The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden has welcomed 30 local participants from 25 states, territories and Tribes to its new Energy to Communities (E2C) peer-learning cohorts, focusing on electricity load growth and utility engagement.
These cohorts, managed on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), aim to address the pressing challenges of increasing electricity demand and building effective partnerships with electric utilities. The two groups will convene monthly from July to December 2025, allowing local leaders, energy experts and community organizations to learn about best practices and strategies for navigating these issues.
The “Navigating Electricity Load Growth and Associated Utility Grid Impacts” cohort will focus on how to adapt to rising electricity demand, driven by industries such as artificial intelligence and data centers. The group will discuss the evolution of grid infrastructure to meet new economic opportunities while ensuring reliability and resilience.
Meanwhile, the “Engaging With Electric Utilities for Successful Local Partnerships” cohort will equip participants with insights into utility regulation and collaborative approaches for fostering innovation and advancing local energy policies.
Participants from more than 200 communities have previously joined E2C cohorts, benefiting from resources such as educational materials and facilitated collaboration. Jenny Sumner, E2C program lead at NREL, said, “These peer-learning cohorts represent an exciting opportunity for communities to deepen their understanding of the evolving energy landscape while building strong partnerships to navigate these challenges.”
The E2C program offers a range of technical assistance options to support communities in developing efficient and secure energy systems, funded by the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.