How better tracking can reduce grid connection delays

In brief

The EDF Energy Exchange article argues that grid connection delays are becoming a serious bottleneck for electrification in the United States. As homes switch to electric appliances, electric vehicles expand, and new clean energy projects, data centers and manufacturing facilities seek grid access, the final step of connecting or upgrading service — known as energization — can take months or even years. These delays can hold back housing, EV charging, clean energy deployment and industrial growth, while increasing costs for customers and utilities.

The article says better timeline tracking is a practical first step because many delays remain invisible to regulators and policymakers. EDF recommends tracking from the moment an application is submitted, beginning with a simple end-to-end measure from application to energization, using one comprehensive timeline that includes both utility and customer-facing steps, and including upstream grid upgrades such as transformer replacements or circuit improvements. By making delays measurable and public, regulators can identify bottlenecks, compare utility performance and create stronger accountability for faster, more reliable grid connections.

Source: EDF Energy Exchange

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