Regulatory Sandbox Navigator

A Toolkit for States to Unlock Innovation for Advanced Grid Technologies

Regulatory sandboxes offer a structured environment for testing new technologies and business approaches under modified rules to increase the speed of adoption.

In the current landscape where innovation is necessary to meet growing loads and threats facing electricity systems, states are increasingly recognizing the need to reduce regulatory barriers to advance adoption of advanced technologies that support grid needs, benefit utility customers, and achieve other state goals. Regulatory sandboxes and similar approaches are an important tool for testing and documenting the use of advanced technologies and experimenting with new utility business models and incentives.

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Regulatory Sandboxes

Mechanisms that provide a structured environment for testing new technologies and business approaches under modified rules to increase speed of adoption.

Example

The Connecticut Innovative Energy Solutions sandbox mechanism selects cutting-edge project proposals to run for a 12- to 18-month trial period before assessing results and quickly determining scaling strategies.

This online toolkit serves as a resource for states and entities looking to learn more about regulatory sandboxes and similar mechanisms and for those looking to develop a regulatory sandbox in their jurisdiction.

The toolkit includes:

  • Why Choose a Sandbox? Learn more about what regulatory sandboxes are, what they aim to achieve, and their potential benefits and challenges.
  • Map of Sandbox Mechanisms: Interact with a catalog of sandbox mechanisms across the U.S. and learn more about their unique designs and implementation strategies.
  • Project Examples: See success stories and details about specific projects and technologies have been tested through these sandbox mechanisms.
  • Regulatory Toolkit: Walkthrough the process of setting up a regulatory sandbox, see real-world examples, and download a model straw proposal to develop a sandbox.
  • Emerging Best Practices: Review and download a checklist of emerging best practices that help make sandboxes successful.
  • Become a Sandbox Champion: Find ideas for promoting a sandbox in your jurisdiction.
  • Resources: Find more information about regulatory sandboxes and related topics.