Welcome to the E Source blog! Our staff will share insights and observations about life at E Source, our events, our research, and other fun stuff.


The Changing Face of Utility Account Management

February 5, 2016 | Tom Jones, Kim Burke
Utility account management is in the midst of an important transformation that will continue into the near future. Account managers must shift from a reactive stance of responding to customer inquiries and complaints to a forward-thinking, consultative approach led by proactive energy advisors.

In Light of Nevada’s Rule on Solar, It’s Time for Rate Reform

February 1, 2016 | Bill LeBlanc
Nevada's PUC just passed solar rates that appear to make rooftop solar unaffordable, or at least not profitable enough for most solar vendors to do business in the state. Did the new rate go too far? Not far enough? Is it discriminatory? Should solar have its own rate design? If so, why?

The Power of Words

January 27, 2016 | Keenan Samuelson
Cisco employees use techie jargon to talk to each other. But when they create marketing materials, that language confuses customers and they don't understand the company's products or how to use them. Cisco simplified its messaging and saw real results. Utilities can benefit from the same.

Contact Center QA Scores Don’t Measure Much Without the Customer’s Perspective

January 24, 2016 | Jeffrey Daigle
Many utility and non-utility contact centers are including the customer's perspective in their quality assurance (QA) processes. Is it improving the customer experience? Our latest report examines QA best practices and provides tips for taking your QA processes to the next level.

Top 5 Technologies and Trends of 2015

January 6, 2016 | David Podorson
Each year, the tech team at E Source chooses the biggest technology developments of the past 12 months. Here are our top 5 picks for 2015.

To Improve Customer Experience, Banish the Culture Bogeyman

December 31, 2015 | Eryc Eyl
Almost invariably, when I’m discussing the topic of customer experience (CX) with utility professionals, the topic of culture comes up. But is culture just a convenient scapegoat—a bogeyman we can blame for holding back CX progress? Or can we do something about it?

Building a Multicultural Utility Social Media Presence

December 29, 2015 | Sarah Howie
The linguistic and cultural mix of populations throughout North America is shifting, and utilities are working to develop community outreach and communications strategies that can meet the needs of all. Learn more about Southern California Edison's multicultural social media strategy.

San Diego Becomes the First Major US City to Commit to an All-Renewable Future

December 23, 2015 | Sarah Howie
Last week, San Diego became the first major US city to commit to going 100 percent renewable. Find out how the city views the future of its relationship with local utility SDG&E and what this might mean for your utility’s relationship with municipal customers.

Is Public EV Charging Infrastructure Worth Our Admiration?

December 22, 2015 | Logan Jacobson
Based on infrastructure usage data, does it make sense to invest in public electric-vehicle charging stations? Let's reflect on the merit of public chargers.

Advanced Lighting for the C&I Facility of the Future

December 20, 2015 | Jordan Whiddon
Today’s mobile professionals work off backlit laptops and other devices, so businesses don’t need the blinding fluorescents of the past. As companies upgrade their lighting systems, they should consider advanced lighting controls to achieve great lighting quality and up to 90 percent energy savings.