Utility DER and Electrification Benchmark
Distributed energy resources (DERs) are now central to how US and Canadian utilities plan for load growth, fund customer programs, and deliver value to the grid and to customers. As DER portfolios mature, utilities are making harder choices about how they should organize internally, which value streams to prioritize and quantify, how to evaluate cost-effectiveness, which technologies and rates they should offer across various customer classes, and which platforms to deploy to manage it all.
To understand how utilities are navigating these decisions, E Source fields a benchmark survey with US and Canadian utilities to capture a detailed view of their DER and building electrification activities. Insights from peer utilities give you a reference point for shaping your own organization's approach.
The 2026 E Source Utility DER and Electrification Benchmark is designed to build a comprehensive picture of how US and Canadian utilities are planning, funding, and measuring the success of their DER portfolios. We’ll explore organizational models, value streams, cost-effectiveness frameworks, programs across customer segments, enabling platforms, and rates. Your responses will let you compare your efforts to those of other utilities and help benchmark strategies across the industry.
What you get
All participants will get access to a webinar that highlights key insights and trends. Also, members of the E Source Distributed Energy Resource Strategy Service will receive:
- An in-depth report with key findings and considerations from the survey
- Reports that explore specific topical areas covered in the benchmark
- A personalized advisory call upon request
If you’re interested in receiving the full set of deliverables, but your utility does not subscribe to the E Source Distributed Energy Resource Strategy Service, please contact us.
Participation
Ready to join the study? We’re looking for utility professionals who oversee DER activities at your organization. If that’s you, please fill out the form below and we’ll contact you.
Methodology
The results of the surveys represent US and Canadian utilities, including investor-owned, municipal, crown corporation, public power, and cooperative utilities. We craft the survey questions using input from utility leaders, frequent questions related to DER and building electrification asked through our Ask E Source program, and E Source expertise and knowledge of DERs and electrification. Learn more about the DER solutions we deliver through the E Source Distributed Energy Resource Strategy Service.
Study results
If you’re a subscriber, these links will take you to the study deliverables. If you’re not currently a subscriber, contact us for information on how to become an E Source member.