The power sector in the United States is experiencing considerable movement due to the increase in distributed generation, uncertainty surrounding energy subsidies, the challenges associated with integrating growing portions of variable renewable energy sources, and the emissions reduction requirements under the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan (CPP). David Farnsworth spoke to the Environment and Energy Technology Council of Maine about selected utility sector trends, such as infrastructure investment needs, regulatory challenges, the CPP, and the utility of the future.

Mr. Farnsworth encourages regulators to get ahead of the integration challenge and be prepared to develop of tariffs that recognize the benefits of renewable energy sources. He outlines twelve considerations for designing effective distributed generation tariffs, as well as ten practical strategies for addressing the ramping challenges associated with integrating increasing volumes of intermittent renewable energy sources.