Greater energy efficiency, along with outsourced heavy industry and customers generating their own power, have created flat demand for utility power for 10 years. Stagnant demand is likely for the foreseeable future.
That’s good news for consumers and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But utilities are having a tough time adjusting to this new business environment, as electricity demand had risen steadily for about a century.
There have been recent requests from utilities to bail out large coal and nuclear plants. It also has been tough for long-term planning. For instance, the Tennessee Valley Authority has found its 20-year forecasts obsolete almost as soon as they are released.
Some utility executives are nervous about what the future holds for their organizations. Utilities may need to make money through services rather than on investment returns on new generating capacity. Nevertheless, as a Vox article points out, more stringent energy codes and better efficiency technology produce multiple benefits for the country. Declining demand saves money, reduces pollution, and avoids the need for additional capital expenditures for expensive infrastructure.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2018
Strict seismic building codes credited with minimizing damage in Alaskan earthquake
Magnitude 7.0 temblor cracked roads and collapsed road ramps, but buildings held up well.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2018
Florida tops ABC’s 2018 Merit Shop Scorecard rankings
Michigan rose fastest after passing prevailing wage law.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2018
North American steel yields lower GHG emissions than Chinese steel
North American construction steel saves about half of GHG emissions on building project.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2018
Canadian retailer builds net-zero stores
Other chains also boost green efforts with PVs, EV charging stations.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2018
Action on building codes would spur low-carbon cities
Faster retrofit cycles, increased energy-efficiency requirements for existing buildings needed.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2018
Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn
Approach would be unpopular as people attracted to stunning wooded landscapes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
USGBC and BRE form partnership
Two green standards groups will collaborate on standards, platforms, and research.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
Parking garages in N.Y. State will have to be inspected every three years
Professional engineer must assess conditions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2018
To build water-efficient cities, water managers and urban planners must coordinate better
Lack of time and resources, and practitioners not in habit of working together hamper efforts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2018
AAMA updates specification for roller assemblies in sliding doors, and lift and slide doors
Last update was in 2015.