An array of technologies – both those already in use and those needing to be developed – are needed for an economy-wide shift to cleaner energy. First, utilities will need to have six technological functions in place. Then, these functions can support energy technologies to support four key areas for energy transition.
Technological functions
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) |
Advanced metering infrastructure
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Distributed energy resource management system |
AI/data analysis tool
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Modern wireline/wireless communications
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Cybersecurity protocols
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Technologies by Key Area
Electrification
- Home heating, water heating, and cooking
- Transportation (cars, ebikes, buses)
- Industrial processes (e.g., electrified equipment, forklifts)
- Agriculture (e.g., irrigation systems, vehicles)
- Upgraded panels, transformers, and distribution systems
DERs & load flexibility
- Customer-sited solar
- Behind-the-meter battery storage
- Distributed wind
- water heaters with demand response
- Backup generation
- Smart thermostats
- EVs
Community-scale generation
- Community solar
- Battery storage
- Thermal storage
- Pumped hydro
Utility-scale generation
- Solar
- Wind
- Storage
- Hydro
- Nuclear
- Landfill gas
Utilities can support adoption and implementation of these technologies through:
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Program development | encouraging customer participation in cost and energy-saving projects |
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Energy purchasing | seeking lower emission sources from suppliers |
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Technology planning | combining new tech with other capital expenditures |
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Pilot projects | testing rollout of related programs and services |
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Tech transfer | sharing lessons and tools to replicate success |
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Funding | leveraging local, state, and federal grants to ease costs |
Learn more in the Public Power Energy Transition Roadmap.
