Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) Program
The APPA is a non-profit organization that represents community-owned electric utilities across the United States. As a private entity, APPA has the autonomy to establish programs like DEED without the need for specific legislative authorization.
California
Funding Opportunity
Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program
The California EPIC Program is the successor to the Systems Benefit Charge (public goods charge or PGC). The CPUC determined that they had sufficient authority to require the utilities to impose a new surcharge for RD&D and renewables programs under their Constitutional authority and specific authority to set policies related to RD&D.
Connecticut
Sandbox
Innovative Energy Solutions
PURA cited its broad statutory powers and obligations to oversee electric distribution companies and the condition of their facilities to meet their obligation to serve customers safely, reliably, economically, and in alignment with state policy objectives to enable the IES program. PURA also cites its authority to partner with third parties to implement enhanced demand-side management programs.
Washington, DC
Funding Opportunity
Pilot Project Fund
The DC PSC cited its broad statutory role in regulating utilities to meet DC's energy goals, saying that “by law, [it] has been prescribed a critical regulatory role that requires that [it] and the utilities [it] regulate[s] take meaningful steps to achieve the District of Columbia's (“District”) energy and climate change commitments.”
Hawaii
Pilot Process
Innovation Pilot Framework
The Hawaii Innovative Pilot Framework was created as part of a performance-based regulation (“PBR”) Framework. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission cited its obligation to develop performance metrics and incentives that break the direct link between allowed revenues and investment levels in developing the PBR Framework.
Michigan
Pilot Process
New Technologies and Business Models
In 2019, the MI PSC established the Michigan PowerGrid initiative, citing numerous 2016 energy laws. The Commission found that as part of the initiative, it would focus on the new technologies and business models which led to the expedited pilot review process.
North Carolina
Pilot Process
Innovation Prototyping Process
The Innovation Prototyping Process was born from the NCUC's Carbon Plan Order, in which the Commission indicated that it was “persuaded that the adoption of new flexibility and rapid prototyping guidelines to ensure regulatory approval of new customer programs, pilots, and rate designs in a timely manner would be appropriate at this time.” As such, the NCUC's authority to adopt flexibility and rapid prototyping guidelines is grounded in its statutory duty under N.C. General Statute § 62-110.9, which was enacted through House Bill 951 and which mandates the development of Carbon Plans.
New Jersey
Funding Opportunity
Future Rapid Pilots Regulatory Sandbox and Existing Funding Opportunities
The 2020 Order (Docket No. QO20080562) that authorizes the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the BPU and NJEDA cites its statutory authority that enables their collaborative management of Clean Energy funding. The law (N.J.S.A. 52:14-1 and the following sections) generally address administrative functions of state agencies, authorities, and officials, including their power to enter agreements, manage resources, and outline procedures for inter-agency cooperation. Specifically, N.J.S.A. 52:14-2 allows state departments to request services or assistance from one another and to formalize such arrangements through mutual agreements.
New York
Sandbox
Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) Demonstration Projects
The New York Public Service Commission encouraged utilities to develop demonstrations as part of the Reforming the energy Vision (REV) policy changes.
Oregon
Sandbox
Smart Grid Testbed
Before developing the Smart Grid Testbed, Oregon had established several key policies to support distribution-sited grid assets and clean energy. House Bill 2193 (2015) directed the OPUC to implement energy storage guidelines, and Senate Bill 1547 (2016) advanced transportation electrification and created an energy resource loading order that prioritized cost-effective energy efficiency and demand response. Prior to the creation of the Testbed, the OPUC was also developing Demand-Side Management policies for energy storage and electric vehicles and was planning to explore more comprehensive distribution system planning. In 2017, the Commission opened a proceeding under SB 978 to examine regulatory frameworks and the role of customer-sited resources. The PGE Testbed initiative was launched in response to this policy landscape.
Vermont
Rate Case or Rulemaking
Innovative Pilot Program
Under 30 V.S.A. § 218d, the Commission has the authority to approve alternative regulation plans for electric and natural gas utilities. The Commission initially authorized the Innovative Pilot Program as part of Green Mountain Power's alternative regulation plan and subsequently enabled the same mechanisms for municipal and cooperative utilities through legislation.
Wisconsin
Funding Opportunity
Energy Innovation Grant Program
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin cited its general jurisdiction to oversee public utilities in the state.