Small data centers, big impact: How demand response can fuel the energy transition

Smaller data centers and other commercial and industrial sources can play a key role in stabilizing the grid by participating in demand response programs and implementing battery storage solutions.

By Rachel Permut • April 18, 2025

Schneider Electric debuts data center consulting service

EcoConsult for Data Centers offers a road map to boost operational efficiency, maximize uptime and extend equipment and facility service life, Schneider says.

By Brian Martucci • April 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

The US is facing unprecedented load growth. Here’s how we ensure resource adequacy.

Adding sufficient resources fast enough to reliably meet the growth will require an array of demand- and supply-side resources as well as stronger transmission interconnection planning.

By Samuel Newell • April 17, 2025

Why microgrids are the key to grid resilience

Amid evolving domestic and geopolitical landscapes, microgrids offer a reliable, cost-effective energy solution — advancing the nation toward energy independence and security for years to come.

By Nicole Bulgarino • April 15, 2025

LUMA installs Puerto Rico’s first smart meter

Through a partnership with Itron, the smart meter installations are starting in the capital of San Juan and will extend island-wide over three years, LUMA says.

By Robert Walton • April 15, 2025

More public EV charging, including curbside, envisioned in Chicago plan

“By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago,” CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney said.

By Ryan Kushner • April 14, 2025

Brockton, Mass., leverages energy savings contract to preserve, improve two historic buildings

New window, lighting and HVAC systems aim to reduce energy and improve air quality, including in one building that has been unusable in extreme weather. 

By Joe Burns • April 11, 2025

Bill to undo Biden-era water heater efficiency rule heads to Trump’s desk

Republicans say former President Biden “waged war on our home appliances” and are looking to undo energy efficiency rules and standards.

By Robert Walton • April 11, 2025

Liberty Energy to deploy modular gas-fired ‘power blocks’ at Pennsylvania industrial site

The rapidly deployable systems could support a scalable data center or other large-load industrial client using fuel sourced from the surrounding Marcellus Shale, the company said.

By Brian Martucci • April 9, 2025

EnergyHub partners with GM to use EVs as grid resources

General Motors’ sales of electric vehicles jumped 94% in the first quarter. EnergyHub said its managed EV charging programs can help utilities maintain grid stability as EV demand rises.

By Robert Walton • April 9, 2025

US electricity demand will grow 50% by 2050, electrical manufacturer study finds

Data centers and transportation electrification will drive U.S. electricity demand about 2% higher each year for the next quarter century, according to a new analysis completed for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2025

DOE offers 16 locations for possible data center, energy infrastructure development

The federal government is seeking input on data center “power needs, timelines, and approaches to co-locating energy sources with data centers or sources for surplus interconnection capacity.”

By Robert Walton • April 4, 2025

Trump guts LIHEAP, threatening $378M in energy assistance already approved by Congress

State energy assistance programs have funding to continue short-term operations, but the elimination of federal staff threatens the long-term stability of a popular program, experts say.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2025

PG&E announces microgrid awards for $43M as Sunrun joins its 2025 VPP

The nine microgrid projects will serve about 9,000 customers in disadvantaged or vulnerable Northern California communities, the utility said.

By Brian Martucci • April 2, 2025

Where battery and hydrogen-powered trains are coming to US commuter rail

Three global train manufacturers with zero-emission trains operating in Europe are vying for U.S. contracts.

By Dan Zukowski • April 1, 2025

Utilities should develop data center tariffs to protect consumers, decarbonize: SWEEP

Rising data center electricity demands threaten utility decarbonization efforts, potentially requiring fossil fuel generation and pulling renewables away from other electrification efforts, per a Southwest Energy Efficiency Project report.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2025

GM Energy joins PG&E bidirectional EV charging pilot in California

Certain electric vehicle owners are now eligible for discounts on charging equipment that can be used to power homes during blackouts.

By Kalena Thomhave • March 28, 2025

Schneider Electric to invest $700M in US manufacturing

The investment will help expand production of electric grid equipment and research into microgrids and AI-driven automation.

By Kate Magill • March 27, 2025

Span unveils at-the-meter load control device for utilities

The SPAN Edge device will be used in a Pacific Gas & Electric residential customer virtual power plant this year.

By Ethan Howland • March 26, 2025

Renew Home to roll out new VPP features this summer

Renew Home will work with energy providers to incorporate up-to-date tariffs and grid or capacity constraints into an aggregated resource that can dispatch within five minutes, the company said.

By Brian Martucci • March 25, 2025

DOE withdraws, postpones multiple appliance energy efficiency rules

“We are returning freedom of choice to the American people,” Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said in a statement. Appliance efficiency advocates warn the agency is in “uncharted territory.”

By Robert Walton • March 25, 2025

Building performance standards set to proliferate, evolve in 2025

State and local governments continue to develop building standards that draw on existing frameworks and implement new metrics for measuring performance. 

By Joe Burns • March 25, 2025

UAlbany decarbonization project to cut fossil fuel consumption 16%

With geothermal wells, heat recovery and chiller replacements, the university will be able to shut off its gas-fired boilers during the summer, it says.

By Joe Burns • March 24, 2025

MISO proposes demand response rule changes to stem market fraud, gaming

The proposal is in response to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission enforcement actions involving Voltus, Ketchup Caddy, Big River Steel and Linde.

By Ethan Howland • March 24, 2025

Times demand a first-“rate” approach to affordability

Learn how the right tools can enable more rate options, helping utilities control costs and customers afford their bills.

By Julia Friedman, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Market Development, Oracle Utilities • March 24, 2025