Our Energy Future Depends on the Last Mile of Power Delivery
Back to TopImproving the distribution grid is essential to meeting our constant need for reliable power
The U.S. is one of four countries in the world where more than 90% of power system interruptions originate in the distribution grid. Yet, investment in distribution has lagged behind generation and transmission, leaving many distribution grids operating on last century's technology.
In the recent EE T&D article “Increased Distribution Grid Investment Is Essential for Realizing a Clean Energy Future,” S&C Chief Technology Officer Ernst Scholtz discusses why we need to continue to invest in our distribution grid to secure our energy future. Here are a few excerpts:
“There’s a clear case that distribution grids nationwide need additional investment to maintain and improve the resilience and reliability of the grid in the face of the growing added stresses of electrification, intermittent renewables and DERs.
Experts agree that investment in the distribution grid must double annually globally and in the United States. For utilities facing myriad demands and pressure from customers and regulators to limit rate increases, proposing such a steep increase in spending can seem daunting.
But doubling spending is not the only answer. Utilities, state regulators and other distribution grid stakeholders can work together to pursue a multipronged strategy to optimize grid performance, investment and preparedness to achieve a reliable, active distribution grid needed for a clean energy future.”
Read the full article here