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Our work in the electric power sector

Utilities are the key to an affordable, cleaner energy system, one that’s healthier and better for the bottom line. Ceres works with investors and companies to transform the electric power landscape by harnessing the strength of markets, innovation, and policy.


Our approach

As the shift to a clean economy accelerates, utilities face growing opportunities and pressure to provide cleaner energy to more people at affordable rates — a shift that will protect and strengthen our climate, our health, and our economies. The surge in clean energy technologies combined with the increase in electrification of vehicles and energy systems is a crucial opportunity for electric power companies to tackle climate risks and capitalize on the business prospects of a clean energy era.

The electric power industry is second only to transportation in contributing to domestic pollution, representing 25% of emissions in the U.S.  Through our Ambition 2030 initiative, Ceres aims to decarbonize the six highest-emitting sectors of the economy, including the electric power sector. We work sector-wide, calling on companies to set science-based climate goals, create robust transition action plans, and provide disclosure about how they are achieving interim targets by 2030. 

Investor engagement

Through the Ceres Investor Network and the Climate Action 100+ initiative, we support impactful engagements with electric power companies to reduce their climate and sustainability impacts and accelerate a transition to a cleaner, more efficient power grid system—with equitably distributed benefits.

Corporate action

We work directly with electric power companies in the Ceres Company Network—and beyond—to disclose emissions, set robust climate goals and action plans, and advocate for innovative climate and energy policy and regulatory action that will ensure a cleaner, more efficient power grid system.

Policy advocacy

Through the Ceres Policy Network, we mobilize investors and companies to advocate for innovative climate and clean energy policies and regulations that will transform the electric power sector and create a cleaner, more efficient power grid system.

Our Progress

Ceres is working to transform the electric power sector to be cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable. We do this through direct stakeholder engagements with utility companies and through advocating for innovative climate and energy policies at the state and federal level. As a result of our advocacy, we are seeing real progress. Here are some recent highlights.

Clean energy victories in Michigan

Michigan passes legislation requiring utility providers in the state to transition to 100% clean energy generation by 2040, with an interim goal of 50% clean power by 2030. Ceres built the needed investor and company support for this legislation, mobilizing companies including Ford, General Motors, Steelcase, Siemens, and Amazon to engage directly with key policymakers to support the bill. We also amplified business support through a sign-on letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state legislature supporting 100% clean energy in the build-up to the bill’s passage.

EPA regulations for power plants

Ceres organized more than 30 companies to publicly support new EPA regulations that would require dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other dangerous pollutants from new and existing power plants. Highlighting their own ambitious commitments to reduce emissions, the companies emphasized the importance of strong standards to leverage recent historic federal investments in clean energy, which have made it even more cost-effective and technologically feasible to decarbonize the power sector.

Energy Conservation and Optimization in Minnesota

After months of advocacy from Ceres and our investor and company members, Minnesota passed The Energy Conservation & Optimization Act, expanding the state’s successful Conservation Improvement Program (CIP), which helps Minnesota businesses and households use electricity and natural gas more efficiently. CIP has been a proven source of revenue and jobs for communities across the state, generating a $4 return for every $1 invested in the program.

Southern Company

U.S. gas and electric utility Southern Company announced an updated climate strategy with a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at its annual stockholder meeting. Institutional investors praised the company’s move, reaffirming the importance of carbon reduction efforts and the risks and opportunities for electric utilities, their shareholders, and society at large.

Explore our electric power reports


We set ambitious standards and provide actionable recommendations that electric utilities can use to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, increase renewable energy generation, and elevate power grid functionality to deliver clean, affordable energy to businesses and communities across the United States.

Nov 19, 2024
Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States
Wind mills
Jul 24, 2024
From Commitment to Implementation: An Analysis of Corporate Climate Actions from the 2021 Proxy Season
Wind mills on a mountain
Jun 10, 2024
Blueprint for Implementing a Leading Climate Transition Action Plan
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Help us transform the electric power sector

Our work to accelerate the transition to a more just and sustainable economy depends on the generosity of our supporters. Your gift will help Ceres drive progress across every sector of the economy.

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Workers on wind farm

Latest updates


Read the latest news and insights from our work in the electric power sector.

Nov 19, 2024
New benchmarking report finds carbon emissions from the U.S. power sector saw an accelerated downward trend in 2023
Aug 8, 2024
Major businesses urge modernized grid to deliver affordable, reliable, clean power to customers in Southeast U.S.
Aug 2, 2024
Ceres applauds U.S. DOE and Wisconsin state officials on launch of new home energy rebate program
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Learn How to Create a Transition Plan

Broad commitments and long-term goals for stabilizing the climate, protecting water, and conserving and restoring nature aren’t enough. The next step for investors and companies is to develop and publicly disclose a concrete plan for moving from commitment to impact.

Learn more
Solar panels

Events and webinars


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