Energy Efficiency Emerges as Grid’s First Line of Defense Against Soaring Demand
With electricity demand projected to grow 25% by 2030, energy efficiency is making a comeback as utilities’ most immediate solution for grid strain. Analysis suggests efficiency programs could help avoid expensive infrastructure upgrades while keeping customer bills manageable during the transition to electrification.
The Grid Under Pressure
America’s power grid is facing its most significant stress test in decades, according to industry analysis that projects electricity demand could surge 25% by 2030 and a staggering 78% by 2050. The triple threat of data center expansion, manufacturing growth, and widespread electrification is creating unprecedented 24/7 load growth that existing infrastructure wasn’t designed to handle.