Rapid changes in technologies and policies are causing the energy load on the electricity grid to change quickly, and utilities are looking for ways to help ease the strain. One potential resource is grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs), energy-efficient structures that can communicate with the grid. Whereas most current utility programs focus on energy efficiency measures or on grid benefits like demand response, this paper proposes that holistic GEB programs that accurately value efficiency and grid benefits might have even greater potential. It outlines some ways utilities and program administrators can create programs now to start preparing for a future of grid-interactive efficient buildings.
