State Lawmakers Explore Innovative Approaches to Tackle Energy Demand Challenges
In the heat of a summer day, as temperatures soared near 100 degrees in parts of Texas, lawmakers from various states convened in San Antonio to confront one pressing issue: the growing demand for energy. This two-day event was orchestrated by The Pew Charitable Trusts in collaboration with the National Conference of State Legislatures, focusing on the pivotal role of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). These innovative technologies empower consumers, businesses, and communities to produce and store their energy, alleviating some pressure on aging electric grids strained by escalating weather extremes and the burgeoning energy requirements of data centers.
The opportunity to share ideas and solutions was enriched by firsthand experiences as lawmakers toured the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI). The tour highlighted promising developments and technologies that local utility companies, like CPS Energy, are deploying. They demonstrated a battery energy storage system that harnesses solar energy, releasing it back into the grid during peak demand. This method not only helps maintain a balanced supply and demand but also positions CPS Energy as a leader in community power provision.
Montana State Representative Gary Parry, who chairs the state's House Energy Committee, underscored a holistic approach to energy policy. With over 40 years in the coal industry as a geologist, he advocated for diverse energy solutions. 'You can't address the demand without an all-of-the-above strategy,' Parry remarked. He was part of a bipartisan group comprised of legislators from 12 states, all eager to bolster their states' energy frameworks.
Among the most noted initiatives discussed was the potential for DERs to support not only energy needs but also economic growth. For instance, Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan pointed to the 200 energy-intensive data centers that contribute significantly to the tax revenue of his Loudoun County district, which is positioned close to Washington, D.C. ‘Data centers are driving our operational budget,’ he revealed, emphasizing the critical intersection of energy management and economic sustainability.
The dialogue around DERs also illuminated alternatives to constructing large, costly power plants, which many states find increasingly impractical. Innovations like microgrids can operate independently from the main grid, providing reliability during emergencies or power outages, a necessary feature amidst the rising frequency of severe weather. Colorado General Assembly Representative Junie Joseph expressed the growing demand from her constituents for more renewable energy. 'It's encouraging to know that Colorado is already implementing many DER initiatives,' she explained, reflecting on how such developments could enhance her state's renewable strategies further.
Numerous lawmakers expressed concern over rising energy costs affecting their constituents, especially those living on fixed incomes. Ohio Representative Roy Klopfenstein, representing a district recognized for its wind energy capabilities, cautioned, 'Without additional generation, we’re headed for unsustainability.' This sentiment resonates with many stakeholders, illustrating a collective urgency to innovate around energy supply.
The discussion was not solely about immediate needs; it encompassed broader implications for national security and technological advancement. Utah State Senator Derrin Owens noted the role of DERs in attracting the data centers essential for maintaining America’s competitive edge in artificial intelligence on the global stage.
The insights shared at this event will contribute to a forthcoming 'DER playbook' set to be published by Pew in 2026. This document aims to arm states, businesses, and consumers with tools and policy recommendations necessary for harnessing the full potential of DERs—promising a more stable, affordable, and reliable energy future. As the U.S. looks to pivot toward decentralized energy solutions, enthusiasm is building around the viability of DERs, inspired by successful models abroad and a growing realization of their benefits domestically. In this sense, the collaborative effort among lawmakers stands as a beacon of innovation, pointing the way toward enhanced energy resilience for the future.
The opportunity to share ideas and solutions was enriched by firsthand experiences as lawmakers toured the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI). The tour highlighted promising developments and technologies that local utility companies, like CPS Energy, are deploying. They demonstrated a battery energy storage system that harnesses solar energy, releasing it back into the grid during peak demand. This method not only helps maintain a balanced supply and demand but also positions CPS Energy as a leader in community power provision.
Montana State Representative Gary Parry, who chairs the state's House Energy Committee, underscored a holistic approach to energy policy. With over 40 years in the coal industry as a geologist, he advocated for diverse energy solutions. 'You can't address the demand without an all-of-the-above strategy,' Parry remarked. He was part of a bipartisan group comprised of legislators from 12 states, all eager to bolster their states' energy frameworks.
Among the most noted initiatives discussed was the potential for DERs to support not only energy needs but also economic growth. For instance, Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan pointed to the 200 energy-intensive data centers that contribute significantly to the tax revenue of his Loudoun County district, which is positioned close to Washington, D.C. ‘Data centers are driving our operational budget,’ he revealed, emphasizing the critical intersection of energy management and economic sustainability.
The dialogue around DERs also illuminated alternatives to constructing large, costly power plants, which many states find increasingly impractical. Innovations like microgrids can operate independently from the main grid, providing reliability during emergencies or power outages, a necessary feature amidst the rising frequency of severe weather. Colorado General Assembly Representative Junie Joseph expressed the growing demand from her constituents for more renewable energy. 'It's encouraging to know that Colorado is already implementing many DER initiatives,' she explained, reflecting on how such developments could enhance her state's renewable strategies further.
Numerous lawmakers expressed concern over rising energy costs affecting their constituents, especially those living on fixed incomes. Ohio Representative Roy Klopfenstein, representing a district recognized for its wind energy capabilities, cautioned, 'Without additional generation, we’re headed for unsustainability.' This sentiment resonates with many stakeholders, illustrating a collective urgency to innovate around energy supply.
The discussion was not solely about immediate needs; it encompassed broader implications for national security and technological advancement. Utah State Senator Derrin Owens noted the role of DERs in attracting the data centers essential for maintaining America’s competitive edge in artificial intelligence on the global stage.
The insights shared at this event will contribute to a forthcoming 'DER playbook' set to be published by Pew in 2026. This document aims to arm states, businesses, and consumers with tools and policy recommendations necessary for harnessing the full potential of DERs—promising a more stable, affordable, and reliable energy future. As the U.S. looks to pivot toward decentralized energy solutions, enthusiasm is building around the viability of DERs, inspired by successful models abroad and a growing realization of their benefits domestically. In this sense, the collaborative effort among lawmakers stands as a beacon of innovation, pointing the way toward enhanced energy resilience for the future.
Topics Energy）
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