The US electricity distribution grid is at a critical inflection point. Widespread electrification, especially of transportation is creating a surge in demand that is arriving quickly and unevenly. In key locations, such as warehouse districts, highway corridors, and dense urban zones, electric vehicle (EV) charging is poised to use a significant share of available grid capacity. Current connection speeds may delay activation of chargers, impeding access to clean mobility and potentially leading to further increases in costs for customers. This RMI’s report “Ahead of the Curve: Utility Planning for an Electrified Transportation Future” examines how proactive planning and investments in distribution system upgrades can enable utilities to stay ahead of demand while promoting economical and reliable access to clean mobility.
Through detailed analysis, the report explores when and where grid upgrades are most likely to be needed to accommodate load growth. Additionally, the study compared the costs and rate impacts of traditional “just-in-time” distribution grid upgrades with more proactive investments. The findings indicate that proactive investment often results in long-term cost savings, improved grid reliability, and a reduced risk of interconnection bottlenecks — especially when combined with managed charging strategies. The report emphasises that ratepayer savings from proactive investment approaches may be amplified under the right conditions: when EV adoption rates are strong, load management strategies are in place, and larger, one-time grid upgrades can capture economies of scale.
Access the report here
