Q: How are utilities doing virtual audits and inspections? What are the software and hardware technology requirements? What are common challenges?

A: In the following sections, we describe examples of virtual inspection and virtual audit programs, offer insights into the hardware and software requirements for each program, and lay out five challenges and solutions for implementing a virtual program.

Small and midsize business customers can be a particularly difficult group for utilities to engage. This e-book shows that small restaurants trust their utility to inform them about energy-efficiency programs, but they almost equally trust their colleagues.

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Whether you’re helping utilities expand existing midstream programs or developing these programs from scratch, knowing about the latest successful midstream program designs can help you serve your customers.

Our “How to improve your midstream and upstream programs” reports outline strategies to help you implement the best midstream programs possible. The reports cover:

In 2018, E Source performed a comprehensive review of 93 midstream and upstream demand-side management (DSM) programs administered by 69 organizations in Canada and the US. This report explores the new measures that program administrators are moving upstream.

For the 12th year in a row, E Source will recognize and reward creative excellence in utility advertising with the annual E Source Utility Ad Awards Contest. The contest is now open and accepting entries until May 22, 2020.

Q:How do you design solar programs for low-income customers?

A:Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic impacts, more people have joined the low- and moderate-income population. You can support these customers by adjusting your solar programs to help them save on their bills.

The effects of COVID-19 on grocery stores

Near-term effects

Grocery stores have shifted operations as they try to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. They’re scrambling to provide quality service while keeping customers and staff safe amid panic-buying and empty shelves.

UtiliWorks Consulting has announced a new engagement with the City of Santa Barbara, California, marking its 100th utility client milestone. The city selected UtiliWorks as its integration specialist to provide guidance and oversight to successfully manage the technical aspects of the city’s advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project.

Claritas, a data-driven company that helps organizations improve their marketing return on investment, and E Source, the leading provider of customer-focused research, data, and consulting for utilities, cities, and their partners, have teamed up to help energy and water utilities enhance traditional program designs and create powerful, targeted marketing campaigns.

E Source will now offer Claritas’s industry-leading PRIZM® Premier segmentation data as a marketing resource for its clients.