There is a growing consensus among utilities around the world that the time is right for them to take a closer look at PV technologies and systems to serve their own needs and those of their customers. By working together, utilities, regulators, research organizations, manufacturers, academics, and consumer organizations could accelerate market forces and bring the PV industry forward to economically serve the needs of utilities and their customers. A number of states in the United States are now organizing to help educate regulatory and administrative personnel on the benefits of PV and to support approval of utility PV projects.