Ramped-up grid utilization could save consumers $110–$170B over the next decade, a new Brattle Group report finds. (Brattle Group)
Brattle modeled a mid-sized utility absorbing 1 GW of new load. Without utilization improvements? Rates rise 1.4%. But with a 10% utilization bump via DERs, managed EV charging, and load flexibility? Rates fall 3.4%, utility earnings grow 23%, and new load connects years faster.
Not so fast: Traditional utility incentive structures—which reward capex over asset optimization—may need regulatory retooling to achieve nationwide savings.