Pace Energy and Climate Center

15 Jul 2020

Zero Net Gas: A Framework for Managing Gas Demand Reduction as a Pathway to Decarbonizing the Buildings Sector

Author: Radina Valova, Craig Hart, Tom Bourgois, Joseph O'Brien-Applegate

Topics: Energy Efficiency, GHG, LMI, Low and Moderate Income, REV, Technology, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: UNKNOWN

Abstract: To meet Paris Agreement greenhouse gas reduction targets, gas distribution utilities and the buildings they serve—residential, small commercial, and large commercial and industrial buildings—must fully decarbonize. This paper proposes a Zero Net Gas demand reduction framework to achieve decarbonization of the buildings sector. The Zero Net Gas Framework is a policy and regulatory pathway to start reversing gas dependence in buildings, towards deep decarbonization. The ZNG strategy posits that gas consumption must be capped in the near-term—and incrementally reduced where possible—by pairing new gas demand with reductions in existing inefficient gas use through demand-side measures, such as energy efficiency, heat pumps and renewabl...

28 Oct 2018

Revisiting Bonbright’s Principles of Public Utility Rates in a DER World

Author: Karl R. Rábago, Radina Valova

Topics: Energy, Utility, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: New Article

Adoption Year: 2018

Abstract: This article originally appeared in The Electricity Journal, Volume 1, Issue 8, pp. 9-13 (October 2018), available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1040619018302276. Reprinted with permission from The Electricity Journal and Elsevier under a Creative Commons license: Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. Full license terms: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode. Abstract: Professor James Bonbright’s Principles of Public Utility Rates, first published in 1961, was built around a model of vertically integrated electricity monopolies and approached ratemaking largely as an exercise in balancing the interests of capital attraction with those of...

27 Nov 2017

Energy Commission Investigation Regarding the State of Puerto Rico's Electric System after Hurricane Maria

Author: Radina Valova

Topics: Energy, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2017

Abstract: The tragic weather events that destroyed so much of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s electricity infrastructure have sent a strong message about the brittle nature of central stationdominated electricity systems. The most important challenge facing the Commission is whether it will honor the grim lessons of recent hurricanes with actions to reduce the consequences of future severe weather events that are certain to follow.

01 Apr 2017

2016 Annual Report

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: 2016 Annual Report

20 Oct 2016

The Utilities of Maryland's Future: An Agenda for Transformation

Author: Karl R. Rábago, Jordan Gerow, Radina Valova, Sheryl Musgrove

Topics: DER, LMI, Utility Reform,

States: Maryland,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: The electric utility industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Moving from large centralized, capital-intensive, and highly polluting utility to a distributed, efficient, clean paradigm. This paper sets out the many key questions that must be addressed in order to carry out a regulatory agenda of market transformation.

12 Feb 2016

Unpacking and Rebutting the Utiltiy Embedded Cost Fallacy

Author: Karl Rábago

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: New Article

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: Monopoly distribution utilities have proposed charges and other mechanisms to collect those system costs as they planned, and want to reduce any credits earned by customer generators in order to make it less economic for customers to become customer generators.

22 Sep 2014

REV Track 1 Straw Proposal Comments

Author: Pace Energy and Climate Center, Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Environmental Advocates of New York, The Sierra Club, and The Vermont Energy Investment Corporation

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: This document revisits and builds upon many of the points raised in a filing submitted on July 18, 2014, by a similar coalition of national and state-based environmental groups, clean energy companies, two academic centers, and one of New York’s leading consumer groups. The Clean Energy Advocates support many aspects of the Proposal. The Proposal describes an ambitious vision that can transform New York’s electricity infrastructure. It encourages the greater deployment of distributed energy resources. The Proposal provides much needed detail about the implementation of REV. It recommends the development of new planning tools and recommends launching several new stakeholder processes. The Clean Energy Advocates are pleased to see signifi...

18 Jul 2014

July 2014 Comments on REV and the Clean Energy Fund

Author: Alliance for Clean Energy New York, The Association for Energy Affordability, The Clean Coalition, Columbia University Center for Climate Change Law, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental Defense Fund, Pace Energy and Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York Public Interest Research Group, and The Sierra Club

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: TThe range and complexity of the issues that the Commission will have to address as we embark on the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) can seem daunting. The temptation to become "lost in trees" and to lose "sight of the forest" must be resisted. With that in mind, the Joint Commenters offer the following principles as a directional map to the Commission and DPS staff against which specific policies and programs should be evaluated: 1. Emissions reductions must remain central to REV's objectives and outcomes. 2. New York must preserve and affirm its commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy. 3. Distributed energy resources (DER) should be fully valued to reflect the operational, environmental, and social benefits these resources...

01 Jan 2014

Comments on the REV Proceeding and the Clean Energy Fund

Author: Alliance for Clean Energy New York, The Association for Energy Affordability, The Clean Coalition, Columbia University Center for Climate Change Law, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental Defense Fund, Pace Energy and Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York Public Interest Research Group, and The Sierra Club.

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: The Joint Commenters offer the following principles as a directional map to the Commission and DPS staff against which specific policies and programs should be evaluated: 1. Emissions reductions must remain central to REV’s objectives and outcomes. 2. New York must preserve and affirm its commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy. 3. Distributed energy resources (DER) should be fully valued to reflect the operational, environmental, and social benefits these resources provide to both the energy system and the public. 4. Any compensation to a Distributed System Platform Provider (DSPP) should be commensurate with its performance in addressing clear public policy objectives established by the Commission, including greenhouse gas...

01 Jan 2012

The Impact of Climate Change on the Urban Environments of the Northeast

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, Technology, Utility Reform,

States: Northeast,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Explores the consequences of extreme weather conditions on the urban environments of the Northeast.

30 Jun 2011

Valuing and Supporting the Expanded Deployment of Grid-connected Distributed Generation in New York State

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Todd Olinsky-Paul, William Pentland, and Sam Swanson

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: New York State's existing portfolio of policy and program initiatives provides a foundation for expanding the deployment of interconnected DG resources, but progress is slow. The overarching question remains: what are the essential ingredients of a comprehensive effort that could significantly increase the role DG plays in New York's electric service delivery system?

01 Feb 2011

What's Ahead for Power Plants and Industry

Author: Franz Litz, Nicholas Bianco, Michael B. Gerrard, and Gregory E. Wannier

Topics: DER, Utility Reform,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: In the absence of congressional action on climate change, all eyes are on the states and the EPA to see how they will regulate GHG from existing large power plants and industrial facilities. This working paper explores a promising pathway for the states and EPA to make these reductions using the standards in the Clean Air Act.

08 Dec 2008

Reply Brief: Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules, and Regulations of ConEd for Electric Services

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2008

Abstract: Offering testimony on the issue of actions that ConEd can take to encourage development of DER and CHP within its service territory.