Electricity Action Framework and Menu for States

The document introduces a three-part framework consisting of on-the-ground solutions, policy and market-enabling conditions, and state levers. It categorizes electricity system improvements into six areas: system-wide efficiency and demand management, utility-scale clean energy supply, community- and commercial-scale clean energy supply, clean distributed energy supply, improved grid management, and updated grid infrastructure. For each category, the guide suggests specific actions—such as implementing clean portfolio standards, expanding virtual power plants (VPPs), and adopting grid-enhancing technologies (GETs)—and provides sample implementation pathways combining different state levers and market conditions.

• The framework for effective state action is based on the interaction of three components: 'On-the-Ground Solutions' (technologies and infrastructure), 'Policy & Market Enabling Conditions' (regulatory and economic environments), and 'State Levers' (mechanisms within state control).
• To advance utility-scale clean energy, the document recommends actions such as creating grant or loan programs for capital costs, introducing tiered clean portfolio standards with penalties for non-compliance, and promoting 'clean repowering' to upgrade fossil fuel plants.
• The guide emphasizes the role of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) across multiple categories, noting they can balance demand and supply, provide grid services, and enhance reliability by aggregating residential-scale distributed energy resources.
• For grid management and infrastructure, the document suggests adopting Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to increase existing transmission capacity without new lines, and implementing 'advanced reconductoring' by using higher-performance cables on existing towers.
• The document identifies several state levers available to legislators and regulators, including requirements and standards, financial incentives, process reforms to streamline systems, education and technical assistance, and study and planning efforts.
• States are advised to prioritize actions based on four key considerations: priority benefits (such as job creation and equity), priority energy challenges (supply, grid, or demand), lever limitations (budget and political feasibility), and relative costs.

APA

RMI (2025). Electricity Action Framework and Menu for States. https://rmi.org/resources/electricity-action-framework-and-menu-for-states/

Chicago

RMI. Electricity Action Framework and Menu for States. 2025. https://rmi.org/resources/electricity-action-framework-and-menu-for-states/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=Electricity Action Framework and Menu for States |date=22 May 2025 |url=https://rmi.org/resources/electricity-action-framework-and-menu-for-states/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmi2025electricity, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{Electricity Action Framework and Menu for States}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2025}, month = may, url = {https://rmi.org/resources/electricity-action-framework-and-menu-for-states/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }