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Incisive commentary from RAP experts
RAP experts keep their finger on the pulse of the energy sector and provide timely analysis of topics impacting stakeholders TODAY.
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Why Am I Here? Looking at a Commission’s Role in the IRP Process
In most U.S. states, the utility commission has a formal role to play in reviewing or approving the contents of a utility’s integrated resource plan (IRP). These plans serve as long-term, forward-looking energy strategies that electric utilities use to meet their… View Summary +
We’re Opening the AI “Bottle.” So, What Should Regulators Wish For?
Like the all-powerful genies of mythology, artificial intelligence (AI) seems increasingly able to magically answer our questions and potentially grant wishes. Policymakers and regulators are still trying to understand the nuances of this technology and its impacts to energy systems. View Summary +
From the Ground Up: Rural Electric Co-ops Can Lead on Decarbonization
With the Biden-Harris administration’s recent announcement of $11 billion for rural energy providers to electrify and decarbonize, rural electric cooperatives now have the boost they need to apply their nimble capabilities and lead the energy transition. Although energy… View Summary +
Navigating the Workforce Bottleneck
The workforce is the driving engine of the economy. This adage is equally true even when the engine is efficient and electric. Clean energy jobs in the fields of energy efficiency and electrification are increasing. While the U.S. workforce grew… View Summary +
In the Electrification Push, Familiar Tools Get Repurposed
Stephen King wrote, “Sooner or later, everything old is new again.” Many “new” regulatory approaches to encourage building electrification are actually just new applications of tried-and-true methods policymakers have been using for years. Take, for example, clean heat standards, which… View Summary +
To Save Energy, Cities Turn to Building Performance Standards
When homes and buildings are first constructed, they must meet the building code in place at the time of construction. The median age of U.S. homes is 39 years, which means that most homes are decades out… View Summary +
A Chance to Transform Weatherization Programs
Across the country, state and local governments are awaiting a windfall investment from the federal government to modernize infrastructure and ensure energy security. Everything from housing to bridges, airports and the electric grid will receive an injection of funds to… View Summary +
Tackling the Job of Building Modernization: A Toolkit for State Decision-Makers
Energy efficiency and electrification are the dynamic duo of a modern building. Technology advances in both these areas mean that we have the ability to improve the comfort and health of a building’s residents, save them money, reduce air… View Summary +
Hybrid Heat: the Cool Path to Home Heating
The opportunity: If the over 50 million US homes that have central air conditioning and a separate heating system just replaced their AC with a look-alike and more efficient “two-way” heat pump unit, those households could not only cool over… View Summary +
Utilities Want to Provide EV Fleet “Advisory Services.” Should Regulators Approve?
As the electrification of vehicle fleets goes mainstream, fleet owners are facing a gauntlet of challenges, starting with engaging their electric service provider. The utility response of providing “advisory services” is both creative and presents new challenges for utility and… View Summary +
