The Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP), a non-profit organization with a dynamic, inclusive community made up of more than 4,500 active energy professionals who are essential to advancing a more resilient, sustainable energy future, has released its groundbreaking research, The 2024 State of Demand Flexibility Report, a first-of-its-kind for the North American energy sector. 

The findings of the report, a collaboration between AESP, Zpryme, and Doer/Maker, highlight a utility industry ready to evolve. 93% of utilities surveyed for this effort indicate that demand flexibility is a medium-to-high strategic priority over the next three years.  

“AESP recognizes that the results unveiled in this report are more than just statistics—they represent a pivotal shift in the energy landscape. As utilities increasingly prioritize resilience, reliability, and energy cost savings, the report further underscores the urgency for innovative solutions and a human-centered approach. The findings reflect the current pulse of utilities and lay the foundation for a future where demand flexibility becomes a cornerstone in building robust, customer-centric, and sustainable energy ecosystems,” said Jen Szaro, President & CEO of AESP. 

“As advocates for innovation in the energy sector, Doer/Maker is thrilled to be part of this collaborative effort. Our contribution to this report reflects our dedication to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. By exploring demand flexibility, we hope to inspire industry leaders and influencers to chart a course towards a more dynamic and resilient grid,” said Ashley Santor, Founder and CEO of Doer/Maker.   

The report, comprised of a survey of 65+ utility executives in the United States and Canada and supplemented by an international literature review, paints a picture of a utility industry poised to act on the benefits of engaged distribution side customers. But it also highlights fundamental challenges that utilities are coming to terms with.  

Nearly half of the utilities surveyed indicated they are planning to implement a demand flexibility program within the next three years – with those respondents indicating they are currently in the strategic planning or program design phase. Utilities cited technology and vendor vetting, understanding customer needs, and collaborating with partners as top implementation challenges. 

“Zpryme views the report’s findings as a dynamic indicator of the shifting landscape in the utility sector and a strong testament to the sector’s readiness for transformative change. This surge in strategic planning reflects a collective acknowledgment of the importance of demand flexibility in navigating the evolving energy terrain. Although 15% express no immediate plans, the data signals a clear momentum toward integrating flexibility solutions into utility operations. Zpryme is committed to providing valuable insights to support this positive trajectory,” said Jason Rodriguez, CEO and Co-founder of Zpryme. 

This collaborative effort between AESP, Zpryme, and Doer/Maker represents a shared vision for a sustainable energy future. The report aims to ignite conversations, inspire action, and empower stakeholders to harness the transformative power of demand flexibility. Together, these organizations are leading the charge toward a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem. 

To get the full story, visit https://aesp.org/demand-flexibility-report-2024/ to download the full report.