Considerations for Embedding Equity in the Energy Transition

Decarbonizing our economies represents one of the most significant economic and industrial challenges in modern history. The drive toward decarbonization involves the widespread electrification of vehicles and buildings, adoption at scale of renewable energy resources, and modernization of the electric grid infrastructure. Together, these electrification efforts are projected to cause US electricity consumption to grow by 1.5 percent annually from 2024 to 2026, 1 requiring a tripling or quadrupling in electric generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to meet future demands. 2 While these developments have the potential to create a more sustainable and resilient energy system, they also risk exacerbating existing inequalities.