With the growth of clean local energy resources—such as rooftop solar, battery energy storage systems, and smart controls of appliances—there are opportunities for individuals and businesses to use clean energy resources in ways that could reduce the need for new utility infrastructure and its associated costs. However, the typical regulatory process governing utility infrastructure projects may not give communities adequate time, opportunities, and resources to seize the full potential of local clean energy resources.
This brief outlines the typical regulatory processes related to the planning and construction of local electric utility infrastructure projects, and it illustrates where these processes could be improved to enable meaningful and productive community participation.
The topic brief is available below as a PDF. If you would like to view this toolkit as a PowerPoint presentation, please contact Edward Yim.
Bridging the Equity Gap for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs
Utility energy efficiency programs have increased investment in low-income households, but significant gaps remain. This report examines spending and savings trends across 48 major U.S. utilities, identifies barriers to expanding low-income programs and highlights policies and program strategies that can improve energy affordability and equitable access to efficiency upgrades.
This report identifies pathways for India’s cement industry to decarbonise at a pace compatible with the national climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Home Energy Reports and Beyond: Meeting the Moment with Behavior-Based Energy Efficiency
Home energy report programs, in which utilities provide households with personalized insights into their energy use and tips to lower their bills, are a…
Strategies for Enhancing Resilience and Minimizing Vulnerabilities to Extreme Heat Events
Extreme heat is one of the fastest-growing climate-related hazards in the United States, increasing mortality, straining buildings and energy systems, and amplifying risks for households with limit…
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