Under Pressure: Preparing for the Gas Transition

The way customers use fossil gas for heating and other uses is rapidly changing, and regulators need to stay ahead of these changes. In a new report, Megan Anderson, Max Dupuy and Mark LeBel take a comprehensive look at ways in which gas utility regulation can adapt to ensure a smooth transition: revitalizing planning processes, enhancing energy efficiency and electrification programs, and reforming gas rate-making. The authors, joined by RAP president Richard Sedano, also discussed the changing landscape for gas and their recommendations in a May 11 webinar.

How Roadside Communities Can Breathe Easier

In an article for Utility Dive last month, David Farnsworth, Camille Kadoch and Nancy Seidman highlighted Texas researchers’ findings about the air quality benefits of electrifying medium- and heavy-duty trucks. As they write in a new blog, electrification of trucks would reduce emissions not just of nitrogen oxides, but also of fine particulates — which would be good news for residents of frontline communities located near major highway corridors.

Non-Wires Solutions to India’s Grid Challenge

India’s electricity distribution companies have limited resources to invest in costly network upgrades, a factor in the struggle to maintain reliability, especially in rural areas. Non-wires alternatives (NWAs) can be a cheaper — and cleaner — solution. Rasika Athawale offers examples of successful NWAs elsewhere in the world, and details key pieces of the regulatory framework needed to deploy them, in an article for Foresight Energy & Climate.

FURTHER NOTES

Decarbonizing the Western Grid

What’s needed to build a decarbonized grid that’s effective and reliable? The Building the Decarbonized Grid summit June 8-9, hosted by Grid Forward, will explore solutions for the Western United States. RAP's Jeff Ackermann and Mark LeBel will be among the session contributors.

Learn More and Register (use code PartnerDiscount for 50% off)

Beneficial Electrification for Buildings