As North Carolina's power demand continues to rise due to data center expansion, electric vehicle adoption, and heat pump installations, utilities face mounting pressure to balance grid reliability with sustainable energy goals. The Brattle Group has released a comprehensive framework addressing how demand-side resources—rather than generation alone—can help utilities manage these challenges effectively.
According to the report, utilities have historically underutilized demand-side programs by focusing narrowly on cost reduction rather than holistic customer experience. By reimagining how demand-response initiatives engage customers, utilities can unlock significantly greater participation rates and grid flexibility. This shift requires moving beyond traditional rebate programs to create seamless, user-friendly solutions that align with customer preferences.
For Charlotte-area businesses and residents, improved demand-side management could translate to more stable electricity rates and grid resilience. Duke Energy and other regional utilities serving the Carolinas stand to benefit from implementing better forecasting models that account for variable renewable generation and distributed resources like rooftop solar and home batteries becoming increasingly common in the region.
The Brattle Group's framework emphasizes that utilities must invest in advanced modeling capabilities and customer analytics to predict behavior patterns and optimize program design. This data-driven approach, combined with intuitive customer interfaces, positions utilities to build a more flexible, responsive grid that supports North Carolina's clean energy transition while maintaining affordability and reliability for businesses and consumers alike.