Vote Solar Outlines Policy Pathway to Affordable, Reliable Modern Grid

New white paper describes collaborative approach to grid transformation 

Vote Solar, a national nonprofit working to advance clean energy in state legislative and regulatory forums, released a white paper today on the critical role of policymakers in the transition toward a modern electric grid. The Policy Process of Grid Transformation is a tool for state lawmakers, advocates, and industry to understand the concept of grid modernization, what components are necessary to transition well, and the importance of a strong policy process to support the transformation of our nation’s electric grid.

“Transforming the infrastructure, markets, and players that support our nation’s electric grid will require the efforts of many. Putting in place a strong policy process now ensures a smarter future tomorrow. We’re calling on legislators, industry, and other stakeholders to continue meaningful conversations around what policy elements are needed in order to facilitate a grid that is cost-effective, efficient, and facilitates the improved use of distributed resources,” said Caroline Golin, Vote Solar’s regulatory director and author of the grid modernization white paper.

Grid Transformation is the strategic transition in the planning, operations, investments, regulation, and markets of the electric system. The three basic elements of grid transformation are grid modernization, market transformation, and regulatory transformation. In order to transition to the grid of the future, all three aspects of Grid Transformation must be addressed in concert and supported by a strong policy process.

“This paper breaks down a complex, multi-faceted issue into a clear and insightful framework. I believe policymakers will find it very useful when facing grid modernization dockets,” said Ric O’Connell, the Executive Director at GridLab.

Last year, over two hundred state, city, and utility-level actions related to grid transformation were proposed, pending, or enacted. For many policymakers, however, understanding the role of grid investments, regulatory and legislative policy, as well as changes in the marketplace in the transformation of the grid, is still unclear.

The first installment of this white paper series seeks to demystify the policy approach and establish forums where constructive and collaborative dialogue can take place.

The white paper is available here.