Grid Planning for Building Electrification

Summary

This report by the Energy Systems Integration Group addresses the challenges and solutions for grid planning amidst increasing building electrification in the United States. Driven by technical advancements and decarbonization goals, building electrification could require 10% to 70% more electricity generation capacity and is shifting many regions towards winter-peaking loads. For instance, New York's system is projected to become winter-peaking between 2028 and 2035, with building electrification driving over 40% of the system peak by 2040. The report emphasizes the need to improve forecasting, modernize planning approaches, manage demand through energy efficiency (which can reduce peak loads by up to 40% in some scenarios), and proactively upgrade grid infrastructure to support this transition. It also highlights the significant potential of smart thermostats (30% adoption today) and virtual power plants to manage 80-160 GW of peak demand by 2030.

Key Facts

Source Document

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