Resources

The transition to a cheaper, faster electric grid is already underway. Across the country, regulators, utilities, researchers, and industry leaders are examining how better grid utilization can reduce costs, improve reliability, and support new load growth.

This resource library curates articles, white papers, research, and policy analysis that inform Utilize’s work and the broader conversation around grid utilization and distributed capacity. The materials shared here reflect a range of perspectives and are intended to support evidence-based decision-making by policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

We will continue to update this page as new research and analysis become available.

Beyond Peak: Defining, Measuring, and Optimizing Grid Utilization

Noah Goldmann and Molly Knoll | Utilize Coalition | September 2026

Grid Utilization Mythbusters: Top 7 Misconceptions

Ian Magruder | Utilize Coalition | July 2026

Revisiting the relationship between demand growth and electricity prices

Eric O’Shaughnessy et al. | Joule | June 2026

The Untapped Grid: How Better Utilization of the Power System Can Improve Energy Affordability

Ryan Hledik, Long Lam, and Kate Peters | The Brattle Group | March 2026

Win-Win Watts: When Can Data Centers, Efficient Electrification, and New Loads Lower Electricity Prices?

Electric Power Research Institute | January 2026

U.S. Transmission System Utilization Study Phase 1: WECC

Rajanie Prabha and Liang Min | Stanford University | December 2025

Optimizing Grid Infrastructure and Proactive Planning to Support Load Growth and Public Policy Goals

Johannes Pfeifenberger et al. | The Brattle Group | July 2025

Rethinking load growth: Assessing the potential for integration of large flexible loads in US power systems

Tyler H. Norris et al. | Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Duke University | February 2025

Reimagining Network Utilisation in the Era of Consumer Energy Resources

Edward Langham et al. | University of Technology Sydney | December 2024

Transmission System Utilization: Concepts and 2022 Assessment

Ming Hu, Nima Safari, and John Waenink | Alberta Electric System Operator | September 2023

Capacity utilization: Utilities: Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | Updated monthly