Study: Electric Grid Requires Modernization to Accommodate Energy Transitions
WASHINGTON — The United States electric grid is undergoing significant changes, and to accommodate this shift, significant investments in the grid are needed, according to a new report released today by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The report, “Electric Infrastructure Investment Gaps in a Rapidly Changing Environment,” finds that the U.S. is underinvesting in the electricity grid, which is projected to cause each household to lose on average $5,800 between 2020 and 2039. The West, with its major land expanse and large population in California, accounts for 33% of the total national gap, while the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions — with some of the oldest infrastructure in the U.S. — account for 43% of the gap.
“Reliable electricity service is essential for every family, now more than ever,” said K.N. Gunalan, Ph. D., P.E., president, ASCE. “Even a momentary disruption of service is no longer acceptable. The electric sector is moving in a positive direction overall; however, significant investments must be made to keep our grids secure and resilient for the future.”