How Electricity Load Growth May Complicate the Energy Transition - Episode 107

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Since the 1990's, electricity demand has remained relatively flat despite the economic growth of the country. But as increased electrification and demand for new data centers intensifies, that demand for new power is changing. Utilities are having to adapt to market conditions that demand faster, more flexible additions of power capacity to the grid.
But changing existing utility processes and models is tougher than it looks. In this episode, Paul discusses how utilities may be underestimating the load growth in their areas, and the implications that this bottleneck may have on climate action and the energy transition.
For more research:
"Reality Check: Electricity Load Growth Does Not Have to Undermine Climate Goals" - RMI
"What’s the State of Utility Planning Halfway through 2024?" - RMI
"US utilities to face significant challenge as power demand surges for the first time in decades" - Wood Mackenzie
"Gridlock: the demand dilemma facing the US power industry" - Wood Mackenzie
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