Brattle Report: Optimizing US Grid Could Save Consumers $110B–$170B by 2036

Event summary

  • The Brattle Group report finds $110B–$170B in potential consumer savings by 2036 through better US power grid utilization.
  • Strategic demand management and operational efficiency could reduce electricity rates by 3.4% relative to current levels.
  • Report commissioned by the Utilize Coalition and GridLab, authored by Brattle Principal Ryan Hledik and team.
  • Key strategies include distributed energy resources, storage, and grid-enhancing technologies to increase system headroom.
  • Load growth could benefit both consumers and utilities by directing investment to critical infrastructure projects.

The big picture

The Brattle report highlights a critical inflection point in US energy policy, where optimizing existing grid infrastructure presents a cost-effective alternative to massive capital expenditures on new infrastructure. This aligns with broader industry trends toward decentralized energy systems and regulatory pressures to address rising electricity costs. The findings could reshape utility investment strategies and regulatory frameworks nationwide.

What we're watching

Regulatory Alignment
How state and federal regulators will adapt policies to incentivize grid utilization improvements.
Technology Adoption
The pace at which utilities integrate distributed energy resources and grid-enhancing technologies.
Economic Impact
Whether accelerated interconnection for large electricity users like data centers will drive near-term growth.

Related topics

Utilities