Completed March 2026
Cities and utilities face intersecting crises: housing and energy is increasingly unaffordable, job growth has slowed, and the climate crisis requires both resilience and a managed transition away from fossil fuels. Electricity demand is surging, placing unprecedented pressure on an aging grid. Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) are a transformative solution that can help cities, states, and utilities address these challenges.
Equitable Building Electrification with Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) is a comprehensive resource for city and state policymakers, utilities, and partners to understand how TENs can advance climate, energy, affordability, and economic goals. This slide-based report outlines:
A framework for TENs as an equitable building decarbonization solution and a deep dive on the full breadth of benefits TENs can deliver.
Strategic guidance for developing TENs in ways that will maximize community, economic, and energy/climate benefits.
Best practices for engaging with communities to determine local priorities and burdens, craft responsive approaches, and build political support for TENs development.
Key considerations for planning TENs, including ownership models, location, viability, community needs, and upfront investments.
Policy recommendations for state and local policymakers, grid planners, and utilities to lay the regulatory groundwork to accelerate TEN development.
Real-world case studies that showcase successful and emerging TENs policies and projects in American cities and towns.
This report equips city and state policymakers, utilities, and community partners with the understanding needed to incorporate TENs into their climate, housing, and energy planning and unlock benefits that meaningfully improve affordability, economic development, and public health and welfare.
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Related reports:
Thermal Energy Networks as Key Energy Infrastructure in Vermont