AEIC (Association of Edison Illuminating Companies)

Demand for electricity is surging due to the rise of data centers and artificial intelligence. According to Bain & Company's analysis, data centers alone could account for 44% of the country's electricity load growth from 2023 to 2028. This calls for a potential increase in annual energy generation by up to 26% above 2023 levels by 2028. Navigating this shift in energy demand is daunting, but also an opportunity for innovation and growth. With the right strategies, such as efficient capital deployment and demand response programs, utilities can manage this demand sustainably. Learn more in Utility Dive:

Did you know: the amount of solar capacity in the state of Illinois is expected to grow by 1,700% over the next five years? ☀️ Find out what’s driving this rapid growth in this All Things DER episode with Andy Parker of Ameren Illinois and Elizabeth Cook, PhD.

Exciting news! AEIC member company LUMA Energy has a new transformer operating at the Santa Isabel TC substation in Puerto Rico. 🎉 This transformer is a main source of energy for the area, and it strengthens overall grid reliability for more than 24,000 customers. Learn more in T&D World:

“A new perspective is looking at how we use energy and really trying to change our human behavior for our benefit,” said Elizabeth Cook, PhD, our VP of Technical Strategy, on The Grid Mod Pod while discussing how to improve our ever-evolving power grid. Listen to the full episode here: https://buff.ly/3tm2Dnt

Many thanks to Arizona Public Service - APS for hosting our Power Delivery committee last week for their bi-annual meeting! Committee members engaged in insightful discussions and heard from APS on key industry challenges, including supply chain issues, integrated resource planning, fire mitigation, data centers, and more.

Did you know: while the United States economy grew 24% during the 2010s, electricity demand remained relatively flat? That's about to change, with demand expected to grow between 4 and 15% in the next five years, depending on the region. The load growth could pose a challenge for utilities looking to provide new supply. Learn more in Renewable Energy Magazine.

Want to know how your utility can take advantage of slow DER adoption rates? Find out by listening to this All Things DER episode featuring Elizabeth Cook, PhD and Michael Jarro from Florida Power & Light (FPL). Michael shared how FPL has been using this time to make investments in grid resiliency and security without increasing customer costs or compromising on service. Listen now:

One of our member companies, Dominion Energy, is gearing up for a greener future! They're planning to bring 21.1 GW of new clean energy online over the next 15 years. With a diversified approach that includes offshore wind, solar, and battery storage, Dominion is also exploring the potential of small modular nuclear reactors. However, gas-fired resources will still play a crucial role, providing 20% of generation to ensure reliable power for customers. This bold move is in response to an anticipated surge in power demand, expected to double by 2039. Learn more in Utility Dive:

"You really have to spend a lot of time making sure integration is there and that the parts are going to connect like legos." - Brett Ryhal, MBA, PE, PMP, Program Manager at Sargent & Lundy In this Grid Mod Pod episode, presented by AEIC, Brett Ryhal delves into the intricate art of modernizing power grids. His insights shed light on the meticulous process of making sure every component fits together flawlessly, just like building blocks. Join us in exploring the world of integration excellence, a vital element in shaping the future of energy. By understanding these complexities, we pave the way for innovative solutions and a more robust power infrastructure. Listen here: https://buff.ly/3tZJl7j

More than 10,000 customers of AEIC member company PacifiCorp lost power recently after a squirrel got into a substation, resulting in a blown fuse. You could say the situation was…pretty nuts (pun intended). 🐿️ Learn more in KTVZ: