The NARUC Task Force on Natural Gas Resource Planning is developing resources throughout the two-year initiative to facilitate Gas Task Force members’ deeper learning about timely natural gas planning topics. These materials may be useful to all NARUC members to support their own efforts.
The Gas Task Force is hosting monthly topical expert learning sessions in January – June 2024 to explore issues relevant to members and their efforts to develop refine their approaches to elements of natural gas resource planning. Materials from each session are incorporated into the resource library below
In fall 2023, Gas Task Force members identified six key topic areas that would foster discussion and learning about issues related to natural gas resource planning. Subject matter experts were invited to present to Gas Task Force members; additional relevant resources were identified for deeper familiarity with the topics. The links included below are provided to share relevant resources, inclusion is not an endorsement of the content or organization by NARUC or Gas Task Force members. If you would like to suggest an additional resource to add to this list, please email gastaskforce@naruc.org with a copy of the item for consideration.
January 31, 2024
As the operating and planning environment for the natural gas system becomes more complex, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) can serve as a tool that can help utilities conduct effective and holistic long-term planning, while providing regulators with critical data and information necessary for oversight.
Moderator: Hon. Fitz Johnson, Georgia
Presenters:
March 6, 2024
There are a number of important questions regarding investments in natural gas infrastructure, due to its significant size and long life and the imperative to repair and replace aging natural gas distribution assets to improve public safety and reduce emissions. In jurisdictions that plan to cut gas utility GHG emissions substantially, questions over the cost and timing of major infrastructure investments are particularly pressing.
Moderator: Hon. Katie Zerfuss, Pennsylvania
Presenters:
April 3, 2024
The fundamentals of distribution system plans and planning approaches (e.g., when to start, level of granularity, technical tools and methods); understanding the utility DSP engineer perspective and the regulatory process.
Presenters:
April 24, 2024
Whether the gas system will operate business-as-usual or will have to plan for deep emissions cuts, a host of solutions are available as options that can complement the existing gas network or aid in the transition away from GHG-emitting fuel.
Presenters:
May 29, 2024
TBA
June 26, 2024
The electric & gas industries are increasingly interconnected, with gas powering nearly 40% of electricity generation. From a consumer perspective, both fuels currently provide essential energy: about 60% of U.S. homes use natural gas for space and water heating, cooking, and drying clothes. This session explores strategies for enhanced coordination across gas and electric utilities, information sharing, and joint planning to build a more resilient and reliable energy future in support of consumers.