STATE RESEARCH, OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO IMPROVE THE NATION’S TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

The goal of the project 'State Research, Outreach and Technical Assistance to Improve the Nation's Transmission and Distribution Systems' was for the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) to partner with the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices, the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) to assist DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) in its effort to modernize and expand America's electric delivery system. NASEO focused on key transmission and distribution issues where coordination between the federal and state governments was critical. Throughout the duration of this program, NASEO engaged in monthly coordination - occasionally more often - with NGA, NCSL and NARUC. NASEO staff and General Counsel Jeff Genzer also had regular face-to-face meetings, phone calls and emails with OE staff to learn from DOE and share information and feedback from the state energy offices on transmission and distribution. To commence work on this project, NASEO met with OE, NGA, NCSL and NARUC in January 2005 and remained committed to regular communications with all involved entities throughout the duration of this project. NASEO provided comments and analysis to the other partners on deliverable reports under this award. This award provided support to NASEO's Energy Production Committee (chaired by Dub Taylor of Texas, followed by Tom Fuller of Wyoming) to plan and host sessions at NASEO's Annual Meeting and Energy Outlook Conferences. Sessions included presentations from state, DOE, national laboratory and private sector experts on transmission, distribution, distributed energy resources, integrating renewable resources into the electricity grid. NASEO disseminated information to its members through emails and its website on transmission and distribution technology and policy. NASEO was an active member of the National Council on Electricity Policy as part of its transmission and distribution work. The National Council on Electricity Policy (National Council) is a venture between NASEO, NARUC, NCSL, National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) and the National Governors Association (NGA). The National Council also includes several federal members including FERC, DOE, and the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA). NASEO members serve on the policy committee and NASEO General Council Jeff Genzer is a member of the National Council's Executive Committee. NASEO staff participated on regularly scheduled policy committee and executive committee calls and helped to plan agendas and publications for various state decision-makers. Specifically, NASEO organized state energy officials and participating in formulating the agenda for meetings, including the Mid-Atlantic Distributed Generation Workshop in New Jersey in September 2007. NASEO shared the results of these meetings through its website, email communications and direct conversations with state energy officials. NASEO participated as a member of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (NAPEE) Leadership Committee, representing the interests and expertise of the state energy offices. In addition, NASEO was part of the Long-Term Vision Committee. NASEO members also participated in these activities and NASEO has encouraged further efforts of its membership with regards to NAPEE. NASEO has worked to ensure that its membership has the most timely and accurate information about transmission and distribution technology and policy. Its work with other associations has facilitated greater partnerships to enhance activities across the nation and encourage state energy offices to collaborate with public utility commissions, legislatures and executives to improve modern transmission and distribution. NASEO has identified transmission and distribution as a key area for further action.