There’s a better way to use the electric grid—and cut power bills

When electricity demand is set to surge—say, from a new power-hungry data center—the default response from a utility is often to build a new (and expensive) power plant and other infrastructure. A new report released by a cross-industry coalition called Utilize argues that we can make better use of existing power on the grid instead. Roughly half of the total capacity goes unused most of the time because the grid was built to meet spikes in demand. But as technology has shifted, it’s become easier to unlock that extra power. Smart thermostats, for example, can pre-cool your house when demand is lower. EVs can charge at optimal hours (and, in some cases, send power back to the grid when it’s needed.) Networks of home batteries, being rolled out by startups like Base Power, can also store power when demand is low and then provide it later. Data centers and other large power users can use load flexibility, moving their power use to certain times of the day. Sensors, software, and other ne