blog
May 2023
Meeting the Moment with Community-First Infrastructure Investment Models
May 2023
In this co-authored blog post with Paul Francis, KIGT, we argue that community-first, rather than technology-first, infrastructure investment models will be critical as federal funding is poised to transform the energy industry. We argue that the starting point for our collective success is to reframe all we do with a Community-First mindset, from regulatory frameworks to evaluations.
May 2023
When it comes to upgrades and new technologies in the home, homeowners regularly rely on the knowledge of contractors to help them make decisions when it comes to installing new equipment in their homes. In this blog from last year, we share our findings on how to empower contractors to be trusted messengers.
May 2023
Inheriting a Mother’s Resilience and Commitment to Community
May 2023
In this blog, Amanda Gasse recognizes her mom and how she instilled in her the importance of giving back to the community, and how she has passed this ideal along on to her boys.
April 2023
To celebrate Earth Day this year, we highlight a blog written by ILLUME Managing Consultant, Maass. In this blog, Maass shares how her civic engagement is making impactful and meaningful change in her community and why we all should prioritize social engagement in our sustainable practices.
April 2023
Centering Community and Civic Engagement
April 2023
As part of a water heater demand response pilot, ILLUME used hourly AMI data to evaluate event impacts on peak load in summer and winter. In this 2021 blog written by Eileen Hannigan, we talk about how ILLUME combined customer surveys and staff interviews with impact analyses, to inform how this demand response program can shed light on customer control, a key component for program retention.
April 2023
In this 2021 blog written by Liz Kelley, we look back at recent smart thermostat research to demonstrate how utilities can re-engage customers around the benefits and pain points of demand response (DR) as climate change demands longer and more frequent DR events.
March 2023
How Dorsey Goes Beyond Traditional Design Conventions
March 2023
Growing to Meet the Change Our Industry Demands
March 2023
In this blog, ILLUME Co-Founder, Sara Conzemius shares how she became an induction cooktop convert after being a gas stove lover for pretty much her whole life.
March 2023
Cooking with Gas (or not)
February 2023
In our newest blog post, ILLUME Senior Managing Consultant, Gita Subramony, writes about Groundhog Day and how climate change is altering the seasons in her hometown of New York City.
February 2023
Groundhog Day – Past, Present, and Future
December 2022
As we prepare to ring in 2023, ILLUME offers the gift of vulnerability in hopes that we can all find the courage to embark on new adventures, connect with new people, and spark new passions in the new year. We share our recent blog post to encourage you to try something new in 2023!
December 2022
In this #blog, written by ILLUME Senior Analyst, Tabitha Munson, you can read about research ILLUME conducted to determine if Home Energy Reports (HERs) are still a useful behavioral energy efficiency program. We calculated the average energy savings for HER programs across recent evaluations, and compared energy savings across different factors such as fuel type, HER vendor, and the mode of report distribution (printed, emailed, or both) to explore if #HERs may be more effective under different circumstances.
December 2022
The Gift of Vulnerability
December 2022
There were two major obstacles that affected the outcome of the 2020 U.S Census; the COVID-19 pandemic and politics. In 2020 the Census estimates the Hispanic/Latinx, Black/African American, and Indigenous/Native American populations were undercounted at much higher rates than previous years. What does that mean for the energy industry? In our latest blog, Lisa LeBeau Obear shares her thoughts.
December 2022
2020 Census: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Researchers and Evaluators
October 2022
What barriers and opportunities exist for teams working in R&D, emerging technology, and pilot programs? Read our newest blog to see our recommendations and considerations for enabling emerging technology efforts.
October 2022
Enabling Emerging Technology Efforts
August 2022
As the scorching temperatures of summer take their toll on all of us, we reflect back on this blog from last year. How can utilities and cities work together to make their communities and customers more comfortable as we live through extreme weather conditions?
August 2022
In volume two of this blog series, People Champion, Yasmeen Chánes sits down with Senior Managing Consultant, Allison Carlson to talk about her second journey with ILLUME and her professional advice for navigating your career.
