Energy Infrastructure Modernization

NARUC CPI works to advance an understanding of innovative technology possibilities among members. Current topics include: coal modernization and carbon management; natural gas infrastructure modernization; grid-interactive efficient buildings; smart grid; and electric vehicles.

Electricity System Transition

As the U.S. electric grid continues to change, NARUC CPI has been working to help state public utility commissions address evolving grid planning challenges and opportunities. Current topics include: distribution systems and planning; comprehensive electricity planning (through the NARUC-NASEO Task Force on Comprehensive Electricity Planning); performance-based regulation; valuation; and, transmission-distribution system coordination (through the National Council on Electricity Policy).

Critical Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Resilience

CPI supports state commissions as they work to ensure the energy system is safe, secure, and resilient. Commissions are charged with overseeing public utilities who routinely deal with threats to ongoing system operations, such as physical or cybersecurity activities, routine or extreme weather events, and limitations in supply chains or workforce capacity. NARUC’s efforts generally focus on partnering with subject matter experts across the federal, state, local, and private sectors to explore topical issues, develop valuable decision-support resources, and deliver training to inform regulatory decision making. Targeted NARUC resources are available related to critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, energy emergency management, electric grid resilience, and microgrids.

These activities are coordinated with the Committee on Critical Infrastructure and Staff Subcommittee on Electric Reliability and Resilience.

Emerging Issues

NARUC CPI identifies emerging challenges and connects state commissions with expertise and strategies to navigate complex decision-making. This work includes support for commissions to explore new topics as they arise through monthly innovation webinars, quarterly commission staff surge calls, and ad hoc direct technical assistance.

Innovation Webinars

Every month, the NARUC Center for Partnerships & Innovation organizes an Innovation Webinar on an emerging issue in electricity regulation. Held on Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, these educational webinars are open to the public.

With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, CPI is pleased to connect its members and the public with new research, subject-matter experts, and diverse opinions on a variety of issues relevant to public utility commissions. Presentation slides and recordings for past webinars are posted on this webpage.

Upcoming Innovation Webinars:

Grid Architecture: Why It Matters

Thursday, January 19, 2022 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM Eastern

Join NARUC's Center for Partnerships and Innovation for our next Innovation Webinar to discuss the importance and role of grid architecture in meeting future grid and customer demands. As distributed energy resources continue to grow, grid architecture will take on an increasingly important role to ensure that the grid is planned and operated in a way that can better utilize these new resources. Grid architecture can help utilities, decision-makers, and others identify the appropriate organization and structure that can then be used to make decisions about the operation and future of the electricity grid. This session will provide attendees with an understanding of what is grid architecture, its role and purpose going forward, how it can be used to identify current and future system needs, and why regulators need to address this important component of grid modernization.This session will feature presentations from several experts with examples of how grid architecture can be used and where.

Moderator: Commissioner Katherine Peretick, Michigan PSC

Speakers:

• Kay Aiken – Dynamic Grid
• Lorenzo Kristov – Independent Consultant
• Mark Paterson – Strategen Consulting

Register here

Advances in Resource Adequacy

Thursday, March 16, 2022 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM Eastern

More details to be added

Search through the selection of publications developed by the Center for Partnerships & Innovation.