Utility Dive examines post-COVID era in 2021 State of the Electric Utility Survey
WASHINGTON - April 1 - The electric utility industry powered through the first year of the pandemic as it adapted to everything from different power load trends to staffing issues, according to the 8th annual State of the Electric Utility Survey Report published today by Utility Dive, an Industry Dive publication.
As in past years, the annual report reflects the thoughts and opinions of nearly 450 electric utility professionals collected via an online survey created by Utility Dive, a leading business publication covering the utility and electric power sector. The additional questions on COVID-19 in the 2020 survey give new insight into what lies ahead for the sector as it also adjusts to the new normal.
Utility Dive Senior Editor Larry Pearl will discuss the survey in a Utility Dive webinar at 2 p.m. EST, on Tuesday, April 6 with Pamela Quinlan, chief of staff at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Sharon Allan, chief strategy officer, Smart Electric Power Alliance; Karl Rabago, consultant and former Texas regulator; and, Val Jensen, senior fellow, ICF.
Register for the free webinar here: https://resources.industrydive.com/8th-annual-state-of-the-electric-utility-webinar
Pearl outlines key takeaways from the survey in the story State of the Electric Utility 2021: Gas doubts rise, DER focus wanes, and 5 other key takeaways published in Utility Dive today.
The surveys main themes include:
- Despite the pandemic, the energy transition is stronger than ever and the forces propelling it continue to grow.
- Renewables, sustainability or the environment continue to significantly outrank other top issues for utilities, with security and reliability concerns close behind.
- Solar remains number one for new generation, while doubts rise about the future of gas
- Strong state and federal policies are important for decarbonization, but money, especially tax credits, is king.
- There appears to be less utility focus, and a decrease in challenges, surrounding distributed energy resources.
- An electric vehicle boom is expected soon, but that's not reflected yet in load drivers or trends.
- Utilities continue to be unsure about the merits of performance-based regulation, though many welcome some aspect of it.
Click here to download the complete State of the Electric Utility Survey Report .
Contact: Suzanne Struglinski
Media@industrydive.com
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Utility Dive provides in-depth journalism and insight into the most impactful news and trends shaping the utility industry. The newsletters and website cover topics such as smart grid, regulation and policy, demand response, generation, and more.
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