State Lawmakers Explore Distributed Energy Resources to Address Rising Energy Demand
Key Insights
State lawmakers from across the U.S. convened in San Antonio to discuss distributed energy resources (DERs) as a solution to growing energy demands and grid reliability.
The meeting highlighted DER technologies like battery storage and solar power, which allow communities to generate and store energy locally.
Lawmakers emphasized bipartisan support for DERs, citing their potential to reduce reliance on traditional power plants and enhance grid resilience.
Pew Charitable Trusts plans to release a 'DER playbook' in 2026 to guide states in adopting these technologies.
State lawmakers from across the U.S. gathered in San Antonio for a two-day meeting to explore distributed energy resources (DERs) as a solution to rising energy demands and grid reliability challenges. The event, sponsored by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the National Conference of State Legislatures, focused on technologies like battery storage and solar power that enable communities to generate and store energy locally. Attendees, including bipartisan representatives from 12 states, toured the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) to observe DER innovations firsthand.
Montana State Representative Gary Parry (R), a former coal industry geologist, underscored the need for an 'all-of-the-above' energy approach. 'You can’t meet demand without diverse solutions,' Parry said. The tour included a demonstration of CPS Energy’s battery storage system, which stores solar-generated power and discharges it to the grid during peak demand, balancing supply and demand more effectively.
Colorado General Assembly Representative Junie Joseph (D) noted her constituents' push for faster renewable energy adoption. 'Colorado is already leading in DERs, but there’s room to expand,' she said. DERs, including microgrids, offer resilience during extreme weather by operating independently of the main grid. Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan (D) highlighted the economic benefits, citing $1 billion in tax revenue from data centers in his district.
Utah State Senator Derrin Owens (R) linked DERs to national security, advocating for their role in attracting data centers to advance U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Kansas Legislature Representative KC Ohaebosim (D) raised concerns about affordability for fixed-income residents. Ohio General Assembly Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R) warned of unsustainable energy gaps without additional generation.
Pew Charitable Trusts plans to release a 'DER playbook' in 2026, offering policy recommendations to accelerate adoption. The U.S. currently lags behind Australia, where DERs meet 10% of energy needs compared to 5% domestically. The San Antonio meeting aimed to inform these recommendations, signaling a shift toward a more resilient and affordable energy future.