National conference on integrated resource planning: Proceedings

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:10144152

Until recently, state regulators have focused most of their attention on the development of least-cost or integrated resource planning (IRP) processes for electric utilities. A number of commissions are beginning to scrutinize the planning processes of local gas distribution companies (LDCs) because of the increased control that LDCs have over their purchased gas costs (as well as the associated risks) and because of questions surrounding the role and potential of gas end-use efficiency options. Traditionally, resource planning (LDCs) has concentrated on options for purchasing and storing gas. Integrated resource planning involves the creation of a process in which supply-side and demand-side options are integrated to create a resource mix that reliably satisfies customers` short-term and long-term energy service needs at the lowest cost. As applied to gas utilities, an integrated resource plan seeks to balance cost and reliability, and should not be interpreted simply as the search for lowest commodity costs. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners` (NARUC) Energy Conservation committee asked Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) to survey state PUCs to determine the extent to which they have undertaken least cost planning for gas utilities. The survey included the following topics: status of state PUC least-cost planning regulations and practices for gas utilities; type and scope of natural gas DSM programs in effect, including fuel substitution; economic tests and analysis methods used to evaluate DSM programs; relationship between prudency reviews of gas utility purchasing practices and integrated resource planning; key regulatory issued facing gas utilities during the next five years.

• Research Organization: National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Washington, DC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG01-89CE28301
• OSTI ID: 10144152
• Report Number(s): CONF-9104196--; ON: DE92013573
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
031000
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000
294003
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990100
ENERGY DEMAND
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
GAS UTILITIES
LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS
MANAGEMENT
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
PLANNING
POLICY, LEGISLATION, AND REGULATION
PROCEEDINGS
REGULATIONS
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
SURVEYS