Charging Ahead with Electrification: A Proactive Investment Framework

As electrification accelerates and new loads are added to the distribution system, utilities need to invest in their networks in a cost-effective and timely manner. Traditional methods of forecasting load and determining what capacity is needed can cause delays in meeting customer needs and in revisiting those investments if they prove insufficient as load continues to grow. Conversely, overinvesting in anticipation of future load that may not materialize, or that materializes more slowly than expected, can lead to stranded investments. In either case, costs can be higher than necessary, creating rate pressure at a time when electricity affordability is already a challenge for many.

This webinar will share a new report developed through the CHARGED Initiative—a partnership formed by Advanced Energy United, GridLab, and RMI—that provides guidance on tackling this challenge: Proactive Investment Framework: Technical and Regulatory Considerations. Proactive investments are defined broadly as capacity added ahead of anticipated need from future demand growth, informed by long-term forecasts. This report was collaboratively developed with industry members, utilities, and technical experts as part of the CHARGED Initiative’s focus on helping states prepare the distribution system for transportation and building electrification.

Attendees will hear from contributors to this report, discussing:

• The concept of proactive investment and how it can support distribution system planning and investment while balancing varying degrees of uncertainty.
• Guidance on implementing proactive investment processes, including identifying potential opportunities, assessing the viability of proposed investments, managing risk, and ensuring prudency of the investments.
• What actions regulators and utilities can take to implement this approach and the CHARGED resources available.

Panelists

• Ron Nelson, Current Energy Group
  Partner
• Zach Pollock, Xcel Energy
  Director of Grid Strategy & Emerging Technology, Integrated System Planning
• Vaz Kassakhian, Ford Pro
  EV Infrastructure Policy Manager

Moderator

• Hannah Lindsell, RMI
  Senior Associate, Carbon-Free Transportation