3360 Energy Resource Conservation/Dvlmt Comm
Program Descriptions

10 - REGULATORY AND PLANNING PROGRAM

The Regulatory and Planning program facilitates markets in providing adequate statewide energy supplies. The program develops long-range projections of future energy supply and demand; maintains current information on statewide electrical generation, transmission, natural gas, and fuels markets; certifies and monitors new energy facilities and fuel infrastructure for supply and distribution adequacy consistent with state energy policies; develops state energy policy based on the economic, financial, security, safety, and environmental implications of supply, demand, and price assessments; and monitors energy markets to ensure competitive prices and to prevent potential market abuses.

10.10 - Power Plant Siting and Certification:
This program reviews power plant siting applications, ensures that power plant developers comply with conditions of certification and all applicable laws and regulations during the construction and operation of power plants, and analyzes the reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance issues related to power plants and the state's electricity transmission grid.

10.20 - Electricity Resource Planning:
This program evaluates current and future electricity supply market trends and infrastructure needs, assesses the adequacy of electricity supplies, analyzes regulations and environmental issues related to electricity, and provides information and recommendations to state agencies, electricity market participants, and the public. The Natural Gas component evaluates current and future natural gas market trends and infrastructure needs; assesses the adequacy of natural gas supplies; analyzes regulations and environmental issues related to natural gas; and leads interagency working groups to monitor short-term natural gas market trends.