Electricity sales normally grow and fall with economic activity, but since 2011, that pattern has been turned on its head. The Washington Post offers four explanations for the change and how it threatens utilities' very existence.
The Energy Information Administration names four key reasons that Americans bought less electricity in the period since 2011 than they did in the preceding years:
- Homes and household appliances are more efficient;
- Office buildings are saving energy on lighting and energy;
- Industrial electricity consumers are still rebounding from the recession;
- Solar power is beginning to make a dent in demand for electricity.
Although this pattern may not persist and even the EIA offers reasons for skepticism, saying it may just be a 'blip,' electric utilities are taking it seriously. As Wonkblog's Brad Plumer explains, "Even though solar power currently provides just 0.2 percent of U.S. electricity, prices are dropping fast, and even a small amount of distributed solar generation could prove disruptive. David Crane, CEO of NRG Energy, has called these trends 'a mortal threat to the existing utility system.'"
Solar is just one element of improving efficiency and reducing demand, but the expansion of plug-in electric vehicles and other changes point to an evolving industry. "Industry observers are watching all of these trends closely. One article last year ... argued that 'the drop in electricity demand growth appears to be permanent, not transitory.'"
FULL STORY: Americans are buying less electricity. That's a big problem for utilities.

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure
After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.

The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?
In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure
New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions