Recent analysis highlights the electric grid's essential role in supporting U.S. economy and national security
Report highlights the grid’s economic value, the importance of continued investment and why integrating large new customers matters
A new independent analysis conducted by Concentric Energy Advisors (Concentric) shows that the U.S. electric grid is a high-value national asset that supports the economy and national security by delivering the reliable power customers depend on every day. The report concludes that continued investment in a modern, interconnected grid—and thoughtful integration of large-load customers—will be essential to protecting those benefits as demand for electricity grows.
"The electric grid is one of the country’s most valuable assets and economic engines," said Drew Maloney, president and CEO of the Edison Electric Institute. "As electricity demand grows, we must continue investing in the grid to ensure it continues to deliver those benefits for customers, communities and businesses across the country."
America’s electric companies are projected to invest $239 billion this year to make the grid smarter, stronger and more reliable. These investments help ensure the grid remains resilient and reliable, while keeping electricity as affordable as possible for all customers.
"The U.S. electric grid is a dynamic, continuously modernized system that underpins nearly every aspect of modern life," said Meredith Stone, assistant vice president at Concentric. "Our research makes clear that ongoing utility investment and integrated planning are fundamental to preserving reliability and enhancing resilience in the face of evolving demand."
The report’s key findings include:
The U.S. electric grid is critical to our economy, national security and modern life. The grid is the enabling platform for economic and national security by supplying reliable power to all sectors of the economy, including essential services such as defense, emergency response, water systems and communications.
Utilities continue to invest steadily in the grid while prioritizing affordability for customers. Utilities are driving sustained investments in the grid that support reliability, while the deployment of new technologies helps keep energy as affordable as possible for customers.
Utilities are leading the deployment of new technologies. These new grid-enhancing technologies and other innovative solutions help utilities identify issues earlier, make better use of existing infrastructure, integrate new energy resources and serve growing demand more efficiently, all while keeping the lights on and maintaining high levels of reliability for customers.
New large customers should be connected to the grid. New large customers broaden the customer base over which fixed costs are recovered and support investment in advanced technologies that benefit all customers. Leveraging the existing grid also avoids costly, duplicative infrastructure.
A modern, interconnected grid remains the most scalable platform for reliable power delivery. Paired with integrated utility planning, continued investment in the grid is a foundational enabler of U.S. economic growth and prosperity. Any efforts to reduce investment in the grid could jeopardize this economic engine.
To read Concentric's full report on the importance of the country's electric grid, please click here.