Today’s utility work on quantum computing has one key goal: to not be left scrambling to address quantum’s impact on overall electricity demand and its curious load profile, like the electric power sector has been with artificial intelligence. Quantum computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways classical computers cannot, said Jeremy Renshaw, the director of open power AI and quantum with the Electric Power Research Institute. It adds new computing capabilities that complement classical computing, he added. Those capabilities could reduce AI data centers’ electricity use, improve cybersecurity and optimize power system dispatch. “In the near future, for the subset of problems where quantum computing holds an advantage, such as large-scale optimization and materials science, it offers polynomial or even exponential speedup,” Renshaw said. “Longer term, quantum computing will be the go-to resource for solving large scale problems.” Quantum computing is now reaching a “commercial tipping point,” according to an April McKinsey market report. Worldwide, over 300 companies have started trying out the complex technology that grew out of quantum physics, and investment in startups reached $12.6 billion in 2025 — six times the 2024 investment. While experts agree quantum computing has potential to unlock advances in energy, they say its load profile is still uncertain, presenting a particular challenge to electric utilities. “This is a toe-in-the-water moment that can show the opportunities and risks of quantum and its potential impacts on affordability and reliability in a gated way.” Brad Gibson COO, Middle Tennessee Electric Duke Energy is among the utilities working to understand quantum computing’s energy use and potential. “Utilities routinely balance thousands of interconnected variables involving generation, transmission, demand, weather, regulatory constraints and customer impacts,” Isuru Wijesundara, lead enterprise architect for energy strategy and advanced computing at Duke, told Utility Dive in an