Taming the 2026 Peak: Rethinking Demand Response to Address Year-Round Grid Strain

Participants joined industry leaders for a forward-looking discussion on the future of Demand Response and how the industry can adapt to meet the evolving needs of the electric system.

The electric grid is entering a new era. Peak demand is no longer limited to a handful of critical hours each year. Electrification, rapid data center growth, extreme weather, and evolving energy consumption patterns are placing sustained pressure on grid infrastructure.

As the system changes, so must the tools used to manage it. This expert panel explored how Demand Response (DR) must evolve to remain an effective reliability resource.

Discussion included:

• How electrification and new load growth are reshaping peak demand

• The role of Demand Response in supporting grid reliability in a more volatile environment

• The shift from traditional peak-shaving programs to more flexible, year-round solutions

• Policy and regulatory trends shaping the next generation of DR programs

• What building owners, energy managers, and market participants should do to prepare for 2026 and beyond