PATHWAYS TO INTEGRATING CUSTOMER CLEAN ENERGY DEMAND IN UTILITY PLANNING

The document explores the integration of customer clean energy demand into utility planning, focusing on the role of Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) in the US. It argues that early collaboration between utilities and customers can lead to more efficient clean energy procurement, faster decarbonization, and lower costs. The report details the IRP process, identifies barriers to customer engagement—such as limited resources and lack of transparency—and provides pathways for involvement through direct engagement, stakeholder forums, and regulatory proceedings.

• Collaboration between utilities and customers in resource planning can lead to more effective clean energy procurement, faster decarbonization, and a more efficient review of utility resource plans.
• Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) are used by vertically integrated utilities to develop long-term visions for reliable supply at the lowest system-wide cost, balancing supply-side resources (generating assets) with demand-side resources (energy efficiency, demand response).
• IRP requirements vary significantly by state; 30 states require utilities to file IRPs, while nine others have long-term filing requirements that do not meet the full IRP definition of examining both supply and demand resources.
• Early engagement in the IRP process allows utilities to incorporate customer input before modeling is completed and the plan is filed, which can reduce disagreements and create a shared narrative for regulators.
• Customers can influence utility planning through three primary pathways: direct one-on-one engagement, participation in utility-led stakeholder processes, and formal intervention in regulatory proceedings.
• Significant barriers to customer engagement include limited time and financial resources, particularly for smaller companies and local governments, as well as a lack of transparency regarding utility assumptions and data.
• Some utilities are implementing innovative programs to align with customer goals, such as Xcel Energy's Certified Renewable Percentage (CRP) program, which allows customers to take credit for renewables procured by the utility.
• Best practices for driving clean energy in IRPs include using accurate load forecasts that reflect declining demand, giving clean resources equal footing in investment models, and incorporating environmental costs like the social cost of carbon.

APA

RATZ, H. B., & BIRD, L. (2019). PATHWAYS TO INTEGRATING CUSTOMER CLEAN ENERGY DEMAND IN UTILITY PLANNING. World Resources Institute. https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/uploads/pathways-integrating-customer-clean-energy-demand-utility-planning_1.pdf

Chicago

RATZ, HEIDI BISHOP, and LORI BIRD. PATHWAYS TO INTEGRATING CUSTOMER CLEAN ENERGY DEMAND IN UTILITY PLANNING. World Resources Institute, 2019. https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/uploads/pathways-integrating-customer-clean-energy-demand-utility-planning_1.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=RATZ |first1=HEIDI BISHOP |last2=BIRD |first2=LORI |title=PATHWAYS TO INTEGRATING CUSTOMER CLEAN ENERGY DEMAND IN UTILITY PLANNING |publisher=World Resources Institute |date=2019 |url=https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/uploads/pathways-integrating-customer-clean-energy-demand-utility-planning_1.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ratz2019pathways, author = {RATZ, HEIDI BISHOP and BIRD, LORI}, title = {{PATHWAYS TO INTEGRATING CUSTOMER CLEAN ENERGY DEMAND IN UTILITY PLANNING}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2019}, url = {https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/uploads/pathways-integrating-customer-clean-energy-demand-utility-planning_1.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }