Use Coalition Defines Grid Utilization as Virginia Deadline Looms
A policy paper from the Use Coalition establishes a framework for measuring grid efficiency as Virginia utilities face a 2026 deadline to submit their own proposals.
The Use Coalition released a policy paper defining grid utilization strategies as Virginia utilities prepare to submit metric proposals to the State Corporation Commission by October 15, 2026. The nonprofit group, backed by Carrier, Google, and Tesla, published the paper titled “Beyond Peak: Defining, Measuring, and Optimizing Grid Utilization” on September 29, 2026. It lays out methods for measuring the effective use of transmission and distribution infrastructure over time, aiming to create a common standard for regulators and utilities.
Virginia enacted a law earlier in 2026 requiring its major electric utilities to propose these metrics. Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power must now assess the efficiency of their existing grid infrastructure and submit their proposals by the October deadline. The policy paper is authored by James Downing and is linked to the coalition's broader efforts to promote grid efficiency strategies.
Context and Definition
The paper establishes a specific definition for grid utilization, intended to complement existing regulatory metrics. It defines the term for both transmission and distribution as the share of deliverable energy actually delivered over a given period. This measurement is not meant to replace current focuses on peak demand, reliability, or cost, but to add a new layer of performance analysis.
Interest in such metrics is growing beyond Virginia. States including Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Ohio are also showing legislative or regulatory interest in grid utilization concepts. The push reflects a shift toward optimizing existing infrastructure alongside building new capacity.
Impact and Support
Independent analysis supports the potential financial impact of improved grid use. The Brattle Group conducted a study commissioned by the Use Coalition and GridLab earlier in 2026. It estimated that better utilization of the U.S. Power system could reduce consumer electricity bills by more than $100 billion over the next decade.
Ian Magruder, Founder and Executive Director of the Use Coalition, framed the development as a concrete regulatory shift. "Grid utilization is moving from an idea to a real regulatory question, and that means policymakers, regulators, and utilities need a common language," Magruder said. The coalition's work provides that foundational language as states begin to implement new rules. Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power must submit their grid utilization metric proposals to the Virginia State Corporation Commission by October 15, 2026.
