DERs Disrupt the Simple Story of AI’s Energy Surge
As AI drives unprecedented load growth, DERs, efficiency, and flexible demand are complicating the supply–demand equation
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Out of Chaos Comes a New Playbook for Distributed Energy
50 states. 50 different policies for distributed energy (DERs). So, how do you scale the technologies? Pew has a playbook.
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Xcel Energy Wins Approval of Controversial Minnesota Virtual Power Plant Pilot
Xcel Energy Minnesota won approval of its controversial virtual power plant pilot that divided the distributed energy community.
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Strange New Alliance Powers the AI Era
Enphase Energy executive explains how the AI build-out is turning utilities and distributed energy companies into collaborators.
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States Deliver a Record Year for Distributed Energy Policy
2025 was a record year for distributed energy policy, with states accelerating action on solar, storage, EVs, and resilience. New Pew data shows just how widespread the shift has become.
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Fast Power. New Money. How the Data Center Race is Remaking DERs
Speed to power is creating a new market for distributed energy. Three developments from the past week illustrate how varied — and unsettled — the new market is.
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What Now for Distributed Energy? A Project Buyer’s Perspective
Electrons are not political — everyone needs them. And maybe it’s our industry’s own fault. We didn’t do enough to say, “Look, these projects are economic.” It’s a no-brainer in certain states to have solar on your roof.
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Why is the Business Vibe So Weird for Distributed Energy?
What is the distributed energy forecast for 2026? A mix of survival and gold-rush fever as incentives disappear, but demand for energy surges.
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Energy Changemakers Offers Three-Part Series on the Competitive Struggle Over Who Controls Virtual Power Plants
Who will capture the market for virtual power plants? Competitive distributed energy companies or utilities? Or is there room for both?
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A Decades-Long Battle Between Utilities and Competitors Finds Its Next Front in Minnesota’s Virtual Power Plant Market
Independent developers and advocacy groups fear that, if approved, the Minnesota program will create a model that other utilities nationwide may follow, undercutting competition in the distributed energy market.