AI can aid building energy retrofit decisions but faces limitations: study

Large language models can deliver results in technical optimization tasks but struggle with payback optimization, researchers at Michigan State University say.

By Joe Burns • Sept. 17, 2025

Southwest Power Pool approves accelerated large load interconnection policy

The process aims to help the operator address a near-doubling of peak load expected in the next 10 years.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 17, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

AI in the Power Sector

Artificial intelligence is uniquely positioned to impact the electricity industry from both ends: as the technology driving large load demand growth and as a tool with the potential to make the power system more efficient. 

By Utility Dive staff

California zeroes out funding for world’s ‘largest virtual power plant’

Advocates say gutting grid reliability programs threatens to undermine the state’s progress.

By Meris Lutz • Sept. 16, 2025

The hidden cost of ambiguous energy software terminology

Adapting the electric grid to load growth and DER adoption will require a mutual understanding of software requirements, capabilities and outcomes among stakeholders.

By Sneha Vasudevan • Sept. 15, 2025

Republicans take aim at DOE’s appliance efficiency program

The federal appliance and equipment standards program “has strayed far from its original intent and now yields the minimum energy efficiency benefits,” said Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 11, 2025

ChargePoint, Eaton launch new ultrafast bidirectional EV chargers

When deployed at scale with participating utilities, the joint architecture can help balance the electric grid, the companies said in a statement. 

By Kalena Thomhave • Sept. 11, 2025

With tax credits expiring, a home electrification nonprofit is racing against the clock

Rewiring America has launched a national campaign to help homeowners take advantage of clean energy and efficiency incentives that will expire soon.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 3, 2025

Which households care most about energy efficiency?

Gen Z and millennial consumers are more attuned to energy consumption and bills than previous generations at that age, and they’re using energy-management technology, according to a recent survey. 

By Meris Lutz • Aug. 27, 2025

Utilities need to plan for flexibility, confirm data centers when forecasting load: report

While the Energy Systems Integration Group report focuses heavily on distributed energy resources, data centers have become “the latest and largest elephant in the room” when it comes to utility planning, the lead author said. 

By Meris Lutz • Aug. 25, 2025

The cheapest power plant is in your home

Households can help prevent blackouts and lower energy bills if we plan smarter and reward people for using power at the right time.

By Paul Hines • Aug. 25, 2025

30 years after Chicago’s deadly heatwave, cooling should be recognized as a right

The 1995 heatwave that killed more than 700 people made clear that access to reliable, affordable energy is not a luxury, the authors write. 

By Qëndresa Krasniqi, Diana Hernández, Vivek Shastry and Rachel Scheu • Aug. 21, 2025

Managed EV charging could generate $30B in annual savings by 2035: report

Carefully managing electric vehicle demand could cut all U.S. electric bills by 10% annually, regardless of whether a customer owns an EV, according to new research from ev.energy.

By Robert Walton • Updated Aug. 27, 2025

California’s virtual power plant could save $206M by 2028: Brattle

Advocates say the taxpayer-funded Demand Side Grid Support program is critical to reducing energy costs and managing the California grid, but it faces an uncertain future.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2025

Utilities: Don’t lose out on advanced metering infrastructure with a short-term vision

There is a revolution of grid-connected devices in the making, writes Laura Sherman, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council.

By Laura Sherman • Aug. 20, 2025

Carbon management platform Gravity launches energy-savings marketplace

The marketplace connects customers with projects offering financial and energy savings based on their energy consumption and carbon accounting data.

By Lauren Schenkman • Aug. 19, 2025

To reduce electricity bills, repeal the complexity tax on energy savings

Energy waste can be cut and customer outcomes improved by consolidating and expanding efficiency and housing repair programs, writes L. Michelle Moore, the CEO of Groundswell.

By Michelle Moore • Aug. 19, 2025

Heat pump adoption expected to grow despite federal shift

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act accelerates a move toward affordability, ease of installation and retrofit readiness, according to one manufacturer.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 15, 2025

Why Texas’ backup plan is a warning sign for grid operations nationwide

We need new power lines and generators, but they won’t arrive in time to handle surging demand. What we can do now is operate smarter with software-based operational intelligence to reduce curtailment, ease congestion and lower consumer costs.

By Georg Rute • Aug. 14, 2025

Duke expands demand response programs in South Carolina, citing new law, heat waves

Duke is not the only utility emphasizing efficiency and demand response as the country sets new records for energy usage and peak demand.

By Meris Lutz • Aug. 13, 2025

Multidirectional flows of power and information are the grid’s future

In the frenzy to meet rising energy demand, utilities and others often overlook the value of power system innovations, industry participants say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 12, 2025

PJM launches fast-track push to set rules for adding data centers

Amid surging data center development, PJM stakeholders will explore options for adding large loads to the grid without threatening reliability. PJM aims to file a proposal at FERC by the end of the year.

By Ethan Howland • Aug. 12, 2025

3 Arizona utilities set peak demand records

After years of stagnant demand growth, rising electricity consumption is showing up on the U.S. power grid.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 12, 2025

Why utilities must rethink natural gas procurement for a high-demand future

Electric utilities are grappling with the reality that the past is not prologue when it comes to electricity demand.

Aug. 11, 2025

$8.8B energy efficiency rebate program on hold in most states, underway in some

David Terry, president of the National Association of State Energy Officials, said he has been “repeatedly” assured that obligated funds will be disbursed.

By Diana DiGangi • Updated Aug. 6, 2025

Lawmakers in House and Senate move to maintain Energy Star

The Trump administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget request, which it released in early May, eliminated all funding for the Atmospheric Protection Program, which administers Energy Star. 

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 6, 2025