Integrated Planning
What is it?
Definition – in layman’s terms:
- Every state and utility has planning processes in place to determine operational and capital expenditures required to meet near- and long-term strategic and implementation needs.
- Increasing DER and renewable resources deployment, along with electrification increasing electric loads across the system and modifying traditional load profiles, call for improved planning processes.
- Integrated planning processes include modeling that considers variables like resource & transmission planning, earth system models, technology adoption curves, and critical infrastructure needs.
- It includes forecasting with more sophisticated models that handle uncertainty better and more powerful algorithms that improve the capacity and productivity of planning tools.
More technically speaking – industry terms to know:
- Hosting capacity: Refers to a maximum amount of DER the distribution grid can accommodate in specific locations without new infrastructure buildout.
- Deterministic forecasts: Refers to a modeled forecast of future grid needs where many variables are assumed to be unchanging. Better forecasting methods use multiple scenario forecasts instead which test a variety of variables under different conditions.
- Integrated resource planning: A public, legally required plan that sets the long-term vision for resource development in a utility’s territory. Utilities use IRPs to evaluate and communicate potential strategies for delivering reliable supply at the lowest system-wide cost over 10 to 20 years.
The Grid Today
Planning processes today differ significantly from state to state based on market type, generation ownership, state targets, and more. Generally, typical grid planning processes, including distribution planning, integrated resource planning, and transmission planning, are conducted independently.
Modeling and forecasting used for planning makes use of deterministic forecasts and future projections are based on historic data. Systems external to the grid (like gas networks) are not included in planning processes and traditional planning requirements including reliability, safety, security, congestion, and voltage constraints are considered.
For a Modern Grid
New and emerging planning requirements include considering the integration of renewables, cybersecurity, climate change adaptation, equity, and electrification demands. This calls for integrated planning, where distribution planning, integrated resource planning, and transmission planning are coordinated with consistent assumptions, and incorporated into a modeling environment. Multiple scenario forecasts can then be conducted during the planning process, featuring models of identified system interdependencies, earth systems (weather, flooding, etc.) to account for climate change, financial and supply chain constraints, and more.
Technology Examples
Explore examples of integrated planning in these technologies:
