Energy Transition and Grid Modernization

Boston’s transition to a cleaner energy future depends on a modern, reliable, and resilient electric grid. As buildings and transportation electrify, electricity demand will grow significantly, requiring earlier planning, stronger coordination, and new infrastructure to make sure the grid can support Boston’s economic vitality, future development, and climate goals.

The GRC brings together the City of Boston, utilities, major energy users, and technical partners to improve information-sharing, identify future infrastructure needs, and address barriers related to siting, permitting, regulation, and implementation. We also support the broader transition away from natural gas by exploring cleaner heating and cooling solutions, including shared thermal energy networks. To learn more about the BosTEN initiative click here.

This work is about more than adding grid capacity. It is an opportunity to build an energy system that is cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable over time. By coordinating the institution’s planning, building, and relying on Boston’s energy infrastructure, the GRC is helping create a more practical path to electrification—and a model for how cities can manage the energy transition together. To learn more about the work the GRC is doing, click here for the Grid Modernization Working Group.