Amy Schmidt researches small and midsize business energy-efficiency programs and helps maintain DSMdat, a database of energy-efficiency and demand-side management (DSM) initiatives in the US and Canada. Before she joined E Source, the Universities Council on Water Resources published her thesis on how utilities set water prices. Amy received a BA in environmental economics from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.

Amy Schmidt
Content by this author

Supply-chain constraints, a tight labor market, and high inflation are affecting utility DSM programs, but there’s hope
Utility demand-side management programs are struggling because of supply-chain restraints and high inflation—especially those that feature HVAC equipment and commercial energy-efficiency projects. Check out our rundown of how some utilities are addressing this ongoing challenge.

The energy equity framework that benefits customers, utilities, and underserved communities
Diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t a new concept for utilities, but there is a new energy equity movement sweeping the utility industry. In this white paper, we present our energy equity framework that will benefit customers, utilities, and underserved communities.

From direct load control to flexible grid management: The evolution of demand response
Utility demand response is moving from traditional one-way direct load control programs to flexible, dynamic approaches that meet grid needs, maintain high customer satisfaction, and support increased adoption of renewables. We’ve identified five trends that are leading this transition.

How small business DSM programs are responding to COVID-19
In mid-May, we held a call to explore how utilities are adjusting their demand-side management programs to support small and midsize businesses during this public health and economic crisis. Exchange participants expressed mixed feelings about meeting their 2020 goals. Here we share our takeaways.

Will you SMB my valentine?
This Valentine’s Day, E Source is doing some soul-searching on how to kindle the flame between utilities and their small and midsize business (SMB) customers. Here are four high-level insights to help you get started.