Electricity
DGA’s work focuses on the three highest emitting sectors: electricity, industrial, and transportation, which collectively account for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions and 96% of nitrous oxide emissions in the United States. By working across these sectors, we can improve air quality, protect public health, and mitigate climate impacts such as the extreme weather and wildfires that threaten our economy and national security.
DGA’s clients are building a clean energy future and a grid that stands up to 21st century demands.
Everyone—from homes, schools, and businesses to governments and emergency services—depends on reliable and affordable electricity. The U.S. electric grid continues to get progressively cleaner, thanks to the nation’s ample domestic, renewable resources. However, there are still barriers standing in the way of our transition to 100% clean power. For example:
- → The nation’s electric transmission system has limited capacity to interconnect new generation resources and is aging beyond its intended lifespan.
- → Massive load growth—due to the proliferation of AI data centers, as well as electrification and new domestic manufacturing—is putting increased pressure on the grid and threatening to blunt our progress toward a zero-carbon future.
- → Costs, permitting requirements, and policy uncertainty make it challenging to rapidly and affordably build the energy infrastructure needed to meet grid demands.
Solutions for Electricity Sector Decarbonization
Expand and modernize the U.S. high-capacity transmission grid.
Grid planners must work proactively and holistically to build grid capable of meeting new challenges.
Invest public and private dollars in clean energy.
Global investment in clean energy continues to break records. As U.S. federal investment declines, however, state leaders and the private sector have an important role to play in supporting continued clean energy expansion.
Deploy efficiency measures that reduce power consumption from large energy customers.
From stalwart technologies like combined heat and power to emerging solutions like data center heat reuse, maximizing resources is key for long-term grid stability.
Encourage the use of distributed energy.
These resources—such as rooftop solar, battery storage, fuel cells, and CHP—help relieve pressure on the grid.
Expand research and deployment of cutting-edge technologies.
Innovative technologies in the energy sector need support to be fully realized.
Report: Data Center Heat Reuse — The Opportunity for States
DGA Work Highlight: Data Center Heat Reuse
DGA champions cutting-edge climate solutions like data center waste heat reuse. Our team has published multiple reports exploring how the rapidly expanding data center industry can reduce energy consumption between 10% and 30% by partnering with offtakers to reuse waste heat.
In 2025, DGA released a menu of pragmatic policy solutions to support U.S. states grappling with massive load growth in expanding use of this common-sense solution.
