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 – September 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:
Further Reading:
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.
Moderator: Hon. Tammy Cordova, Nevada
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.
Moderator: Hon. Katie Zerfuss, Pennsylvania
Presenters:
Further Reading:
May 29, 2024
Moderator: Hon. Fitz Johnson, Georgia
Presenters:
Further Reading:
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.
Moderator: Hon. Tammy Cordova, Nevada
Presenters:
August 28, 2024
Renewable Natural Gas (“RNG”) is an emerging growing source of supply for natural gas utilities produced from the decomposition of organic materials. Once produced, RNG is chemically equivalent to natural gas and can be injected directly into natural gas pipeline systems. As of 2022, approximately 385 million cubic feet per day in North America. This session will explore recent developments in RNG markets and how natural gas utilities are using RNG to diversify supply sources and achieve decarbonization goals.
Moderator: Hon. Fitz Johnson, Georgia
September 25, 2024
Non-Pipeline Alternatives (NPAs) refer to solutions designed to defer, reduce, or eliminate the need for constructing or upgrading traditional natural gas distribution infrastructure. When properly deployed, NPAs can serve as a cost and risk mitigation tool, helping to reduce gas system costs, customer costs, and emissions. This session will focus on how NPAs can be identified and integrated into gas utilities’ planning processes, procurement and development opportunities challenges, and appropriate regulatory frameworks for review and evaluation.
Moderator: TBD