Some describe natural gas generation as the “Swiss army knife” of generation technologies, and gas’s current abundance and low price have driven calls for large-scale investments in gas infrastructure. Yet a Swiss army knife, versatile as it is, would not be our first choice if we had a more well-equipped toolbox. As the electric system moves toward a decarbonized future, it needs to be equipped with a full set of least-cost, least-risk tools. In a RAP webinar held on July 9th, Dr. Carl Linvill describes key policies needed for a “smart gas” approach. He recommends using gas as a strategic resource to complement lower-carbon options—such as energy efficiency, demand response, distributed generation, and large-scale renewable resources—not eclipse them. A headlong rush to gas expansion could leave many assets stranded, a costly outcome that could delay the transition to cleaner power. The webinar draws from a forthcoming article, “Smart Gas Investment for a Risk-Aware Transition”, which examines gas’s optimal role in a risk-aware power sector transition.