The New York Times highlighted 2050 Partners and our work supporting a building technique that reduces construction cost, saves water, saves energy, and improves water quality. 2050 Partners is proud to be supporting this work through field studies and building code advocacy.
Strategic Decarbonization for Utilities: Achieve Climate Goals While Ensuring Affordability & Reliability
Navigate evolving regulatory, policy, and stakeholder expectations with data-driven strategies that ensure affordability, reliability, and resilience in the transition to a low-carbon future.
The Decarbonization Challenge for Utilities
Utilities are under increasing pressure to develop cost-effective, reliable decarbonization strategies while navigating regulatory mandates, evolving technologies, and diverse stakeholder expectations. Successful decarbonization efforts must balance:
- Affordability: Managing costs for customers and ensuring equitable energy transitions
- Reliability & Resilience: Modernizing infrastructure while maintaining grid stability
- Policy & Compliance: Aligning with evolving state and federal decarbonization mandates and utility obligations
- Technology & Innovation: Integrating grid technologies, electrification strategies, and demand-side resources
- Stakeholder Coordination: Engaging regulators, industry leaders, and community partners to align decarbonization efforts with broader energy goals
By developing research-driven, scalable strategies, utilities can lead in decarbonization without sacrificing financial and operational stability.
Trusted by Utilities to Shape Policy-Driven Decarbonization Strategies
Expert Advisors in Utility Decarbonization Policy, Planning, and Implementation
How We Help
ADVANCE
Develop, analyze, and implement carbon reduction strategies that align with utility goals, regulatory requirements, and decarbonization pathways.
ENGAGE
Collaborate with regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to integrate decarbonization strategies into utility planning, program development, and compliance frameworks.
DESIGN
Support utilities in evaluating and scaling clean energy programs, electrification strategies, and demand-side resources to balance affordability, resilience, and decarbonization goals.
RESEARCH
Conduct technical and economic analyses to assess the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and grid impact of emerging decarbonization technologies and market trends.
Services for Utilities Pursuing Decarbonization
POLICY & REGULATORY STRATEGY
- Support utility engagement in regulatory proceedings and policy development
- Develop compliance pathways for carbon reduction goals
- Analyze state and federal decarbonization mandates to identify risks and opportunities.
TECHNOLOGY & MARKET INTEGRATION
- Evaluate demand-side management, electrification, and distributed energy resource (DER) strategies
- Assess grid modernization and decarbonization technologies for cost-effectiveness and reliability
- Provide insights on scaling energy efficiency, distributed generation, and electrification
STAKEHOLDER & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
- Facilitate discussions between utilities, regulators, and industry leaders to align decarbonization strategies
- Support multi-sector coordination to integrate new technologies and policies
- Develop engagement strategies to address market transformation and adoption barriers
EXPERT TEAM MANAGEMENT & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
- Build and manage multi-disciplinary teams to support utility decarbonization initiatives
- Reduce contracting burdens by managing 100+ expert consultants and subcontractors
- Lead large-scale research and implementation projects to advance utility decarbonization strategies
Supported collaborative efforts toward $8.6B in
30-year energy cost savings potential unlocked through compliance frameworks
Resolved 1,000+ public comments on 10-year
efficiency plans
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest regulatory challenges utilities face in decarbonization?
Utilities must navigate evolving state and federal mandates while ensuring that decarbonization efforts align with their energy efficiency portfolios and long-term planning. We help utilities assess regulatory risks, engage with policymakers, and develop strategies that integrate decarbonization into broader energy efficiency, clean transportation, and demand-side management initiatives.
How can utilities balance decarbonization with affordability and reliability?
Successful decarbonization requires a mix of technology adoption, policy alignment, and market-driven solutions. Utilities must integrate grid modernization, demand-side management, and flexible load strategies while prioritizing cost-effective implementation. We provide advisory services to help utilities develop cost-effective pathways that meet regulatory requirements, maintain customer affordability, and ensure grid reliability—including strategic planning for EV infrastructure and electrification initiatives.
What role do demand-side resources, DERs, and EV infrastructure play in decarbonization?
Demand-side management, distributed energy resources (DERs), and flexible load solutions are essential for reducing emissions and improving grid efficiency. Expanding EV charging infrastructure, managed charging, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration can help utilities optimize load management and support decarbonization efforts. We provide research, policy analysis, and strategic advisory services to help utilities assess the impacts of these technologies and integrate them into broader decarbonization and electrification strategies.
How do utilities ensure effective stakeholder engagement in decarbonization efforts?
Effective engagement focuses on regulatory alignment, industry coordination, and policy adoption. We support utilities in:
- Developing structured working groups to align industry and regulatory priorities for clean energy and transportation initiatives
- Providing technical analysis to inform policy decisions, energy efficiency planning, and transportation electrification strategies
- Facilitating discussions with regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure decarbonization strategies align with portfolio goals and transportation electrification targets
How can utilities develop a long-term decarbonization roadmap?
A successful roadmap requires:
- Regulatory and policy alignment with state and federal goals
- Integration of decarbonization efforts within energy efficiency portfolios to ensure cost-effectiveness
- Strategic planning for EV infrastructure deployment, managed charging programs, and clean transportation policies
- Stakeholder collaboration to address adoption and market transformation barriers
Trusted Advisors on Utility Decarbonization Policy & Strategy
Experts in Research & Analysis for Energy Efficiency & Decarbonization Initiatives
Experienced in Managing Large-Scale Research & Stakeholder Engagement Initiatives
Strategic Partner in Evaluating Demand Flexibility & Distributed Energy Resources
Managed 100+ Subcontractors, Reducing Contracting Burdens for Utilities
Resources
2050 Partners Stakeholder Engagement and Support Process and Approach
Discover how 2050 Partners supports the energy transition through its stakeholder engagement and support process and approach. From CalBEM to EV codes, learn about our impactful stakeholder support services across the US.
Paper: Energy Code Decarbonization Pathway to Accommodate the Ninth Circuit Court Ruling
This paper explores the challenges and opportunities presented by recent court rulings on building energy codes and fossil fuel use. It looks at how states can balance decarbonization goals with compliance requirements and offers practical solutions for implementing effective energy codes.