For several years electric utilities have implemented a wide variety of programs to curtail load in times of stress on the electricity distribution grid or on generating capacity. Although these programs have shared a common goal of reducing peak electricity demand, there have been many differences in the details of the programs and the methods for communicating with customers. Increasing energy demand and increasing public concern about energy and environmental issues have resulted in renewed interest in finding ways to better manage electricity consumption in buildings and to coordinate building energy loads with other features of a “smart” grid. This paper describes how recent legislation, standards development efforts, and a demand-response demonstration project offer the possibility of breakthrough changes in the way that buildings and utilities interact that could be applied broadly throughout the country.