Power utilities sit at the core of the global energy transition. As the primary providers of electricity, they shape how quickly economies can shift from fossil fuel-based power to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. This transition not only reduces the environmental and human health impacts associated with extracting and burning fossil fuels but also lowers the growing financial and competitive risks tied to high carbon power generation.
Areas of Focus
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets: To stay on track with the IEA’s 1.5°C climate pathway, the U.S. power sector must reach net-zero emissions by 2035—well ahead of most other industries. Setting emission-reduction targets aligned with this timeline gives utilities a clear roadmap for long-term planning and ensures that their investment decisions support a clean, low-risk energy future.
Transparency in Resource Planning: Regulated power utilities have to submit long-term plans (integrated resource plans or IRPs) that explain how they will meet future electricity needs. These plans shape major investment decisions like whether to build new gas plants, invest in renewables, or upgrade transmission lines. But the assumptions behind these plans are often not disclosed. Without this information, it’s hard for investors, regulators, and communities to understand whether a utility is making smart, low-risk choices or locking customers into expensive, outdated fossil fuel projects. Our team works with utilities to make their planning more transparent so everyone can see how decisions are made, hold companies accountable, and ensure investments support a cleaner, more reliable energy system.
Data center-driven energy demand and grid decarbonization: The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is fueling an unprecedented wave of energy-intensive data center development. As technology companies seek immediate access to large volumes of power, many utilities are responding by constructing new fossil fuel infrastructure or delaying planned coal plant retirements. These decisions risk locking in emissions for decades and increasing regulatory, reputational, and transition risks for both sectors.
Our work centers on ensuring that new energy demand from data centers is met responsibly. Strong, credible climate commitments from these companies send clear signals to markets, policymakers, and stakeholders that will help accelerate the clean energy transition.