Advancing Building Electrification: Utility Case Studies
Research

Advancing Building Electrification: Utility Case Studies

  • Through building electrification initiatives, government agencies, utilities, and others are supporting customers in adopting electric technologies.
  • Building electrification encompasses activities that directly or indirectly reduce carbon emissions related to building operations and maintenance.
  • Building electrification increasingly includes resilience, energy storage management, grid-integration, transportation electrification, and more.
  • As part of holistically planning customer programs, utilities are incorporating energy equity and inclusion principles into their programs.

As the United States focuses on transitioning its energy use to more clean energy resources and reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, industries, including electricity, transportation, agriculture, and building maintenance and operation, are working toward carbon reduction goals. The term “building electrification” has been used to describe the activities that building owners have been taking to intentionally adopt electric technologies to transition away from the direct use of fossil fuels. Taking a more holistic approach, “building electrification” is better described as activities that either directly or indirectly reduce GHG emissions associated with the operation and maintenance of buildings. Building electrification impacts customers’ electricity needs and can have significant implications for utilities and their grids. While electric utilities have supported customers through energy efficiency and demand response programs, broader engagement in building electrification is an emerging area of focus for utilities.

To highlight emerging approaches and industry, utility, and government efforts, this case study compendium features existing policies, legislation, and utility programs advancing electric technology adoption.

 

Authors: 

  • Brittany Blair, Senior Analyst – Research & Industry Strategy, Smart Electric Power Alliance
  • Janne Knieke, Analyst – Research & Industry Strategy, Smart Electric Power Alliance
  • Kate Strickland, Senior Manager- Research & Industry Strategy, Smart Electric Power Alliance

Advancing Building Electrification: Utility Case Studies