A Regulator, a Utility, and an Innovator: Reimagining Connecticut's Energy Grid

On July 24, 2024, at the AESP Summer Con in Toronto, attendees were treated to a panel discussion titled “A Regulator, Utility, and Vendor Walked into a Sandbox: 3 Perspectives on Connecticut’s Demand Flexibility Pilot Program.” The session offered a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from key stakeholders involved in this groundbreaking Innovative Energy Solutions (IES) program. The key speakers were:

• Courtney Blodgett, Director of Strategy at Edo, brought the innovator’s lens, offering a candid look at the challenges and rewards of participating in such a program.
• Julia Dumaine of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) provided insights into the creation of a regulatory sandbox for energy innovation.
• Amy Findlay, Manager of Demand Response and Managed EV Charging at Eversource, shared the utility’s perspective on balancing customer needs with integrating new technologies.

PURA’s Visionary Role

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) established the Innovative Energy Solutions (IES) Program to identify, pilot, and scale innovative ideas that enable a decarbonized, affordable, and equitable electric grid for Connecticut.

Julia Dumaine, one of the forces behind the IES program, started the panel with a clear vision. She painted a picture of a state on the cusp of an energy revolution, where innovation and regulation coexist to create a sustainable future.

Dumaine emphasized PURA’s role as the architect of this transformation. She outlined the program’s structure, from its inception as a response to growing energy challenges to its current phase, which is focused on identifying and nurturing promising energy technologies.

A key takeaway from her presentation was the importance of collaboration. Dumaine stressed the need for a multifaceted approach involving utilities, innovators, and other stakeholders. She highlighted the role of the Innovation Advisory Council as a crucial component in ensuring the program’s success.

Dumaine presented a compelling case for the IES program, positioning it as a catalyst for Connecticut’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy grid.

Eversource Leads the Energy Transition

Amy Findlay, representing Eversource, offered a utility’s perspective on the initiative. She emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with the financial interests of ratepayers.

Findlay described Eversource’s role as dual: supporting innovative projects while ensuring they align with the utility’s broader goals. The utility, she explained, is keen on solutions that reduce costs for their customers, improve grid reliability, and accelerate the transition to clean energy.

A key challenge for Eversource, as Findlay pointed out, is the integration of new technologies into existing infrastructure. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with innovators to ensure a smooth transition. The utility’s focus on demand flexibility, as evidenced by their involvement in multiple IES projects, underscores their commitment to grid modernization.

Findlay concluded her remarks by emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between utilities, regulators, and innovators. She expressed optimism about the potential of the IES program to drive significant advancements in the energy sector.

Edo: The Innovator’s Edge

Courtney Blodgett brought a fresh and dynamic perspective to the panel. As an innovator on the front lines of energy solutions, she shared the challenges and rewards of participating in the IES program.

Blodgett explained the pitch fest that was part of the IES approval process, which required innovators to provide a 1-minute pitch to eight different stakeholder groups. This firsthand account offered a glimpse into the high-stakes world of startups vying for funding.

Edo’s focus on whole building optimization presented a unique approach to energy efficiency and demand response. Blodgett highlighted the company’s commitment to serving disadvantaged communities, demonstrating a strong alignment with the program’s equity goals.

The rapid pace of the program, from initial application to potential statewide deployment, was a recurring theme in Blodgett’s presentation. She emphasized the need for agility and adaptability in today’s fast-paced energy market.

Overall, Blodgett’s enthusiasm for innovation and her company’s dedication to solving real-world energy challenges were captivating. Her presentation showcased the potential of startups to drive significant change in the industry.

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

A lively Q&A session followed the panel presentations, highlighting critical issues in the energy industry.

• Cost-effectiveness: Panelists discussed the challenges of developing a standardized cost-effectiveness test for diverse projects. They emphasized the importance of considering a project’s potential for scaling and integration with existing programs.
• Program Timeline: The complexity of managing multiple project cycles and phases was highlighted. The panelists shared their experiences in balancing resource allocation and project timelines.
• Outreach and Participant Recruitment: Strategies for attracting project participants were discussed, including the role of industry networks and partnerships. The importance of clear communication and highlighting the program’s benefits was emphasized.
• Community Impact: Panelists addressed the critical role of community engagement and benefit measurement. They discussed the challenges of defining and quantifying community impact for various project types.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The panel emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulators, utilities, and innovators and explored the potential for replicating the IES program in other jurisdictions.

Conclusion

The panel discussion provided valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities of implementing demand flexibility programs. PURA, Eversource, and Edo’s collaborative approach serves as a model for other regions seeking to accelerate energy innovation.

By addressing critical questions about cost-effectiveness, program management, community impact, and outreach, the panelists offered a comprehensive overview of the challenges and rewards of this groundbreaking initiative.