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RAP experts keep their finger on the pulse of the energy sector and provide timely analysis of topics impacting stakeholders TODAY.
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Changing how coal power plants get paid: What’s next for policy in China
In late 2023, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), established a new capacity payment mechanism for coal power generators. A capacity payment is an annual payment per megawatt of available capacity that is paid regardless of how many… View Summary +
Can we make nodal pricing work? Another conversation with an inner teenage skeptic
On September 17, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen included a remarkable point in her mission letter for the incoming Energy Commissioner — advance the system integration of solar and wind by improving locational price signals. How could that… View Summary +
Keeping the Door Open to the Public Interest: What PUCs Can Do
“We should be creative, and we should accommodate the needs of every community to open up the process. We should make it easy and accessible for every citizen to participate.” As this quote from the late Rep. John Lewis emphasizes,… View Summary +
The Future of Heat: Cooperating to Promote Heat Pump Adoption in the Midwest
Can states team up to better understand the benefits and challenges that efficient electrification through heat pump adoption can produce for their citizens and economies? Earlier this fall in the first in a series of webinars, Federal Dollars, State… View Summary +
Electrification: A crucial step towards industrial decarbonisation
Europe is at a crossroads in its quest to meet ambitious climate goals. Industrial emissions, which contribute 20% of the continent’s greenhouse gases, must be drastically reduced — by 90% by 2040 — to align with the European Union’s net-zero… View Summary +
RAP Names Katherine Dixon as its New CEO
After a global search, the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)® has named a new CEO to strengthen and grow the organization as it continues to bring thought leadership and clarity to the energy transition. RAP has appointed former British diplomat and… View Summary +
UK energy governance is changing fast, here’s what’s needed to get it right
In early October, the energy regulator Ofgem closed its Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) policy framework consultation; there are some positive developments coming, but the need for further reform remains. Overall, it’s clear more regional planning is… View Summary +
How Many EVs Participate in Utility-Managed Charging Programs: the Minnesota PUC’s Solution
Most utility regulators understand that managed charging for light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) is really important. Instead of EVs charging at high-use times when serving customers is more expensive, charging can readily be moved to other times of the day when… View Summary +
Network charges: Paving the way for industrial electrification and competitiveness
The Commission and others have identified renewable electricity as the main lever to reduce gas imports and reduce industrial carbon emissions. Yet electricity prices are often significantly higher than fossil fuel prices, so the business case does not always stack… View Summary +
提升电力需求侧弹性以平滑价格波动
近年来，中国风能和太阳能等可再生能源在电力系统中的比例不断提升。随着“双碳”目标的推进，这一趋势将继续深化。为支持新型电力系统的构建，政府部门在规划多项措施，其中包括加快电力现货市场的建设。然而，伴随着多省现货市场进入试运行和正式运行阶段，电力现货市场的价格波动引发了政策制定者、市场参与者和用户的担忧。虽然现货市场价格波动是新型电力系统中传递关键信号的重要机制，但若市场设计不当或监管不力，可能导致无效信号甚至价格飙升。随着可再生能源渗透率的增加，这些问题可能更加显著。本文将重点探讨防范新型电力系统价格过度波动的一个重要手段——持续推进需求侧用电弹性建设，充分发挥需求响应能力。 增加需求侧的用电弹性多年来一直是政策关注的重点。在过去的讨论中，它往往被视为用较低的系统成本增强系统韧性，保障电力安全的妙方。但在诸多讨论中较少提及的是，需求侧用电弹性在平稳电力现货市场价格中扮演着关键角色——它能够帮助降低价格不确定性，确保市场传递理性的价格信号，进而助力新型电力系统高效运作。借鉴国内外的经验，我们认为在碳中和背景下，电力系统的规划与建设应持续重视需求侧弹性的建立，从供给侧与需求侧共同发力，在保证电力供应与价格稳定的前提下，以较低的系统成本实现减排目标。 … View Summary +
