Renewable energy options, led by rooftop solar, have recently transitioned from a luxury good available to few customers to increasingly cost-effective and mainstream sources of electric supply within the reach of many. Technological, policy and business innovations, together with favorable public attitudes toward renewable, decentralized energy generation, are contributing to fundamental transitions in energy markets and leading to widespread concerns and predictions of an imminent “death spiral” for utilities. Are these concerns valid? This talk presents a new conceptual framework that exposes current risks and opportunities while leading to practical strategies for utilities, consumers, policy-makers and entrepreneurs as they navigate critical decisions points leading from today’s energy system to a more sustainable and resilient one.