DER Interconnection Workshop

Presented to GMLC TA to State PUCs DER Interconnection Cohort. 

Presented on December 15, 2022, by M. Ingram, D. Narang, X. Li, C. Marguis, D. Lew, and S. Forrester. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Abstract: Provides an overview of and implications for PUCs on: FERC Order 2222; DER Aggregation and Integration into Wholesale Markets and Operation; Allowing DER Aggregations and FERC Order 719; and Using IEEE 1547 Standard in Support of DER Aggregation.

Members-Only Interconnection Standards Technical Assistance Workshop

Presented to National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. 

Presented on July 17, 2022, by D. Sass Byrnett, M. Ingram, D. Narang, and R. Subramaniam. National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Abstract: Highlights challenges, needs, existing resources, and support materials relevant for state regulators interested in updating interconnection standards.

Grid Resilience Plans: State Requirements, Utility Practices, and Utility Plan Template 

Describes state requirements for regulated utilities to file resilience plans, identifies emerging best practices for utility planning, and offers a standard template that states and utilities can adapt to meet their needs

Grid Resilience Planning Training

Berkeley Lab offers in-person and webinar trainings for public utility commissions, state energy offices and other state agencies. Topics from our March 2024 training include Introduction to Resilience for Electricity Systems; Identifying Threats, Predicting Vulnerabilities, and Assessing Risks; Strategies for Valuing and Prioritizing Resilience Investments; Mitigation and Rapid Restoration Strategies; and State Criteria for Evaluating Resilience Projects. See slides and recordings.

Integrated Distribution System Planning Training 

Berkeley Lab offers in-person and webinar trainings for public utility commissions, state energy offices, utility consumer offices, and others to provide foundational information, discuss cutting-edge issues, disseminate advanced planning practices and facilitate peer-sharing. See slides and recordings for our March 2024 training.

Developing Forecasts: Basics & Best Practices

Presented to GMLC TA to State PUCs Forecasting Cohort. 

Presented on January 30, 2023, by: N. Mims Frick, A. Campbell, E. Hale, B. Tarufelli, A. Satre-Meloy, C. Holland, and A. Sekar. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Abstract: Provides an overview of and best practices associated with developing forecasts, including forecasting of utility load, energy efficiency, demand flexibility, building electrification, electric vehicles, distributed solar, distributed battery storage, and utility costs.

Quantifying Locational Net Benefits of DER for Distribution Systems

Presented to Utah Grid Modernization Stakeholder Collaborative. 

Presented on September 7, 2022, by: A. Satchwell, N. Mims Frick, and M. Heleno. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. 

Abstract: Provides an overview of: 1) state requirements for distribution system planning relevant to state regulators as it relates to distributed energy resources (DER) including hosting capacity analysis, interconnection, non-wires alternatives, and DER tariffs; and 2) Current methodologies for integrating distributed energy resources into distribution system planning and their implementation challenges relevant to state regulators

Duke Energy’s Integrated System and Operations Planning: A comparative analysis of integrated planning practices

(2023). J. Keen, E. Pohl, N. Frick, JP Carvallo, L. Schwartz. 

Abstract: Technical review of Duke Energy's Integrated System Operations Planning framework examining how it interacts with other electricity system planning processes in South Carolina. The information may be useful to audiences in other states interested in integrated distribution system planning. 

Review of Literature and Utility Commission Proceedings Relevant to Integrated System Planning: Annotated Bibliography Prepared to Support the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Provides an annotated bibliography of research and reports, and state examples of coordinated gas and electric planning, future of gas, and future of heat proceedings in the U.S.

See the Education page for educational resources on FERC Order 1920.

Advancing Equity in Utility Regulation

Provides four perspectives on advancing equity in electric utility regulation, from representatives of energy justice and consumer organizations and a utility, on topics such as stakeholder engagement, intervenor funding, infrastructure siting, access to distributed energy technologies, consumer protections, bill affordability programs, rate design, program design, and metrics.

Distributional Equity Analysis for Energy Efficiency and Other Distributed Energy Resources: A Practical Guide

Provides four perspectives on advancing equity in electric utility regulation, from representatives of energy justice and consumer organizations and a utility, on topics such as stakeholder engagement, intervenor funding, infrastructure siting, access to distributed energy technologies, consumer protections, bill affordability programs, rate design, program design, and metrics.

Assessing the Current State of U.S. Energy Equity Regulation and Legislation

(2023). N. Hanus, J. Barlow, A. Satchwell, and P. Cappers. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, February.

Abstract: Identifies, organizes and summarizes state energy equity executive, legislative, and regulatory actions undertaken between January 2020 and July 2022

Developing an Equity Framework for State Regulatory Decision-Making

(2023). S.P. Forrester and A.J. Satchwell. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, August.

Abstract: Presents a framework for states that seek to incorporate equity into regulatory decision-making.

Considerations for Resilience Guidelines for Clean Energy Plans: For the Oregon Public Utility Commission and Oregon Electricity Stakeholders

(2022). J.S. Homer, K.M. Boenker, A.A. Lipert, K. Oikonomou, R. Tapio, and H.J Corsair. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, September

Abstract: Summarizes relevant approaches, research, models, and national examples for state utility regulators tasked with developing utility guidelines for risk-based resiliency planning.

The Value of Sharing and Consolidating Critical Community, Electricity, and Natural Hazard Information

(2023). C. Sparti, P. Larsen, and T. Huntington. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, August.  

Abstract: Review of hazard mitigation plans in California to develop a common, but generic, data taxonomy showing fields to collect to encourage consolidating and sharing of this information in the future.

Future Electric Utility Regulation Series

The Future Electric Utility Regulation Series, a series of reports from Berkeley Lab, taps leading thinkers to grapple with complex regulatory issues for electricity.

The electric sector in the United States is seeing significant changes in technologies, customer desires, load growth, and federal and state policies and regulations. These reports tap leading thinkers with diverse perspectives on the future of electric utility regulation and business models and achieving a reliable, affordable, clean and flexible power system.

Evaluating the X-Factor: A Brief Overview of Methodologies and Best Practices

(2023). B. Tarufelli and M. Weimar. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (Journal pre-print PNNL-SA-181924), June.

Abstract: Technical overview of common methodologies, assumptions, and their potential biases, as well as recommendations for improving the evaluation of total factor productivity studies, focusing on the aspects of developing the X-Factor.