Fortnightly Magazine - June 2 2025

The First State and Future of Power

2018, When We Started

In that first Special Issue, my editorial was entitled “State of Power by State.” The message there was summed up in this sentence: “When we assess the present state of power, and when we project the future, we know the states are really different.”

Views on State and Future of Power from Con Ed

Con Ed

“We’re already thinking a step ahead on low-carbon resources that will help us decarbonize our steam systems, such as hydrogen. We’re also looking into the methane detectors. So, we’re already building devices and technology for the future possibilities of the decarbonizing grid.”

Power's Future: Prioritizing Responses

Guidehouse

“When prioritizing, utilities must consider the value each investment will bring in the short and long term, risk appetite of the organization, and ability to support the investment within the context of their specific organization.”

Power's Future: Near-Term Actions

Guidehouse

“Today’s electric system planning, construction, and regulatory processes are designed to manage moderate levels of growth, but lack the flexibility, scaling, and pace needed to manage sustained surges in new customer connections and large load additions.”

Power's Future: Streamlining Transmission Planning

Guidehouse

“At least in the early phases of a study, utilities must develop automated tools for qualifying and quantifying the upgrade requirements for interconnecting the cluster, though generation projects increasingly require specialized studies, such as electromagnetic transients.”

Power's Future: No-Regets AI Use Cases

Guidehouse

“By prioritizing no-regrets AI applications to support enhanced customer service, employee operations, and regulatory activities, utilities can be better prepared to navigate the complexities of the evolving industry and drive a reliable, affordable, and resilient energy future.”
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