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:

Highlighting University Sponsored Energy Innovation Centers

May 18, 2022| 1:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern

This webinar highlights innovative energy work happening at universities.  Gems hidden in in plain sight, there is a wealth of innovative energy research and development happening at over 150 institutions of higher learning across the country. In addition to developing technologies that are eventually deployed within the industry, these institutions educate the next generation of energy sector leaders through education, coursework, and hands-on experiences. Academic energy centers also frequently partner with the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) 17 national laboratories which NARUC regularly features in this webinar series.

Join NARUC’s Center for Partnerships and Innovation to learn more about university-sponsored energy innovation centers and the role they play creating our energy future.  

Moderator: John Morrison, President and CEO of E4Carolinas

Speakers: 

Robert Cox, Ph.D., UNC Charlotte Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC)

Ken Dulaney, Director of Industry and Innovation, FREEDM Systems Center at NC State

Jay Whitacre, Director of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, Carnegie Mellon University

Register here

Alleviating the Energy Burden: Regulatory Approaches to Supporting Affordability

June 16, 2022 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM Eastern

• Glenn Schatz, Chief Revenue Officer, BlocPower
• Boris Lukanov, Senior Scientist, PSE Healthy Energy

Register here

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