Frameworks for the Future of Electricity

The document outlines the 'grid edge transformation,' driven by the convergence of electrification (especially electric vehicles), decentralization of energy resources, and digitalization. It provides a general framework for policy, infrastructure, customers, and business models, alongside a complementary framework for urban transport electrification. The report details the 'Grid Edge Transformation Colombia Initiative,' which focused on new business models, smart metering, electric mobility, and micro-grids, and proposes a three-phase model for other nations to replicate this public-private cooperation.

• The transformation of the electricity system is driven by three converging trends: the electrification of new uses (particularly light transportation and electric vehicles), the decentralization of active resources through decentralized energy resources (DERs), and digitalization via the Internet of Things, smart metering, and network technologies.
• The World Economic Forum estimates that the transformation of the electricity system could generate over $2.4 trillion in global value by 2025 for society and the industry by improving infrastructure efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and creating jobs.
• The general framework for grid edge transformation provides recommendations across four key areas: redesigning the regulatory paradigm (Policy), ensuring timely deployment of infrastructure (Infrastructure), redefining the interactive customer experience (Customers), and embracing new revenue sources through innovative retail services (Business models).
• A complementary framework for urban transport electrification suggests three guiding principles: adopting a multistakeholder and market-specific approach, prioritizing the electrification of high-use vehicle fleets and public transport, and deploying critical charging infrastructure that reduces range anxiety and fosters interoperability.
• The Grid Edge Transformation Colombia Initiative, launched in December 2016, focused on four pillars: enabling innovative business models through regulation, the massive roll-out of smart metering, accelerating transport electrification, and developing micro-grid solutions for non-interconnected zones.
• Colombia has begun translating these priorities into policy, specifically through Resolution 40072 issued on 29 January 2018, which establishes mechanisms for implementing smart metering systems, demand response programmes, and the integration of DERs.
• The proposed global replication model consists of three phases: Scoping (up to 3 months) to identify priorities and form a working group; Development (up to 6 months) to create a roadmap of short- and medium-term actions; and Implementation and Handover, where local entities turn recommendations into laws and projects.

APA

World Economic Forum (2018). Frameworks for the Future of Electricity. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/Frameworks_Future_Electricity_2018.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. Frameworks for the Future of Electricity. 2018. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/Frameworks_Future_Electricity_2018.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=Frameworks for the Future of Electricity |date=March 2018 |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/Frameworks_Future_Electricity_2018.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2018frameworks, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{Frameworks for the Future of Electricity}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2018}, month = mar, url = {http://www3.weforum.org/docs/Frameworks_Future_Electricity_2018.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }