Grid edge

Schneider buys AutoGrid to tap huge potential of distributed energy resources

Schneider Electric wants to connect utility grids with the world of energy behind the utility meter. Autogrid’s virtual-power-plant technology platform will help.

Jeff St. John . 11 May 2022

AutoGrid presentation at trade show — AutoGrid’s technology platform is controlling more than 6 gigawatts of distributed energy resources in 12 countries. (AutoGrid)

Grid edge

Sense raises $105M to bring real-time home energy data to the masses

Can household energy use be sensed down to the individual plug load? Yes, says this startup, which is embedding its tech in smart meters and electrical panels.

Jeff St. John . 3 May 2022
EV charging

Helping auto dealers learn to love EVs

Car dealers are struggling with the shift to selling EVs. JouleSmart and mCloud created an energy management package that can make it easier.

Jeff St. John . 18 April 2022
Grid edge

Home water heaters: A new ally in making grids cleaner

Smart water heaters can soak up clean power, then turn off when the grid is stressed. A new California utility pilot will test the concept at scale.

Jeff St. John . 11 April 2022
Heat pumps

These new double-duty heat pumps can warm both air and water

Heat pumps are a more efficient way to heat homes. Startup Harvest Thermal says its tech can turn them into thermal batteries too.

Jeff St. John . 28 March 2022
Solar

These next-gen solar cells could make single-use batteries obsolete

Billions of batteries are thrown out every year. Ambient Photonics and Exeger say their low-light solar cells can help end that waste.

Jeff St. John . 24 March 2022
Electrification

Span raises $90M to make smart panels the gateway to home electrification

Tesla alum's startup sets sights on expanding markets for orchestrating solar, batteries, EVs and electric appliances.

Jeff St. John . 22 March 2022
Podcast

What the grid can learn from the internet

When will utilities finally unlock the full benefits of distributed energy resources?

Play

11 March 2022
EV charging

GM and PG&E to test how EVs can power homes during blackouts

Despite the hype from automakers, vehicle-to-home charging is in its infancy. What will it take to scale?

Jeff St. John . 8 March 2022
Grid edge

Goldman Sachs and Shell bet $75M that chain stores can boost grid resiliency

GridPoint will use the funds to expand its work beyond HVAC and lighting controls.

Jeff St. John . 7 March 2022
Grid edge

EnergyHub buys Packetized Energy to get millions of thermostats and EVs to help balance the grid

Utilities need to orchestrate energy-smart devices at a massive scale. This startup's radically distributed approach could help.

Jeff St. John . 3 March 2022