TECHNICAL COORDINATOR:

Alberto Pototschnig (Council of European Energy Regulators, CEER, with support from the Florence School of Regulation, FSR)

DESCRIPTION:

This training module will explore the impact of a greater penetration of renewables on the electricity systems and markets. The module will start with a characterisation of the different types of renewable-based generation, in terms of their variability, predictability and dispatchability, as well as their cost structures. The technical characteristics of renewable-based generation will be used to assess the way in which its development impacts the electricity system and the effect on the residual load, with the resulting need for greater system flexibility. Moreover, the impact of the different locations of renewables with respect to conventional generation on the power flows on the system will be explored and the resulting issues (e.g. loop-flows) highlighted.

On the other hand, the economic characteristics of renewable-based generation will be used to assess the way in which their development affects electricity markets in their different designs. The module will also consider how to deal with excess renewable-based generation and how to ensure sufficient back-up capacity. The module will conclude by presenting a taxonomy of the different phases in the integration of renewable-based generation in developing and mature markets, as well as real-life examples of approaches to overcome grid-related and market-related challenges.

DESCRIPTION:

The electricity industry is in the midst of a transformation, as technology and innovation disrupt traditional models from generation to beyond the meter. Resources ‘beyond the meter’ (including customer demand side response, energy efficiency programs and distributed generation) may be able to compete ‘head to head’ with utility owned supply side options. A question for regulators is what role should the utility play in their development.

Join us to discuss regulatory frameworks and case studies as regulators grapple with these issues. Illustrative case studies will include utility investment in energy efficiency programs, advanced meter infrastructure, EV charging stations, thermal energy systems, LNG/CNG fueling stations and more.

In progress

The session will address the challenges of energy access, considering the opportunities of energy transition -due to the diversification of energy sources- and uses that are based on technological advances. It will be discussed the role of regulation to promote the deployment of technology from the demand and supply sides; the different uses for the urban and rural sectors; the new electrification options linked to the charging infrastructure of electrical vehicles and applications such as cooking and heating. The session will close with a discussion of implementation proposals for developing countries such as the Latin American region.

Technical Coordinator:

Ibero-American Associations of Energy Regulators, ARIAE

Description:

Energy storage is fundamental for the integration of non-conventional renewable energy into the future low-emission power system. Its task is to store excess electricity and make it available to the power system when it is most needed to balance supply and demand and stabilize the grid.

To this end, although traditional Reversible Pumped-Storage Plants can be used, given the limited resources of this kind, there are developments for future use, such as lithium batteries, compressed air systems, green hydrogen, and solar thermoelectric systems with molten salt storage, among others.

In particular, sequentially connected batteries are undergoing a technological revolution at macro (connected to the transmission grid) and micro levels (associated with self-generation and self-consumption).

TECHNICAL COORDINATOR:

Nadia Horstmann (Council of European Energy Regulators, CEER, with support from the Florence School of Regulation, FSR)

DESCRIPTION:

This training module will be structured in two parts. The first part will cover independence rules applicable to energy national regulatory authorities (NRAs) and the reality test. It will start with a definition of ‘independence’ and then examine independence in decision-making; independence in decision enforcement; independence in resources, NRAs´ staffing and budget; accountability of the regulatory action, policy and regulation; judicial review of regulatory decisions; and finally, independence in terms of NRAs´ duties and powers.

Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) will present some general recommendations in each of the aforementioned areas. In the second part, CEER will present some case studies and European experiences in the application of NRA independence rules. European Court of Justice and national court decisions will be examined in terms of how the adapt/adjust the legal framework that would apply. Finally, there will be some conclusions and an outlook on challenges of the changing legal frameworks and tasks. The will be complemented by the ongoing assessment by the EU and international institutions (e.g. OECD…etc.).

In development

TECHNICAL COORDINATOR:

Alberto Pototschnig (Florence School of Regulation, FSR)

DESCRIPTION:

The training module will be structured in two parts. In the first part, after providing a brief overview of the current situation with respect to access to modern energy (electricity), the module will identify the most affected segments of the population. The emphasis will then be put on the distribution grid, which is where access issues are most frequently identified, with the quest for a valid model for overcoming these issues. The elements for such a model will be spelt out, together with metrics to assess progress and identify flaws.

In the second part, the use of regulation for enabling universal access will be proposed. In particular, an approach based on adapting the concession model for distribution activities will be presented and discussed. Finally, the module will briefly consider how distribution operators could be incentivised to enable and promote economic development.

TECHNICAL COORDINATOR:

Canada´s Energy and Utility Regulators, CAMPUT

DESCRIPTION:

IRPs are a roadmap utilities use to plan out their acquisitions over 5, 10, or 20 years (or more), and PBR is a regulatory framework used to align the interests of the utility (and its management) with those of its customers. This education session will provide a high-level overview of traditional regulatory approaches to IRPs and PBR and emerging best practice.

Technical Coordinator:

Erin Hammel (National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, NARUC)

Description:

Energy regulators around the world are increasingly focused on connectivity and integration, especially in the context of developing regional energy markets. Regional energy markets play an important role in improving the energy security of countries by bolstering the resources and systems beyond local or national borders. They also help ensure that consumers receive reliable and affordable electricity while promoting increased use of clean energy resources. As new investors and traders enter the markets, it behooves energy regulators to promote coordinated regulatory frameworks to facilitate investments and increased access. This session will discuss key regulatory concepts and structures that various state-level regulators in the U.S. have developed with each other and with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Just as utilities have significantly increased their coordination efforts to address efficiencies, especially in regional transmission organizations (RTOs), regulators have, likewise, developed a number of working-level systems to strengthen the regional regulatory frameworks.