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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Key issues for state regulators on electric-utility integrated resource planning

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6978781
State Public Utility Commissions face several important issues concerning long-term resource planning for the electric utilities they regulate. These issues include adoption of a prospective, rather than retrospective, view of utility actions; a concomitant consideration of protection from prudency reviews; development of a cooperative and open planning process that involves the utility, its customers and regulators; and explicit treatment of uncertainty in resource planning and resource acquisition. This paper briefly defines integrated resource planning and suggests new roles and responsibilities for commissions. The paper then focuses on appropriate treatment of risk and uncertainty in utility planning and decision making. Uncertainty is a critical element that strongly affects resource planning and implies substantial changes in the obligations of state regulatory commissions. The paper concludes that improved planning procedures can provide substantial benefits to customers, utilities, and regulators. 6 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6978781
Report Number(s):
CONF-8804151-1; ON: DE88011380
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English