Utility Management Roundup: Recent Must-Read Posts From Fellow Community Members

Greetings Utility Management Group members!

Utilities are still struggling with issues related to the pandemic and your fellow community members are keeping an eye on what’s new, including appropriate disaster responses, especially in conjunction with simultaneous challenges. Your colleagues are also thinking about developments in energy transmission and distribution, such as the introduction of mini-grids and efforts toward a clean energy future. Click through to their posts using the links below and find many other fascinating articles in the Utility Management Group. Be sure to like your favorite articles and remember that your comments are always welcome. 

Happy reading from Energy Central Community Manager Karen Marcus.

How Mini-Grids Can Help Achieve Universal Access to Electricity

By Rakesh Sharma, posted on August 28

Mini-grids are disconnected from main electricity lines and provide access to distant and rural areas. In this article, Rakesh explains their advantages and their importance to meeting the UN’s goal of universal electricity access by 2030.

COVID-19, Blackouts and Wildfires Demand New Energy Policy Initiatives

By Catherine Von Burg, posted on August 26

California is facing COVID-19, rolling blackouts, and extreme wildfires. To overcome these simultaneous tragedies, Catherine suggests in this piece, the state must take steps to modernize its power grid. While some work has been done, additional measures are needed to reduce the human and economic toll.

Groundbreaking New Grid Model Would Eliminate up To 80% of U.S. Emissions by 2035

By The Energy Mix, posted on August 19

The Rewiring America model, created by physicist and engineer Saul Griffith, could eliminate 70 to 80% of U.S. carbon emissions by 2035 through rapid deployment of existing electrification technologies. Here, The Energy Mix describes how the model was developed and how it can work.  

More Than a Crisis: Why Utilities Need to Treat COVID-19 Like a Disaster and Respond in Real Time

By Bree Bergman, posted on August 18

COVID-19 may not be a “normal” disaster, but, as Bree points out in this piece, it is one nonetheless, in that it is disruptive to normal utility operations. Keeping utility services available during this time is a challenge that requires creative thinking to keep both utility employees and customers safe.

Are New Transmission Projects Contributing to Clean Energy?  

By Nevelyn Black, posted on August 10

More transmission projects are appearing across the country, many of them intended to support clean energy sources. In this article, Nevelyn describes efforts in many U.S. states to integrate these sources into the existing power grid.