How to meet the surging energy demand without needing as much new electricity

"When Specian dug into the data, he discovered that implementing energy-efficiency measures and shifting electricity usage to lower-demand times are two of the fastest and cheapest ways of meeting growing thirst for electricity. These moves could help meet much, if not all, of the nation's projected load growth. Moreover, they would cost only half-or less-what building out new infrastructure would, while avoiding the emissions those operations would bring."

""Energy efficiency and flexibility are still a massive untapped resource in the U.S.," he said. "As we get to higher levels of electrification, it's going to become increasingly important." The report estimated that by 2040, utility-driven efficiency programs could cut usage by about 8 percent, or around 70 gigawatts, and that making those cuts currently costs around $20.70 per megawatt. The cheapest gas-fired power plants now start at about $45 per kilowatt generated."

Implementing energy-efficiency measures and shifting electricity use to lower-demand times are among the fastest and cheapest ways to meet growing electricity demand. These approaches could help meet much or all of projected U.S. load growth while avoiding emissions from new generation. Utility-driven efficiency programs could reduce usage by about 8 percent (roughly 70 gigawatts) by 2040, with current costs near $20.70 per megawatt. Building new gas-fired capacity starts at roughly $45 per kilowatt generated, making demand-side actions roughly half the cost of new infrastructure. Stronger government incentives would increase utility adoption of efficiency and flexibility.

Read at Fast Company