The 2026 Factbook: Energy Trends Shaping HVAC

U.S. electricity demand just rose for the first time in over two decades, and the data behind that shift is reshaping how HVAC engineers, contractors, and manufacturers need to think about energy planning. Today, Charlie and Dan speak with Lisa Jacobson, a 20-year energy policy veteran who has testified before Congress and represented the U.S. in U.N. climate talks, to unpack the 2026 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. This annual data-driven snapshot of the U.S. energy landscape is produced by BCSE and BloombergNEF.    Lisa shares her thoughts on what’s driving the surge in demand, why data centers are only part of the story, and why she believes energy efficiency and flexible demand may be the fastest, most underused resource the industry has.     We also have:  HVAC Headlines: An AC shade to block sunlight without limiting airflow. Plus: the heated debate in Europe over air conditioning.  Stat of the Day: How many Americans are spending their personal budget on energy, even though electricity prices have gone up.    Resources mentioned:  Download the 2026 Factbook here: https://bcse.org/market-trends/   Business Council for Sustainable Energy: https://bcse.org/     Ads mentioned:  Trane Building Brilliance  Trane Engineer Newsletters  We want your hot takes and questions! Email [email protected], drop a comment on YouTube or Spotify, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Don't forget to rate and follow too!  Cool Air, Hot Takes™ is a Trane Commercial podcast exploring bold innovations, emerging trends, and game-changing tech in HVAC, energy, and the built environment. Learn more at trane.com/coolairhottakes.  Follow for new episodes every two weeks and stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.