Technical Competence of Integrated Resource Plans Prepared by Electric Utilities

Integrated resource planning is a new way for electric utilities and state regulatory commissions to cost-effectively meet future energy-service needs. As part of this process, many utilities prepare long-term plans that integrate demand-side programs into the utility’s mix of resources. This paper discusses guidelines for the preparation and review of utility reports on their resource plans, focusing on the technical competence of the underlying analysis. Load forecasts, demand-side resources, supply resources, integration of resources, and treatment of uncertainty are discussed.