Powering the transition
How electric vehicles, renewables, and grid technologies are reshaping electric
power systems
By Maura Keller, EA Contributing Writer
The rapid growth of electric vehicles is transforming the transportation
sector, but it is also reshaping the electric power industry. As utilities
prepare for rising electricity demand, they face the dual challenge of
integrating increasing amounts of renewable energy while ensuring
the grid remains reliable, resilient, and affordable.
For electrical utilities, grid operators, equipment manufacturers,
and infrastructure providers, the convergence of renewable energy
and transportation electrification represents both a challenge and an
opportunity. Emerging technologies such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) sys-
tems, smart charging, microgrids, and virtual power plants are creating
new pathways for balancing supply and demand while maximizing the
value of renewable resources.
Industry experts say the success of the energy transition will depend
on moving beyond traditional approaches to grid planning and embrac-
ing more dynamic, distributed energy models.
A new approach to grid planning
Historically, utilities have designed electric sys-
tems around meeting peak demand. As EV adoption
accelerates, however, simply building additional
generation and infrastructure to serve new loads
becomes increasingly expensive.
“The traditional design model chases the peak,”
says Ildi Telegrafi, MSEE, policy fellow at the Alli-
ance for Innovation and Infrastructure. “As EVs
penetrate peak demand at higher rates, then the sys-
tem has to expand more rapidly. This is paid for by
the consumer as increased rates and higher supply
costs.”
Feature | Electric Avenue
U.S. Source for AC & DC Motor Components
Supplier of DC Commutators, Slip Ring Assemblies,
AC Rotors, and Copper & Brass Extrusions
> DC Commutators
• Largest drawing/specification database of various OEM’s
• Reverse Engineering capabilities
• True (OEM & Government approved) spin-seasoning capabilities
• New & Refilled. Various types. Up to 12 feet riser diameter
> Low, Medium and High Voltage Slip Ring Assemblies and components
> AC Rotors and rotor components
• Bars and Rings - Copper and Brass Alloys
> Copper and Brass Extrusions, Forgings, and Castings
• Amortisseur Bars, Coils, Blowout Coils, Commutator Bars, Cu Contacts
www.elecmat.com (800)356-2211 sales@elecmat.com
RIGHT THE FIRST TIME ON TIME EVERY TIME
Please turn to page 22
20 ELECTRICAL APPARATUS | AUGUST 2026