The 50 States of Grid Modernization: Utilities Support Grid Utilization Through Large Load Flexibility and DER Integration in Q1 2026
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Raleigh, NC – (April 22, 2026) The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released its Q1 2026 edition of The 50 States of Grid Modernization. The quarterly series provides insights on state regulatory and legislative discussions and actions on grid modernization, utility business model and rate reforms, energy storage, microgrids, and demand response.
The report finds that 45 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, took actions related to grid modernization during Q1 2026 (see figure below), with the greatest number of actions relating to energy storage deployment proposals (69), interconnection rules (43), overall utility business model reforms (41), smart grid technology deployment (30), time-varying rates (29), and performance-based regulation (29).
A total of 451 grid modernization actions were taken during Q1 2026, in addition to 435 introduced bills that have not yet passed a chamber. Virginia, Maryland, California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey saw the most action during the quarter, followed by New Mexico, Illinois, Minnesota, and Texas.
Q1 2026 Legislative and Regulatory Action on Grid Modernization
The report discusses three trends in grid modernization actions taken in Q1 2026: (1) utilities targeting load flexibility through large customers, (2) decision-makers pursuing utility participation in wholesale markets, and (3) utilities deploying grid-modernizing technologies to integrate distributed energy resources.
“This quarter, lawmakers and regulators considered load flexibility programs to address increasing demand on the grid created by large load customers,” noted Emily Apadula, Senior Policy Analyst at NCCETC. “These programs would allow utilities, or the customers themselves, to reduce load during times of high grid demand or constraint.”
The report notes the top five policy developments of Q1 2026 were:
- Virginia lawmakers passing grid utilization legislation;
- The Governor of New Jersey prioritizing grid modernization in her first two executive orders;
- Indiana policymakers establishing performance-based ratemaking;
- Ameren and Commonwealth Edison filing multi-year grid plans in Illinois;
- The Governor of Massachusetts issuing an executive order targeting demand reduction and storage deployment.
“To kick off 2026, utilities are advancing grid modernization through technologies like advanced distribution management systems and distributed energy resource management systems,” stated Cleo Carter, Policy Analyst at NCCETC. “These investments are enabling the system to integrate and manage distributed energy resources at a greater scale.”
View the 50 States of Grid Modernization Q1 2026 Quarterly Report Executive Summary
View and Purchase the 50 States of Grid Modernization Q1 2026 Quarterly Report
ABOUT THE NC CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.
Media Contact: Shannon Helm, NCCETC, shannon_helm@ncsu.edu