Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013 - (Page 46)
STANDARD Bearings...
To address this issue, the GWA/SGPC have created
the first-ever state-by-state Grid Modernization Index
(GMI). The purpose of the GMI is to evaluate and
communicate the status of electric grid modernization
in the United States and gain a clear understanding
of the interdependencies of state policies and
regulations to utility investments in modernization of
the grid.
The GMI is based on a scorecard that clearly defined
a set of criteria to evaluate and convey the progress
and impact of this transformative set of improvements
to the nation’s electric infrastructure. GWA/SGPC
intend to make the GMI an annual ranking index
by state that identifies the current state and tracks
progress over time. The index has three components:
1. State policies and regulatory enablers for
investment
2. Investments throughout the state in customerenabling technologies
3. Investments throughout the state in gridenhancement technologies
The state policies and regulatory enablers section of
the index is composed of the following elements:
■ Does the state have a grid modernization
strategy, policy or a requirement that electric
service providers (ESPs) in the state develop and
submit a plan?
■ Does the state have an Energy Sustainability,
Environmental Plan and/or Renewable Portfolio
Standard or Goal?
■ Does the state have or does the commission
require ESPs to have a security/cyber-security
plan for:
✔ Electric delivery
✔ Customer energy data
■ Does the state have, or review and approve,
electric industry customer energy data privacy
policies?
■ Does the state have a formal plan for customer
education and/or outreach on grid modernization
and allow ESPs to recover costs of
implementation?
■ Are metrics being reported publicly to legislators,
regulators, or other state officials to track the
progress of grid modernization progress?
■ Are distributed energy resources such as
photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, electric vehicles,
energy storage, wind, fuel cells, etc. incented
by state funds and/or supported in legislature or
46 • UTILITY HORIZONS • Q2 - 2013
rulemakings?
■ Has the state established clear mechanisms
for project approval and cost recovery of grid
modernization projects?
■ Is the utility industry workforce, including that
of commissions, system operators, and utilities,
changing to meet the needs of a modernized
grid?
■ Is the state measuring the value of modernizing
grid operations (i.e., has the state adopted
or identified a cost-effectiveness/performance
methodology for grid investments?
The customer-enabling technology investment section
of the index is composed of the following elements:
■ Does the state have dynamic pricing plans
or rates that leverage smart grid technologies,
including the following?
✔ Residential Time of Use or Time of
Day rates
✔ Small Commercial Time of Use or Time
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
of Day rates
Residential Critical Peak Pricing
Small Commercial Critical Peak Pricing
Residential Demand Response
Small Commercial Demand Response
Real-time, market based pricing
A price for reactive energy
■ Are pricing events such as demand response,
critical peak pricing, or peak time rebate
communicated to customers via one or more
personalized methods, such as:
✔ Email
✔ Mobile text message
✔ Outbound dialer
✔ Twitter
✔ Other
■ Is there a tariff and/or standard methodology for
integrating the grid with new technologies such
as:
✔ Electric vehicles
✔ Energy storage
✔ Photovoltaic
✔ Fuel cells
■ Is there a platform that allows third party device
www.UtilityHorizons.com
http://www.UtilityHorizons.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013
Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013
Publisher’s Message
Contents
The Queue
Automation Rising!
Inside Tracks
Focal Point
Automation and Innovation at Epcor Water Services
BLeading Edge: Advanced Technology Perspectives
Consumer Engagement: The Future Goes Mobile
Demand Response: Why the Future Is in the Cloud
Building Paths to Smarter Water Management
Bullet-Proofing Your Scada System Against the Evil-Doers
Education Matters
Standard Bearings
Regulation De Rigueur
On the Horizon
Purviews
Intersections
Eventualities
Thinking It Through With Sparky Flamedrop
Loose Ends
Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com