Status: Published
**Citation:**Bistline, J., C. Roney, D. McCollum, and G. Blanford (2021). “Deep Decarbonization Impacts on Electric Load Shapes and Peak Demand.” Environmental Research Letters, 16(9):094054.
A new article “Deep Decarbonization Impacts on Electric Load Shapes and Peak Demand” by researchers in EPRI’s Energy Systems and Climate Analysis group was recently published in Environmental Research Letters. The article investigates how electrification can alter regional load shapes and peak demand, which affect power sector investments and operations. Results from the REGEN model indicate that electrification can lead to peak load increases, more hours with high demand, and shifts toward winter peaks, especially in cooler climates due to space heating electrification. Economy-wide deep decarbonization policies amplify electrification and increase electric sector capacity by 120–165% due to the combined effects of electrification and higher variable renewables deployment. Electric load shapes, peak demand changes, and flexibility options vary by region.
Link to Journal Publication: Deep decarbonization impacts on electric load shapes and peak demand - IOPscience