Grid modernization strategies aim to increase capacity and lower costs

New research highlights diverse strategies to address growing strain on the electrical grid caused by industrial demand and electrification. In the United States, a study by ClearPath and Evolved Energy Research suggests that the underutilization of advanced conductors is a significant bottleneck. These materials can increase power delivery by 25 to 100 percent compared to traditional conductors. The report argues that current utility planning often selects conductors too late in the process, preventing the benefits of reconductoring existing lines to increase capacity without new construction.

In California, a roadmap developed by GridLab, Kevala, and E3 focuses on leveraging customer-owned resources to stabilize the grid and reduce costs. The report indicates that virtual power plants (VPPs) could save utilities and consumers approximately $550 million annually while meeting over 15 percent of the state’s peak demand. Additionally, integrating electric vehicles through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) programs could provide significant long-duration storage, potentially meeting one-third of California’s 2036 storage procurement targets.