NEW REPORT: A Modern Electric Grid is the Foundation for Climate Change Progress

(WASHINGTON D.C. – December 6, 2017) Making smart investments to upgrade our outdated electric grid is foundational for climate change progress, according to a new report released today by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The report shows how a modern grid can help the U.S. mitigate and adapt to climate change and accelerate the clean energy future.

“Upgrading our electricity system is critical to fighting climate change and keeping the lights on for more people during future storms,” said Ronny Sandoval, EDF grid modernization director and author of the report. “Many utilities across the country are now investing in grid upgrades. In addition to improving resiliency, these investments should make how our country produces, moves and uses electricity cleaner, cheaper and more efficient.”

The electric grid Americans rely on each day to power their lives and economy is in need of an upgrade. After record-breaking hurricane and wildfire seasons, that need – and the urgency to meet it – has never been clearer. EDF’s new report, Grid Modernization: The foundation for climate change progress, highlights six ways a modern grid that relies on cleaner energy and harnesses new technologies can cut pollution, save customers money and boost our economy:

1. Sensing and monitoring for enhanced system awareness
2. Intelligent integration of diverse distributed resources
3. Maximizing the role of renewable energy
4. Electrification of transportation systems
5. Access to actionable energy data
6. Efficient transmission and distribution management