Electricity demand is driven by a complex combination of the desire for the comfort, convenience, and productivity that electrical energy provides, but is conditioned by the price, availability, and functionality of competing energy forms such as natural gas and the technology that converts electricity into services. EPRI has developed scenarios to guide its research and development (R&D) efforts in this area. These scenarios focus on three key drivers that act as technological barometers: 1) future demand for electricity supplied by the grid, 2) future price of natural gas, and 3) future energy and environmental policy. EPRI convened panels of experts—Delphi panels—to assist in tracking each driver. This report focuses on the future electricity demand driver. Two 2013 EPRI reports identify markers for the future electricity demand driver and summarize findings from Phase I of the Delphi panel process for this driver (reports 3002001497 and 3002002285).
This report focuses on Phase II Delphi panel discussions in six key areas associated with future electricity demand:
- Integrated Grid
- Rate Design
- Load Factor
- New Technologies
- Residential Trends
- Environmental Regulations
On an overall basis, Delphi panelists remain supportive of EPRI’s efforts to inform the industry of the potential range of impacts on electricity demand that may occur in the years ahead, both in the above areas and more broadly.