How 41 US States Are Deploying Energy Storage and Smart Grids?

#Ep313Grid modernization is accelerating across America. In Q2 2025 alone, 48 states plus DC and Puerto Rico took 468 actions to modernize their grids through energy storage, microgrids, and virtual power plants. This shift is reshaping how utilities deliver reliable, resilient power.Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague speaks with Vincent Potter, Policy Project Manager at NC State Clean Energy Technology Center, about the latest 50 States of Grid Modernization report. Potter tracks policy developments across all 50 states every quarter, providing unmatched insight into how states are transforming their grids from centralized, one-way systems into decentralized, interactive networks that integrate distributed energy resources.Key Highlights:41 states took action on energy storage in Q2 2025, making battery deployment a nationwide prioritySelf-healing grid technology is now deployed in major population centers, allowing utilities to reroute power around failed transformersVirtual power plants are emerging as non-wires alternatives that reduce utility capital investmentsPerformance-based regulation is shifting utilities from guaranteed returns to outcome-driven compensationMicrogrids are moving from niche pilots to mainstream resilience tools in Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, and West VirginiaTime-of-use rates and advanced metering infrastructure are enabling smarter energy consumption patternsEquity and environmental justice are being incorporated into resilience planning in states like Maryland, New York and Illinois The grid is evolving faster than most people realize. To stay informed about clean energy policy and technology, subscribe to the Clean Power Hour and visit cleanpowerhour.com for more resources.Connect with Vincent Potter Vincent PotterNC State Clean Energy Technology Center Support the showConnect with Tim  Clean Power Hour  Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email [email protected] Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email:  [email protected] sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems.  Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com