The nation will be more energy independent in the future as it boosts its production of oil, natural gas and renewable power such as solar and wind, the U.S. government predicted. Domestic crude oil production is expected to jump more than 20% in the coming decade, from 5.5 million barrels per day in 2010 to 6.7 million barrels per day in 2020 – a level not seen since 1994, according to an annual forecast released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Also, U.S. production of natural gas is projected to increase so much that it will exceed consumption early in the next decade. Renewables will take off, too, accounting for 16% of the U.S. electric supply in 2025 – up from 10% today. As a result, the U.S. will import less energy. Net imports will account for 13% of total energy consumption in 2035, down from 22% in 2010. “These projections reflect increased energy efficiency throughout the economy…and projected slow economic growth,” EIA’s Acting Administrator Howard Gruenspecht said. [Read this article]

Just months after U.S. CTO Aneesh Chopra challenged the nation’s utilities to build a “Green Button” system to share their customers’ energy data, California’s biggest utilities have risen to the challenge. That’s the news from Wednesday’s Green Button event in Santa Clara, Calif., where utilities and smart grid vendors are touting the launch of what could become a nationwide standard for delivering household energy data in a common format. After months of behind-the-scenes work, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric have announced they’re delivering Green Button data to about 6 million California customers. Southern California Edison plans to roll out the button to its 4 million customers later this year, and according to a White House announcement, utilities in other states – Texas, maybe? – are expected to join the party soon. In the meantime, smart grid vendors are launching platforms and applications to make use of this home-by-home energy data. [Read this article]

Every state is number one in something, but some claims to fame are pretty surprising. New Jersey has the highest rate of homeowners installing solar panels. Maryland households are currently the wealthiest in the country. Massachusetts is ranked by many as having the most leading edge energy policies in the country. Texas has the most windy land area in the U.S. and therefore the most potential for wind energy development. Just what does your state do best? Here’s a fun, bird’s eye view of state superlatives with an energy related twist: we’ve noted which states have the most forward-thinking energy policies and which have the most room for improvement. [Read this article]