You’re probably not surprised to learn that “move fast and break things” is not one of the guiding principles of the power industry. This is true for aviation, medicine, structural engineering, and many other regulation-intensive sectors. These industries are regulated because the downside risk can be catastrophic and often irreversible. It’s not just because “bureaucrats hate innovation.” Regulation serves as the encoded memory of previous disasters and reflects the determin

From long-term, multi-year time horizons in a Load-Serving Entity's (LSE) Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), to short-term next-day or next-hour trading, forecasting and meeting demand is the foundation of any load-serving entity's responsibility for reliable power delivery. LSEs use demographic information, historical consumption data, weather patterns, and economic indicators to predict future electricity needs. Advanced analytics and machine learning models enhance accuracy,

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How Utilities Can Navigate the Challenges of Long-Term Resource Commitments Understanding the Challenges of Long-Term Decisions Utilities face immense pressure to make long-term decisions, often locking up hundreds of millions of dollars in generation assets. These assets are designed to operate for decades. However, the rapid changes in technology, policy, and climate politics can render these investments as stranded assets long before their expected lifespan. We expect util

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Managing energy procurement and demand is a complex task. It requires coordination, insight, and a clear strategy. We know that Load...

Streamlining Energy Procurement Processes Our Chief Revenue Officer, Robert Sherick, is attending the ASEAN energy conference in October. His presentation on interconnection in the United States reviews innovative concepts being deployed to increase the energy infrastructure buildout. Programs like the California Independent System Operator's Subscriber Participating Transmission Owner (SPTO) model, Southwest Power Pool's Consolidated Planning Process (CPP), and GridUnity's D

In today’s fast-evolving energy market, managing electricity supply efficiently is crucial. We face growing demand and increasing...

Key Insights from RFF's Report Resources for the Future (RFF) recently published a report outlining the implications of delays in energy infrastructure buildout: Power Delayed: Economic Effects of Electricity Transmission and Generation Development Delays. RFF simulates the grid for 2032 and concludes that the U.S. needs more transmission and generation to meet electricity demands. The line of papers making this point (including FERC Order 1920) is almost as extensive as the

Understanding the Urgent Need for Power Procurement Process Improvement RFP Power agrees with the California Staff Proposal on Power Procurement that there is an “urgent need for procurement.” We believe continuous improvement in the power procurement process is key to meeting electricity demand. The Importance of Continuous Improvement In today's fast-paced energy landscape, the demand for electricity is ever-increasing. To address this challenge, we must focus on continuous

We are excited to be starting RFPpower. We see the need for more energy resources contracted and operational to meet the growing demand for electricity. Various solutions are out there to manage the power procurement process. We think they can be improved and now is the time for that improvement to occur. The key areas where RFPpower will seek to bring value to the industry include: 1) Streamlining the process by ensuring data and documents are supplied in a timely manner, va