After years of flat electricity demand, utilities must now deal with the enviable problem of significant and potentially rapid load growth. In tandem, they must consider transition and decarbonization goals, resilience and modernization requirements, and, ultimately, customer affordability.

System operators and planners will need to focus on weatherization, preparation, inspection, and coordination—on both the power and gas systems—to meet winter demands on bulk power resources. Emergency and transmission operations practices in extreme cold conditions will be a focus of NERC over the next few years.

The emergence of large loads is a challenge that continues to grow in scope and scale across the United States. However, after years of flat growth, this may be a “good news” story for utilities that generate revenues on a volumetric basis.

Gas utilities in jurisdictions with aggressive decarbonization goals should engage policymakers and regulators as they consider potential pathways to a lower-emissions future. Being proactive with options and education, as well as influencing policy prescriptions, can smooth any transition sought by regulators and stakeholders.

The energy industry faces new workforce development challenges. Concerns about an aging workforce have been replaced with a need to enhance the skills of younger workforce and develop talent in emerging technologies.

This is a graphical look at interesting facts and statistics in the energy industry.