{"id":13523,"date":"2016-07-06T13:47:49","date_gmt":"2016-07-06T18:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/?p=13523"},"modified":"2016-07-06T13:54:52","modified_gmt":"2016-07-06T18:54:52","slug":"indiana-formally-approves-duke-energys-grid-modernization-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/2016\/07\/06\/indiana-formally-approves-duke-energys-grid-modernization-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Indiana Formally Approves Duke Energy\u2019s Grid Modernization Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"grid\"<\/p>\n

UPDATE: Since the March 2016 publication of this original blog post, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) last week issued an order officially approving a settlement agreement Environmental Defense Fund, along with several other stakeholders, helped negotiate for Duke Energy\u2019s grid modernization plan. The IURC\u2019s order approved the settlement (details of which are outlined in the post below) without change. Now Duke Energy can proceed with the $1.4 billion plan, which will bring many clean energy benefits to Duke\u2019s 800,000 customers. <\/em><\/p>\n

Help is on the way to reduce harmful pollution in Indiana, which has the seventh highest level<\/a> of greenhouse gas emissions in the country.<\/p>\n

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) joined a settlement<\/a> filed this week for Duke Energy\u2019s grid modernization plan. The settlement calls for Duke \u2013 the largest utility in the country, which serves over 800,000 Indiana households \u2013 to invest $1.4 billion over the next seven years to improve its electric grid. Doing so will deliver major benefits for Duke\u2019s customers.<\/p>\n

Duke to make strides on \u201cright sizing\u201d voltage<\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of the investment agreed upon in the settlement, Duke agreed to spend $200 million on voltage optimization<\/a> \u2013 a proven, cost-effective technology that enables utilities to operate the electric grid more efficiently. It is one of the lowest \u201clow-hanging fruits\u201d a utility can invest in to lower energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n

Some utilities overpower homes and businesses with more voltage than they need. Voltage optimization technology gives utilities greater visibility of the state of the electric grid. With this information, they can adjust voltage to match the precise electricity needs of customers. People receive the right amount of energy to run their machines and appliances, resulting in energy savings, without having to lift a finger. These energy savings will, in turn, reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout Duke\u2019s territory.<\/p>\n

Duke agreed to file monthly reports on its energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions, as well as file a business plan to expand this technology to the rest of its grid.<\/p>\n

[Tweet “Indiana Formally Approves Duke Energy\u2019s Grid Modernization Plan”]<\/p>\n

New smart meters will be put to full use<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to voltage optimization, Duke will install smart meters<\/a> for its customers, enabling two-way communication between a customer\u2019s meter and their utility. The smart meters will reduce operating costs, provide greater electricity reliability, and give customers exciting new opportunities to lower their energy bills. Duke did not add the smart grid costs to the current grid modernization plan.<\/p>\n

Through the settlement negotiations, EDF aimed to ensure Duke delivers customer benefits. Too often, utilities install smart meters but don\u2019t allow customers to unlock their full value. EDF advanced this goal by securing Duke\u2019s agreement on two innovative energy efficiency pilot programs:<\/p>\n

Cost-effective grid upgrades and energy efficiency programs, like the ones in Duke\u2019s grid modernization program, are straightforward ways utilities can advance clean energy and reduce harmful pollution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n