Demand response providers say rules barring seasonal resources from capacity contracts are little more than an effort to boost market revenues for generators.

It's been 18 years since the LEED certification was introduced for the building sector. Now, a similar program is targeting power systems.

Nest partnered with utility programs, government and housing finance agencies, and non-profit organizations to help low-income households reduce bills. 

The law goes further than other performance-based efforts, directing the PUC to "break the direct link" between utility revenues and capital investments.

The company's prospects also were bolstered by an agreement with creditors in the bankruptcy proceeding of subsidiaries FirstEnergy Solutions and FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating.