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 integrated distribution system planning; innovations in electricity modeling; and comprehensive electricity planning (through the NARUC-NASEO Task Force on Comprehensive Electricity Planning).
Since 2017, NARUC has partnered with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to provide public utility commissions with regional, virtual and in-person training on electric distribution systems, utility distribution system planning, approaches to state engagement in integrated distribution planning, and modeling innovations. Distribution systems and planning activities complement other NARUC initiatives, such as the NARUC-NASEO Task Force on Comprehensive Electricity Planning, Smart Grid Interoperability Learning Modules, and National Council on Electricity Policy (NCEP) annual workshops.
Aggregated Distributed Energy Resources in 2024: The Fundamentals, July 2024
This report builds upon existing literature and leading examples of ADER pricing and programs in practice to equip commissioners and staff at Public Utilities Commissions and State Energy Offices with the fundamentals of ADER grid services, valuation options, and approaches to compensation.
Distribution System Planning Training Playlist, March 2024
NARUC, the National Association of State Energy Officials, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory collaborated to provide commissions, state energy offices, and utility consumer advocates with training on distribution system planning. Each presentation was recorded and is available for review. You can also review copies of the agenda and presentations.
Berkeley Lab Electricity Markets & Policy Group – Integrated Distribution System Planning
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provides training and whitepapers on Integrated Distribution System Planning — with strong links to bulk power system planning and grid modernization strategies — in partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Modernization Initiative.
NEW! Planning for a Modern Distribution System - This new cohort-based series is an opportunity for NARUC, NASEO, and NASUCA members to learn and advance best practices in distribution planning. Cohort members will participate in four interactive virtual workshops from August to December 2024. Workshops will build upon each other and enable participants to explore challenges and opportunities specific to their jurisdictions’ current context through group problem solving and peer learning. For more information and to express your interest, please visit the Planning for a Modern Distribution System page.
Central Regional Training on Distribution System Planning and Resilience, March 20 – 21, 2024
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, National Association of State Energy Officials, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory invite public utility commissions, state energy offices, and utility consumer advocates to participate in a training on distribution system planning and resilience in Nashville, Tennessee on March 20 and 21, 2024. This is a repeated training with the same content at the November 2023 and January 2024 distribution system planning and resilience trainings.
Agendas
Day 1 Distribution Presentations
Day 2 Resilience Presentations
Speaker Bios
Western Regional Training on Distribution System Planning and Resilience, January 24 – 25, 2024
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, National Association of State Energy Officials, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory invite Eastern public utility commissions, state energy offices, and utility consumer advocates to participate in a training on distribution system planning and resilience in Irvine, California on January 24 & 25, 2024. This is a repeated training with the same content at the November 2023 distribution system planning and resilience training.
Agendas
Day 1 Distribution Presentations
Day 2 Resilience Presentations
Speaker Bios
Eastern Regional Training on Distribution System Planning and Resilience, November 29 – 30, 2023
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, National Association of State Energy Officials, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory hosted Eastern public utility commissions, state energy offices, and utility consumer advocates to participate in a training on distribution system planning and resilience in Washington, D.C., on November 29 – 30, 2023.
Peer-Sharing Webinars for Public Utility Commissions on Integrated Distribution System Planning, February 27 – June 12, 2023
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, in partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), are hosting peer-sharing webinars on integrated distribution system planning for public utility commissions beginning February 27, 2023. The series will provide structured opportunities for states to learn from each other. Commission presenters will share their experiences, lessons learned and remaining challenges. Subject matter experts will close the conversation with a brief presentation and Q&A session. Attendance is limited to public utility commissioners and commission staff.
Regional Distribution System Planning Trainings, 2017 – 2021
Since 2017, NARUC has partnered with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to provide public utility commissions with regional, in-person training on electric distribution systems, utility distribution system planning, and approaches to state engagement in integrated distribution planning. Training sessions are customized to each region and have also included topics such as: planning for resilience and reliability, scenario modeling, hosting capacity analysis, and locational net benefits approaches. Below are links to each training that take you to a site with the training information, agendas and presentations:
Innovations in Electricity Modeling Training Series
NARUC and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LNBL) conducted virtual training on innovations in electricity system modeling, in partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in October and November 2021.
Distribution systems and planning training has been made possible through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, in partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. NARUC is grateful for their leadership and partnership to enable this valuable program.
NARUC staff expert who supports these activities: