(The Center Square) \u2013 Faced with unprecedented energy demand, an aging grid, and a backlog of new generation projects awaiting connection, energy experts are searching for ways to head off a projected shortfall in electricity supply.<\/p>\n
While long-term reforms are needed, some say a mix of smart policy and innovative technology could deliver quick, cost-effective solutions to help stave off the looming crisis and contain rising energy costs.<\/p>\n
Sarah Steinberg, managing director at Advanced Energy United, and Chris D\u2019Agostino, the organization\u2019s Pennsylvania lead, told The Center Square they have created a playbook outlining ways to speed up generation and the buildout of energy infrastructure while making it more flexible and affordable. They emphasized that legislative support is key to putting these strategies into action.<\/p>\n
Their three-pronged plan includes:<\/p>\n
Integrated Energy System Planning \u2013 requiring collaboration between gas and electric utilities so regulators can choose the least-cost options for consumers.Grid Flexibility Goals \u2013 setting targets for utilities to use demand response, distributed resources, and advanced transmission to enhance reliability and reduce costs.Consumer Cost Protections \u2013 ensuring utilities evaluate non-pipe and non-wires alternatives before committing major investments.<\/p>\n
While still new, and in limited use, they view integrated energy planning as a key innovation to optimize utility operations and investments.<\/p>\n
D\u2019Agostino explained that electric and gas functions overlap more than ever, making communication and coordination essential.<\/p>\n
He compared it to a potluck dinner: without coordination, two people might bring the same dish. Similarly, a lack of collaboration between utilities risks duplicating investments and unnecessary spending.<\/p>\n
Steinberg added that coordination helps avoid both overbuilding, which drives up costs, and underbuilding, which threatens reliability.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania\u2019s grid, D\u2019Agostino said, is among the oldest in the country, making efficiency crucial. One solution is the use of Advanced Transmission Technologies<\/a>, or ATTs, which optimize the flow of electricity, reduce congestion, and supports renewable integration.<\/p>\n ATTs can be deployed in as little as 12 to 15 months \u2013 faster and less expensive than building new substations \u2013 though both approaches are needed, he said.<\/p>\n He cited analysis by RMI<\/a> showing that a $100 million investment in grid enhancement technologies, or GETs \u2013 a subset of ATTs \u2013 could save PJM customers $1 billion annually.<\/p>\n These technologies are being seriously considered in other states, and they want to develop a policy framework to move them forward in the Pennsylvania \u2013 \u201cbecause it\u2019s just common sense,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n D\u2019Agostino added that when natural disasters strike, and poles and wires fail, ATTs can reroute electricity to where it\u2019s needed most.<\/p>\n Another solution being proposed is asking utilities to analyze lower-cost alternatives before committing to major infrastructure investments.<\/p>\n Pennsylvania\u2019s aging natural gas pipelines, Steinberg said, are vulnerable to cracking, and expensive to replace. Evaluating what\u2019s in the ground is a critical first step.<\/p>\n