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Long‑Term Power Procurement in an Era of Rapid Market and Technology Changes
How are utilities supposed to do it well—locking up hundreds of millions of dollars in generation assets designed to run for decades—when the breakneck changes in technology, policy, and climate politics can turn those investments into stranded assets well before their time? We expect utilities to make 20+ year decisions as if it was still 20 years ago, with stable rules and predictable technology roadmaps. But how do they make the optimal multi-decade resource commitments w
Mar 2


Do we have the right system for the times?
In prior posts, we have shared research indicating the increasing demands on the electric grid led by the ongoing buildout of AI and other electrification projects. While we believe the electric industry can meet this challenge, we are also aware of the dynamics that make delivering more reliable and affordable energy are complex. The governmental regulation of natural monopoly utilities has undergone many changes from the early commissions established to regulate the buildou
Jan 12


The Next Big Challenge for Utilities: Procurement in the Age of AI and Electrification
The electrification wave isn’t just coming—it’s here. After years of relatively flat electricity usage, demand is now climbing at an unprecedented pace, driven by energy-intensive technologies and sweeping electrification trends. For utility procurement teams, this isn’t a minor adjustment; it’s a fundamental shift requiring new approaches. The question isn’t if demand will surge—it’s how fast and how prepared you are . The Scale of the Surge Forecasts from McKinsey and the
Nov 22, 2025


Procurement at a Crossroads: Navigating New Load Pressures, Policy Shifts, and Renewable Mandates
As the energy transition accelerates, utility procurement professionals find themselves at the center of a growing storm of policy, customer, and market complexity. No longer is procurement simply a matter of securing the lowest-cost supply to match a predictable load. Today, buyers must plan for load profiles that change quickly, regulatory expectations that evolve faster than implementation cycles, and a resource mix that must meet decarbonization goals without compromising
Nov 10, 2025


WSPP
RFPpower attended the WSPP meeting in Tucson last week. The three major issues explored were: 1) the Secretary of Energy's recent direction to FERC to initiate a rulemaking on Interconnection of Large Load and to reach "final action" by April 30, 2026; 2) ongoing development of day-ahead imbalance markets from the CAISO and SPP as well as the SPP expansion; and 3) continuing developments on resource adequacy requirements throughout the western interconnect. All weighty issues
Nov 3, 2025


The Growing Demand for Renewable Energy
The energy landscape is shifting rapidly. As electricity demand rises, so does the urgency to find sustainable solutions. We see a clear trend: the demand for clean energy is growing stronger every year. This shift is not just about environmental responsibility. It’s about securing reliable, cost-effective power for the future. For those managing energy procurement, understanding this trend shapes how we plan, negotiate, and secure energy resources. Understanding the Demand
Oct 28, 2025


Key Energy Market Trends to Watch
The energy sector is evolving rapidly. As demand grows and technology advances, it's more important than ever to stay informed about the latest energy trends. These shifts impact how we procure energy, manage resources, and plan for the future. Understanding these changes helps ensure smarter decisions and securing of reliable energy supplies. Understanding the Latest Energy Trends Energy markets are complex and influenced by many factors. Recent developments show a clear mov
Oct 23, 2025


Analyzing Energy Demand Trends
The energy landscape continues to evolve rapidly. As demand grows, understanding the trends behind this growth becomes essential. We explore the factors shaping energy consumption and how procurement teams can respond effectively. Understanding Energy Demand Energy demand reflects a complex mix of economic growth, population changes, and technological advances. Many states' commitments to clean energy and sustainability also play a significant role. We see increased adoption
Oct 14, 2025


Building Effective Energy Procurement Solutions
Managing energy procurement and demand is a complex task. It requires coordination, insight, and a clear strategy. We know that Load...
Oct 3, 2025
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