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:

Recent Market Design Enhancements to Address Evolving Resource Adequacy Concerns

Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM Eastern

Join NARUC's Center for Partnerships and Innovation for our next Innovation Webinar to discuss recent market design enhancements throughout the country to address evolving resource adequacy concerns. Approximately 200 GW of nameplate wind and solar capacity have been added to the U.S. power grid during the past two decades. Recently enacted federal incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will accelerate the investment in, and deployment of clean energy and storage across the U.S.  Amidst this rapid transformation to a cleaner electric system, reliability events resulting from changing system attributes, combined with extreme weather events, have led to the recent introduction of several design enhancements in wholesale power markets throughout the country. Subject matter experts will explain these market enhancements in CAISO, ERCOT, and ISO-New England and explore the different roles and interplay between market operators and regulators in addressing ongoing resource adequacy concerns.

Moderator: Commissioner Ann Rendahl, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Speakers:

• Beth Garza – Senior Fellow, R Street 
• Anna McKenna – Vice President, Market Policy and Performance, CAISO
• Steven Otto, PhD, Economist – ISO-New England

Register here

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