Public power utilities are entering a period of accelerating electricity demand driven by electrification, load growth, and evolving customer needs. As EV adoption, heat pumps, and distributed energy resources reshape local grids, utilities must rethink long-term planning, capacity strategy, and operational readiness. This report offers a high-level look at the trends defining the future of public power and the factors influencing reliability, infrastructure investment, and community energy needs.

The technology used for demand forecasting is one that has taken an evolutionary leap forward, one that will help coops, munis, CCAs, and other utilities better understand what is happening on the grid.

In this paper, our experts outlines:

• How AI and machine-learning algorithms are used to produce more accurate demand forecasts that generate cost savings.
• How to mitigate financial risks linked to the growing volatility of weather and energy markets.
• How growing coops, munis, and CCAs can use data analysis for better resource planning and the justification of infrastructure investments.

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