurity for State Regulators 2.0" on 2/11/13. Designed as a tool for state utility regulators and other policymakers, the guide provides background on cybersecurity issues as they relate to the electric grid. It also provides information on how regulators can develop internal cybersecurity expertise, ask good questions of their utilities, engage in partnerships with the public and private sector to develop and implement cost-effective cybersecurity, and begin to explore the integrity of their internal cybersecurity practices. Finally, the report contains a list of sample questions on cybersecurity that regulators can ask utilities.

NASEO-NARUC Webinar on Cyber Security in the Energy Sector

NASEO and NARUC will host a web briefing on Tuesday, March 5 from 3-4 PM EST with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). DOE will provide an overview of the recently signed Cybersecurity Executive Order and Presidential Policy Directive, including a discussion of how DOE will coordinate with the private sector and other Federal Departments to implement the documents. DOE will also provide an overview and current status of the Electricity Sector Cybersecurity Maturity Model (ES-C2M2) Program, which will focus on next steps and how other organizations can leverage the program to improve cybersecurity within the sector. State Energy Offices, Public Utility Commissions, Energy Emergency Assurance Coordinators, and State Energy Assurance Planners are invited to participate.

New York: ConEd and NYPA Submit Indian Point Contingency Plan

Consolidated Edison and the New York Power Authority submitted the Indian Point Contingency Plan to the New York PSC, detailing a plan for obtaining power if the Indian Point nuclear plant closes at the expiration of its existing license in 2015. In addition to focusing on obtaining new generation and energy infrastructure, the plan contains a section on energy efficiency and demand response. Specifically, "Con Edison proposes to achieve an additional peak demand reduction of 100 MW by the In-Service Deadline through incremental programs."

New York to Create Utility Equipment Stockpile

The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) opened a proceeding to advance a proposal made by Governor Andrew Cuomo's NYS2100 Commission to establish a stockpile of critically needed equipment and supplies for the mutual use of the state's largest electric and gas utilities during future natural disasters. The proceeding will examine current mutual aid equipment and materials practices of all major utilities and develop a process to allow for a regional or statewide stockpile of capital assets and critical equipment and for the subsequent sharing of these assets.

NRECA Cooperative Research Network Unveils Grid Modeling Tool

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Cooperative Research Network (CRN) has developed a customizable set of tools that will help decision-makers determine the potential value of adding smart grid components to their distribution feeders, Electric Co-op Today reported on 2/19/13. According to the article, "The interoperable suite of programs is designed to screen system components and project their performance based upon operating conditions, load data and other customizable factors. It will allow planners to run simulations on actual feeders, designed by the user to get an understanding of the engineering and economics shaping their system modifications."

Obama Releases Infrastructure Plan: No Specifics on Smart Grid

President Obama released details of his infrastructure plan on 2/20/13. The plan includes three components:

• Investing in a "fix-it-first" policy: The President's plan will immediately invest $50 billion in our nation's transportation infrastructure, with $40 billion targeted to the most urgent upgrades and focused on fixing our highways, bridges, transit systems, and airports most in need of repair.
• Attracting private investment through a "Rebuild America Partnership": The President's plan will partner federal, state, and local governments with businesses and private capital to provide America with the best transportation, electric, water, and communications networks in the world. This includes a National Infrastructure Bank with the ability to leverage private and public capital to support infrastructure projects of national and regional significance.
• Cutting red tape:  The President's plan will cut timelines in half for infrastructure projects such as highway, bridges, railways, ports, waterways, pipelines, and renewable energy. It would also create incentives for better outcomes for communities and the environment through a historic modernization of agency permitting and review regulations, procedures, and policies.

Ontario Energy Board Sets Guidelines for Smart Grid Investments

A new report from the Ontario Energy Board sets out guidance and expectations for smart grid investments by the province's distributors and other entities such as the Ontario Power Authority, the Independent Electricity System Operator, and the Smart Metering Entity. The report seeks to provide holistic guidance, without prescribing specific investments, technologies, targets, etc., and is founded on the performance-based approach of Ontario's renewed regulatory framework. The guidance covers the three objectives of customer control, power system flexibility, and adaptive infrastructure.

Pacific Northwest Demand Response Project Meeting Held

The Pacific Northwest Demand Response Project held a meeting on 2/14/13 in Portland, Oregon. Items on the agenda included:

• Integrated resource planning treatment of DR
• Regulatory Update on Idaho DR Program
• Oregon PUC treatment of flexible resources in IRP
• What lies beyond capacity markets
• DR providing ancillary services
• BPA progress towards "commercial grade" DR programs

Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project Update

The Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project is testing a transactive control system and collecting data on the 80,000 smart meters, smart transformers and other automation equipment it deployed, Project Director Ron Melton wrote in an annual report. This third phase of the project includes archiving and analyzing data from utilities. According to the report, during the two-year phase, the project will "examine the performance of our transactive control system and improve the algorithms affecting the behavior of approximately 12,000 smart grid-responsive assets" such as solar panels and EVs.

Power Grid Used to Fight Crime, BBC Reports

The BBC reported that police are recording the hum of power grid frequencies and using it to authenticate audio recordings to be used as evidence. The article reports that "any digital recording made anywhere near an electrical power source, be it plug socket, light or pylon, will pick up this noise and it will be embedded throughout the audio." The typical frequency of electricity, known as the mains frequency, is 50Hz. However, this frequency fluctuates over time. For example, "If millions of people suddenly switch on their kettle after watching their favourite soap, the demand for electricity may outstrip the supply, and the frequency will go down. But when electricity generation is greater than demand, the frequency will rise." Police have been recording this hum and matching it to the hum on audio recordings to find out if the frequencies match or if the recordings have been tampered with.

PSE&G Unveils 10-year Infrastructure Plan, Including $454 Million Smart Grid Investments

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) proposed to invest $3.9 billion during the next 10 years to proactively protect and strengthen its electric and gas systems against increasingly frequent severe weather conditions. In a 2/20/13 filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, PSE&G asked for initial funding approval of $2.6 billion during the first five years. Since some of the improvements will take more than five years to implement, the utility may seek approval to spend an additional $1.3 billion in the following five years to complete the program.

Renewables Provide All New Generating Capacity in January 2013

According to the latest "Energy Infrastructure Update" report from FERC's Office of Energy Projects, 1,231 MW of new in-service electrical generating capacity came on line in the United States in January 2013 -- all from wind, solar, and biomass sources. Wind accounted for the largest share of the new capacity with six new "units" providing 958 MW followed by 16 units of solar (267 MW), and 6 units of biomass (6 MW). No new generating capacity was reported for any fossil fuel (i.e., natural gas, coal, oil) or nuclear power sources.

Smart Appliances Market to Grow to $35 Billion by 2020

A recent Pike Research study found that the global smart appliance market will grow to $34.9 billion by 2020, from $613 million currently, according to a 2/12/13 article from Investor Place. Washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators are expected to be the most popular smart appliances, but the market for smart water heaters, ovens, and ranges is also expected to grow.

Smart Grid Federal Advisory Committee Meeting Presentations Available

The Smart Grid Federal Advisory Committee met in December and much of the focus was on grid-related cybersecurity.  The meeting also included a review of last summer's workshop on smart grid research priorities, as well as a review of activities related to the transition of SGIP to an industry-financed legal entity.

Southern California Edison to Launch Read World Smart Grid Demonstration

Southern California Edison (SCE) will launch a real world smart grid demonstration with GE at the University of California, Irvine in June, Electric Light & Power reported on 2/13/13. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the demonstration project will include electric distribution infrastructure, substations, residential homes, cybersecurity networks, battery energy storage systems and EV charging stations, and other competitor supplied products that positively affect the reliability of a modernized grid. The project will validate the interoperability of new technologies to improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of grid assets. It will help show how utilities, solution providers, regulators and consumers can work together on vital energy initiatives.

State of the Union Touches on Climate Change and Energy Policy

President Obama delivered his State of the Union speech on 2/12/13. He devoted several minutes to a discussion of climate change, energy, and infrastructure. Some highlights related to these topics include:

Survey Finds that Over One-Third of Customers Interested in Prepaid Energy

A new survey by EcoPinion found that 38% of customers are "extremely interested," "very interested" or "interested" in prepaid energy, according to a survey of 1,000 people. The survey found that consumers have noted "that convenience, and increased control over energy use and cost, are the main drivers for selecting prepaid electricity service. Prepaid service creates an opportunity for providers to conduct a daily conversation with energy consumers. Consumers can react and adjust their usage if they choose. Prepaid electricity has real potential to be an effective energy and budget management platform."

Texas: Consumer Group Backs Less Peak Electricity Use

The Austin Office of Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, released a study that shows that paying electricity generators to add capacity is not the solution to meeting the state's growing demand for power, the Fort-Worth Star Telegram reported. Instead, the group advocates for measures that reduce demand at peak times.

Texas: ERCOT Files Comments in Support of Demand Response

The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) filed comments with the Texas PUC on 2/15/13 on the "Rulemaking Regarding Demand Response in the ERCOT Market" (Project No. 41061). ERCOT told the PUC that special attention should be focused on the vast, untapped resource of residential DR. Residential customers made up over 50% of the ISO's all-time peak demand set Aug 3, 2020 -- representing about 35,000 MWs. Capturing even a small fraction of that potential could yield real reliability benefits, given the coincidence of residential demand with the peak, said ERCOT. DR in Texas is currently just 4% of peak demand, and the Brattle Group has estimated it could be double that or even nearly quadruple it.

Texas: PUC Publishes Smart Meter Opt-Out Proposal

The Texas Public Utilities Commission filed a smart meter opt-out proposal (Project No. 41111), which states that consumers in Texas who want to opt out of smart meters would pay a non-refundable, one-time fee and a monthly recurring fee. The utility would have the option of providing a meter with no communicating feature or a smart meter with the communicating feature disable to customers who choose to opt out. The proposal does not set the amount of the fees.

Turkey to Spend $5 Billion on Smart Grid by 2015

Turkey will spend $5 billion on smart power grids by 2015 to boost network efficiency, Bloomberg reported on 2/11/13. Turkey, forecasting annual power-demand growth of 6.3 percent in the next two decades, has already lured investors including General Electric Co. as its energy industry expands. The jump in demand increases the need for smart grids, which allow power generators and users to monitor consumption and reduce costs by saving energy in transmission. Turkey is seeking to boost efficiency of supply after demand grew 5.1 percent last year, while generation expanded only 4.2 percent, according to data from Turkish Electricity Transmission Co.

USDA Announces Funding to Improve Rural Electric Service, Smart Grid

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on 2/18/13 that rural electric cooperatives and utilities in 12 states will receive loan guarantees to improve generation and transmission facilities and implement smart grid technologies. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in New Orleans.

White House to Host Demand Response Dialogue

On Tuesday, February 26^th from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) will host a GreenGov Dialogue on Demand Response with executives from utilities, leading firms, NGOs, academic institutions and senior government leaders. This event will be live streamed starting at 8:30am. Participants at the event will share innovations and lessons learned regarding peak energy use reduction and identify key factors to increase participation in demand response. This dialogue will help the Federal community identify new ways to save energy in its operations and deliver the best value for the American taxpayer.

Wind Power Could Help Lower New England’s High Electricity Prices

The New York Times reported on 2/17/13 that New England is experiencing a spike in electricity prices due to high heating demand and rising natural gas prices for electric generators. However, the article points out, increasing generation from renewable sources such as wind power could help lower electricity prices by reducing the demand for natural gas at peak times.

Wind Power: Texas and Washington Set Generation Records

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported that it set a new wind power record, with wind generation providing 9,481 MW of power at 7:08 p.m. on Feb. 9. The generation provided nearly 28 percent of the system load in ERCOT at the time and surpassed the previous record of 8,667 MW set on Jan. 29 by 814 MW.