As we enter 2026, the energy landscape is facing another pivotal shift. Demand across the U.S. grid is projected to surge—driven by economic growth, electrification of fleets and buildings, and the rise of data centers supporting AI and cloud infrastructure. At the same time, utilities are grappling with aging infrastructure, constrained generation capacity, and a growing frequency of extreme weather events. 

For many organizations, this translates to one simple truth: reliability can no longer be taken for granted. 

The Strain on the Grid 

Electric load forecasts from regional system operators point to double-digit growth in demand by mid-2026. Yet, generation capacity is not keeping pace. Retirements of baseload fossil assets, combined with interconnection delays for renewables and transmission bottlenecks, are creating a widening gap between supply and need. 

This imbalance has real business consequences such as rising capacity charges, time-of-use pricing volatility, and increased risk of curtailments or outages. Even utilities themselves are sounding the alarm with extensive demand response program implementation and even calling on the restructuring of utility owned generation in deregulated states. There is one clear solution: future reliability will depend on distributed energy solutions deployed behind the meter. 

The Rise of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) 

That’s where Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)—such as solar, battery storage, combined heat and power (CHP), and microgrids—come into play. By generating or storing energy on-site, organizations can actively manage their demand profile and reduce exposure to market and grid volatility. 

More importantly, DERs enable a shift from being energy consumers to energy participants. Businesses gain the ability to: 

  • Stabilize operations during grid disturbances by using islanding capabilities or active load management to maintain critical functions, reduce downtime, and protect against costly interruptions during outages or grid stress events. 
  • Capture financial upside from demand response and capacity programs by monetizing flexibility—allowing businesses to be compensated for reducing or shifting load when the grid needs it most. 
  • Reduce peak load charges and overall energy costs through optimized dispatch of on-site generation and controllable loads, helping to manage demand during high-cost periods and improve long-term cost predictability. 
  • Advance sustainability and decarbonization goals by integrating renewable or low-carbon generation resources, lowering emissions intensity while supporting corporate ESG commitments and stakeholder expectations. 

Taking Grid Resiliency Into Your Own Hands 

Resiliency is no longer just a utility concern—it’s a business imperative. Whether it’s a manufacturing facility safeguarding critical processes, a healthcare provider ensuring continuity of care, or a university campus managing energy costs across buildings, distributed solutions offer control and predictability when the grid can’t. 

Forward-looking organizations are now approaching resiliency as an asset—not an insurance policy. They’re leveraging DERs to hedge risk, improve financial performance, and strengthen energy independence in a tightening market. 

Looking Beyond 2026 

The coming years will reward those who plan early and act decisively. The energy transition isn’t waiting for 2030 targets—it’s unfolding now, in every interconnection queue and grid constraint map. Businesses that invest in distributed solutions today will be best positioned to navigate rising demand, manage costs, and secure reliable energy for tomorrow. 

At OnSite Partners, we help clients design and implement customized DER strategies that balance reliability, economics, and sustainability, empowering them to take control of their energy future.