Consumer involvement in distribution network operations will be beneficial for both consumers and Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).

There are many reasons the U.S. utility grid requires an estimated $2.5t upgrade by 2035, from crumbling infrastructures to keeping up with the increased demand of electrification efforts, all balanced against increasingly volatile weather events.

Rules that may lead to power plants shutting down have the potential to crimp electricity supply, Grech said, while also adding that he thinks the environmental regulator may be overreaching.

As solar and storage costs continue to decrease, at what point will having stand-alone power for customers of all types be a reality? What about microgrids that can use fuel cells and emerging green or even blue hydrogen technologies.

Factors in the Energy Utility Grid’s growth involve two facets of the Energy Industry, technology and energy consumer populations. Technology developments successfully applied to the Energy Utility Grid to expand efficiency, reliability, and stability include AI, SMART Grid platforms, and DERs.

Many parts of the US grid network are old and need replacing. Greater electricity demand from EVs and extensive input from DERs mean that load management is going to be more of an issue in future.

The Texas grid has repeatedly seen tight electricity supplies in the past year as extreme weather and surging power demand strain aging infrastructure.

By leveraging digital modeling technology, utilities can anticipate challenges, optimize performance, and seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources into the grid.

Europe will need to invest 584 billion euros ($637 billion)to upgrade its power grids this decade, according to European Union estimates.

Addressing electric transmission capacity constraints and congestion is an existential necessity to maintain grid reliability while meeting demand.