In this week’s edition of the UtilityXpert by EnergyX, we talk about clean energy and California’s love affair with large batteries. We also take a huge step forward in Canada towards net-zero buildings, as well as tackle the topic of cybersecurity for utilities. As usual, a ton to discuss.

Leading the Clean Energy Transition (EEI)

We know how important reliability and affordability are to utility customers. Customer expectations have been changing for a while, and clean energy is a major part of that. Utilities are, nowadays, more often compared with Amazon than they are other service providers. Technological disruption is a big part of this.

Government Invests in Net-Zero Buildings (EE Online)

Canada is committed to a clean energy future. The Government is working with provinces, territories and industry on energy code development, data sharing, research and development, and market transformation strategies for the building sector. This initiative builds on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF) and Canada's Buildings Strategy, developed in partnership with the provinces and territories and through broad consultations with Canadians, key experts and industry stakeholders. Over one-third of estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the PCF are from energy efficiency measures.

How utilities are leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning in today’s rapidly evolving technology environment (UAI)

Artificial intelligence has erupted across markets, promising organizations the capability to transform and optimize the business. Defined, artificial intelligence is the “development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. Although subsidiary technologies such as machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning are increasingly utilized within the utility sphere, true autonomous artificial intelligence is still a niche—and human dependency is still high. For utilities, this presents a unique opportunity.

Cyber-securing the grid: Best practices for state utility commissions (Utility Dive)

Responding to threats at the distribution level requires coordinated, dedicated action and consistent, annual investment to strengthen our defensive edge. Every utility, regardless of size, must improve its cybersecurity posture. Every state utility commission must consider how it evaluates, approves and measures utility investments in light of increasingly sophisticated threats.

Southern California Edison Picks 195MW Battery Portfolio in Place of Puente Gas Plant (Greentech Media)

This week, utility Southern California Edison selected a roster of energy storage projects to supply local capacity needs around the coastal city of Oxnard, instead of the 262-megawatt natural-gas peaker plant it had chosen previously.

If regulators give their approval, Strata Solar will build and own a 100-megawatt/400-megawatt-hour system in Oxnard, and dispatch it on behalf of SCE.