State TA Program

State Technical Assistance Program

Do you work for a state PUC or energy office and need technical or policy support on an electricity-related topic? Click here to get connected with a national lab expert who can help.

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This DOE-funded program gives staff from any state public utility commission (PUC) or state energy office (SEO) free access to national lab experts to provide technical or policy support on any electricity-related topic that is aligned with federal policy. Assistance from national lab experts can take many forms:

  • Talk to them on the phone to answer your questions.
  • Get them to provide training on pressing technical or policy issues.
  • Have them join a technical conference to present on the most recent applicable research findings and broader industry experience.
  • Enlist them to perform qualitative policy research and vet results with key decisionmakers.
  • Work with them to undertake technical analysis using lab-developed tools or models.

Learn more about the program in this short 5-minute video overview.

If interested, APPLY NOW!

Testimonials

“We had a very compressed timeline, and within a week we were on the phone with some people, and it was really effective. So we really got the support that we needed … in the way that we needed it.” Edith Bayer – Oregon Department of Energy

“I had trusted partners to explore this issue [of integrated grid planning] with, and it was really a valuable experience for me and for the PUC. I think it really improved the overall integrated grid planning process for Hawaiian Electric...” Grace Relf – Formerly with the Hawaii Public Utility Commission

“This is unprecedented. I've been … in this business for about 40 years, and there has never been a time when the DOE and the labs have been so available to State Regulators and to help us move forward with whatever our local transition plans are. So thank you!” Arthur O’Donnell – Special Advisor to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission

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DER Adoption & Integration

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.

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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.

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Grid Planning

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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.

 

Learn more
Transmission - FERC Order 1920

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

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Energy Innovator Fellows Informational Webinars

Berkeley Lab provides informational webinars for Energy Innovator Fellows at utilities, state agencies, and Tribes, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Slides and recordings for informational webinars for USDOE Energy Innovator Fellows are available here.

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Affordability

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Resilience

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.

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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.

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Regulation

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.

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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.

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Deep Dive Technical Assistance Opportunity for State Energy Offices
Cover slide
Overview of Resources and Assistance for State Energy Offices and Regulators program
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Examples of Support Provided

Example #1: Interconnection & Demand Flexibility to Support Large Loads

The State Energy Office has been asked by the Governor’s staff to identify practical options to accelerate the interconnection of proposed data centers while maintaining system reliability. Transmission constraints and substation upgrade timelines are currently creating delays. The Director understands that demand flexibility, including curtailable load, managed charging, and on-site generation, may help reduce near-term upgrade needs. However, she lacks a clear view of how other states and utilities have structured these approaches, how they are reflected in interconnection studies, or what regulatory changes may be required.

Given limited staff capacity and the urgency of pending interconnection requests, she requests support from the National Labs.  Within six weeks, she connects with a team of SMEs and over the next few weeks defines a focused statement of work for the following six months that includes the following:

  • Assess the state’s current interconnection process, study assumptions, and queue backlog;
  • Review recent large load studies to identify the specific technical constraints driving upgrade costs and delays;
  • Evaluate where operational flexibility—such as interruptible service, ramp rate limits, minimum load commitments, or behind-the-meter storage—could reduce peak impacts or defer upgrades.
  • Prepare a briefing paper summarizing leading practices regarding how flexible load commitments can be incorporated into interconnection studies, methods to quantify capacity relief from demand response, contractual mechanisms like non-compliance penalties, and coordination strategies during system events.
  • Deliver a technical workshop for Commission staff, State Energy Office staff, and utility engineers with sessions covering example load profiles and scenario results comparing inflexible and flexible operations.
  • Provide a concise options memo to guide decision-makers on next steps, whether through a technical conference, rulemaking, or pilot program.

 

Example #2: Cost Allocation & Cost Recovery Associated with Large Loads

A manager at the Public Utility Commission (PUC) has been tasked by one of her Commissioners to urgently analyze options for mitigating the significant financial risks posed to general ratepayers by the rapid interconnection of large-volume data centers. She is acutely aware that as these energy-intensive facilities join the grid, the costs for necessary infrastructure upgrades could disproportionately fall on residential and small commercial customers if not managed correctly. While she understands that strict cost allocation frameworks and dedicated large load tariffs are tools which are beginning to be used elsewhere, she lacks granular details regarding their specific design, legal defensibility, and implementation nuances.

Facing strict time constraints and the immediate pressure of a growing interconnection queue, she cannot conduct a comprehensive multi-state review herself. To address this, she applies for support from the National Labs. A little over a month later, she receives notification that her request is granted and immediately begins collaborating with a team of subject matter experts. Together, they define a statement of work covering the next five months designed to equip the PUC with actionable regulatory tools that includes the following elements:

  • Prepare a detailed report on the latest industry practices regarding cost allocation and cost recovery focusing on how specific mechanisms—such as separate internal tracking and reporting of data-center induced transmission costs, portfolio-based cost allocation, contribution-in-aid-of-construction, or marginal cost pricing—can insulate non-data center customers from financial exposure.
  • Develop and deliver two interactive training sessions for Commissioners and their staff that highlight real-world experiences and lessons learned from other states who have already navigated similar challenges.
  • Lead a series of facilitated discussions with Commissioners and their staff to synthesize this knowledge and support efforts to develop a robust straw proposal for a new dedicated large load customer class, complete with essential tariff design elements like minimum bill provisions and contract term requirements to ensure long-term ratepayer protection.

 

Example #3: Leveraging Smart Inverters to Improve Distribution System Reliability

A manager at the PUC has been tasked to better understand how smart inverters can improve reliability via distribution system planning efforts and hosting capacity analyses. The state has seen a marked increase in the adoption of rooftop and community solar resources, at the same time the regulator has implemented a more robust integrated distribution system planning process. The resulting utility analysis suggests there are locations on the system where voltage reactive power (Volt-Var) controls in smart inverters could benefit the system by avoiding localized voltage problems and future capital investments. 

Two weeks after submitting a request for support, a nationally recognized Lab expert in interconnection emails the PUC manager to clarify what assistance is needed, identify how the information will be subsequently used, and thus determine what content and material would be most beneficial to provide.  Based on that interaction, the SME provides the following support over the next three months:

  • Develop a presentation outline for the manager’s review and approval;
  • Deliver the presentation to the manager and her Commissioners
  • Facilitate a conversation between the manager and her Commissioners about how the state could consider altering its current processes to leverage this new standard.

 

Example #4: EV Charging Station Ownership & Operation Issues

A manager at the PUC is working with a counterpart at the state energy office to develop a policy on who can own and operate EV charging stations. He understands that this a complex issue with both short-term and long-term implications for competition, price, and service, but doesn’t have the background to fully understand the options and tradeoffs associated with different approaches. 

About a week after submitting his request, a leading researcher on EV business models and utility regulation emails the manager to learn more about the policy that is under development and determine how she can best support the joint PUC and SEO effort. Based on that conversation, the SME agrees to do the following over the next two months:

  • Deliver a memo highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with allowing IOUs to own and operate charging stations; and
  • Present the contents of the memo to a number of PUC Commissioners and SEO leaders and facilitate a discussion regarding what it might mean for this state’s policy.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for receiving support through this program?

Submit your request for technical assistance via our simple online application form.  Within 5 business days, a program representative will acknowledge receipt of your request and seek to clarify what you are asking for. 

How quickly can I start receiving support?

For shorter duration requests, National Lab experts will typically begin providing support within 1-2 weeks and complete the request within 1-2 months.  For longer duration requests, the National Lab experts could take up to 4-6 weeks to reach out to first develop a scope of work, after which support could be provided over the following 3-6 months. 

Are there any limitations on who or how frequently someone can receive support through this program?

Any member of a state PUC or SEO with an official state email address is eligible to receive support. Currently, there are no limits on the number of requests coming from the same PUC or SEO, or even the same person at the PUC or SEO, that can be fulfilled at any given time. 

Contact

Questions? Email [email protected]