Event 1: Exploring strategies for an efficient grid transition
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has laid out goals to reach Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050 and has shared plans to achieve those goals in the Clean Energy and Climate Plan (“CECP”) and the Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap. The electric distribution companies (“EDCs”) have developed Electric Sector Modernization Plans (“ESMPs”) that analyze what they plan to do to prepare the electric grid to enable the CECP targets. As part of the ESMP process, the Grid Modernization Advisory Council (“GMAC”) reviewed and provided recommendations on the ESMPs, as an integral part of increasing transparency and stakeholder engagement in the grid planning process.
This series is to build off the GMAC process and create a dialog around methods to ensure the proposed grid transition is optimized for efficiency in implementation and costs.
NECEC will convene stakeholders from across the MA energy ecosystem, including public and private sector leaders, communities, EDCs, technology providers, including entrepreneurs, and academics to hold a dialog on the next set of barriers and potential solutions. In addition, we will discuss the best way to maintain a continuous dialog and information exchange between the EDCs and grid users (businesses, developers, municipalities, and State officials).
This series proposes to cover strategies for an efficient grid transition, including:
1) Supporting the expanded planning horizon being developed in the ESMPs, including increasing data and information flow in grid planning between EDCs and grid users
2) Maximizing the utilization of grid infrastructure, such as by developing supportive policy and planning around DERs, grid-enhancing technologies (GETs), and winter ratings.