New Brattle Report Evaluates the Benefits from a Decade of Beneficial Electrification

New Brattle Report Finds Beneficial Electrification Programs Have Contributed to Billions in Cost Savings to US Households and Millions in Emissions Reductions over the Last Decade

WASHINGTON— Harnessing the benefits of electric technology over the last decade saved US households between $5.6 to $8.8 billion in 2023 alone and prevented more than 63 million tons of CO₂ between 2016 and 2023, according to a new report from The Brattle Group. Commissioned by the Beneficial Electrification League (BEL), A Decade of Beneficial Electrification: Progress and the Path Ahead analyzes the extent to which electrification has delivered across four categories over the past decade: saving consumers money, benefiting the environment, improving product performance, and fostering a stronger electric grid.

“The Brattle report provides the strongest data to date on how electrification, when deployed strategically, can lower energy bills, improve the environment, and bolster grid reliability,” said BEL President Keith Dennis. “As the nation seeks ways to curb rising energy costs and meet soaring electricity demands, beneficial electrification is a proven solution that offers something for everyone.” Read BEL’s official viewpoint on the Brattle report here.

Key findings from the report include:

• Cost Savings: Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps collectively saved US households between $5.6–8.8 billion in 2023 alone.
• Environmental Benefits: Electric technologies are often more energy efficient and have lower emissions than their combustion-powered counterparts; this emissions gap widens as the grid becomes cleaner. By switching to EVs and electric heat pumps, Americans avoided more than 63 million tons of CO₂ during the eight-year period between 2016 and 2023.
• Grid Strength and Flexibility: Adoption of behind-the-meter and grid-responsive electric technologies has increased in the past decade. These controllable technologies are able to respond to real-time power system conditions, helping optimize grid operations and investments. Today, US demand response capability is roughly the equivalent of 270 combustion-based peaker plants.
• Consumer Satisfaction: 80% of users are satisfied with their heat pumps, and nearly 95% of EV owners are likely to consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle.

“Our research demonstrates that electrification progress has delivered substantial, tangible benefits to households and businesses,” said Ryan Hledik, a Principal and Regulatory Economics, Finance & Rates Practice Co-Leader at Brattle and coauthor of the report. “As the power sector now confronts the challenges of rapid load growth, learnings from the past decade will be essential to maintaining and expanding those gains.”

“Electrification—when deployed strategically and as a consumer choice—offers immediate tangible economic, energy, and environmental benefits at the local level and that’s why electricity has endured as one of the most beneficial contributions to quality of life,” said Gary Connett, BEL Chair. “Beneficial Electrification should be a part of every utility’s all-of-the-above toolbox.”

“Electric cooperatives have always focused on improving the quality of life for our members. Today, that means helping families and businesses take advantage of modern electric technologies — from heat pumps and water heaters to EV chargers and induction stoves — that save money, improve comfort, and make homes and communities more resilient,” said Jeff Haase, Director of Member Services and Great River Energy.  When members choose electric options, everyone benefits through a stronger, more flexible grid and a cleaner energy future.”

“Beneficial electrification is proving to be a powerful economic development engine. From household savings on energy bills to supporting local jobs in sales and installation, beneficial electrification is helping communities grow stronger, more resilient, and more independent,” said Senior Electrification Manager Peter Rusin for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. “It’s a win for consumers, workers, and businesses alike.”

A Decade of Beneficial Electrification: Progress and the Path Ahead was authored by Mr. Hledik, Managing Energy Associate, Dr. Long Lam, and Energy Associate Dr. Cristina Crespo Montañés. Read the full report.

About The Brattle Group: The Brattle Group answers complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. We are distinguished by the clarity of our insights and the credibility of our experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists. Brattle has 500 talented professionals across four continents. For more information, please visit www.brattle.com.