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November 14, 2023
Introducing RAP’s new look and improved website
At the Regulatory Assistance Project, we have always been guided by a vision where clean, sustainable energy is a reality in our world. In many ways, this is a vision of a changing world. As RAP helps governments improve and… View Summary +

April 13, 2021
Use Less, Save More: Adding a Conservation Incentive to Percentage of Income Payment Programs
- Janine Migden-Ostrander
For low-income households, being able to afford utility service is a constant struggle. The average American household spends 2-3% of its income on its energy bills, but for a low-income family, the energy burden can be more like 15-20% (or… View Summary +

July 13, 2020
Striking the Balance in Energy Efficiency Regulation Between Utility Incentives and Customer Costs
- Janine Migden-Ostrander ,
- Martin Kushler
As Americans continue to face rising affordability challenges and struggle to pay their utility bills, consumer advocates are understandably concerned about keeping bills as low as possible. Energy efficiency is the lowest-cost resource and provides customers with the opportunity to… View Summary +

June 18, 2020
Extra Credit: Maximizing the Benefits of Solar in Schools
- Dara Torre ,
- Janine Migden-Ostrander
While across the country America’s schools have been shuttered this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sun continues to shine. More than 1,000 megawatts of installed solar capacity from nearly 5,500 K-12 school buildings continues to generate… View Summary +

September 18, 2019
Clean, Flexible and Efficient: A Recipe for Energy Optimization
- John Shenot
The United States is the second-highest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet — but we are also a leader in technological and economic strength. We have the capability to lead the world in finding solutions to the urgent challenge… View Summary +

October 17, 2017
Excess Rooftop Solar Generation, A Source of Help for Neighbors
- Janine Migden-Ostrander ,
- Dara Torre
It seems that almost overnight, huge numbers of American electricity consumers have become electricity producers, mostly via their rooftop solar systems. Today, these Americans aren’t just pulling electrons from the grid, they are adding to the supply of… View Summary +

August 29, 2017
Utility “Shadow Billing” Can Shed Light on Rate Options
- Janine Migden-Ostrander
Could two electricity bills really be better than one? Just maybe, if the second is a “shadow bill,” provided to educate customers about alternatives to the rates they are charged. Specifically, for electricity customers interested in saving money and… View Summary +

February 15, 2016
Protecting the Competitive Market for Services in a Changing Power Sector
- Janine Migden-Ostrander
The electric industry is in transition and some jurisdictions are reconsidering the role of the utility and private enterprises offering products and services to customers. New companies are offering services and products, including energy efficiency, demand response, and distributed generation,… View Summary +