Each week, we highlight key renewable energy developments to help homes and businesses better understand how electricity systems are evolving.
This week’s insights begin with Canada’s progress in enabling renewable energy and electrification, followed by why rising electricity demand in the United States is reshaping how future power systems must be built, and conclude with how large-scale battery storage is supporting renewable-heavy grids in California.
1. Canada’s Smart Renewables Program Shows Tangible Progress
Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program continues to play an important role in advancing renewable energy, energy storage, and grid modernization across the country. As of October 31, 2025, the program has supported over 120 clean energy deployment projects, with a growing number commissioned and delivering electricity to the grid.
These projects represent more than 3 gigawatts of approved renewable energy capacity and nearly 600 megawatts of approved energy storage capacity. Together, they are helping reduce emissions while strengthening system flexibility and reliability.
Beyond infrastructure deployment, the program also emphasizes inclusive participation and long-term capacity building. Approximately half of approved deployment projects include Indigenous ownership, highlighting how coordinated programs can accelerate clean energy growth while supporting equitable outcomes.
2. U.S. Electricity Demand Expected to Reach Record Highs
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity demand in the United States is expected to reach record levels in both 2026 and 2027. This growth is being driven by electrification of transportation and buildings, expansion of data centers, and broader economic activity.
At the same time, renewable energy continues to supply a growing share of electricity generation. Meeting rising demand will require not only additional generation capacity but also greater investment in energy storage, grid infrastructure, and system flexibility.
The combination of higher demand and increased renewable penetration highlights the need for modern electricity systems that can scale efficiently while remaining reliable over the long term.
3. California’s Battery Storage Fleet Reaches Record Capacity
California’s grid-scale battery storage fleet has reached a record 16,942 megawatts of installed capacity, equivalent to roughly one-third of the state’s 2045 clean electricity target. This rapid expansion reflects how energy storage has become a core component of operating a power system with high levels of solar and wind generation.
Battery storage allows California to capture excess renewable energy during periods of high production, particularly midday solar, and deliver that energy during evening peak demand. This capability has helped reduce renewable curtailment, improve grid stability, and limit reliance on fossil-fueled peaker plants.
As renewable penetration continues to grow, California’s experience demonstrates how large-scale energy storage is essential for maintaining reliability and enabling more flexible and resilient electricity systems.
Looking Ahead
Together, these developments show how electricity systems across North America are evolving on multiple fronts. Long-term programs are enabling renewable deployment, battery storage is scaling to support grid reliability, and electricity demand continues to rise.
Understanding how these trends intersect is essential for homes and businesses navigating an energy landscape shaped by electrification, renewable integration, and smarter infrastructure investment.
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References
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Natural Resources Canada — Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/climate-change/sreps -
Reuters — U.S. power use to beat record highs in 2026 and 2027, EIA says
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-power-use-beat-record-highs-2026-2027-eia-says-2026-01-13/ -
POWER Magazine — Power Digest: January 2026
https://www.powermag.com/power-digest-january-2026/
