Earlier this fall, we explored next-generation approaches to competitive utility procurement in a webinar based on recent work by RAP and RMI — laying out recommendations for processes that consider all available resources, are aligned with policy objectives, and result in “least-regrets” outcomes. In a follow-up roundtable session moderated by Lauren Shwisberg of RMI and Carl Linvill of RAP, we heard more about this fast-changing landscape from a panel of practitioners:

• Jim Baak, distributed energy resources manager, MCE
• Kristin Munsch, director for regulatory and customer strategy, National Grid
• Pat O’Connell, senior clean energy policy analyst, Western Resource Advocates (formerly of the Public Service Company of New Mexico)

Our panelists offered varying perspectives, working with the contexts of a vertically integrated utility, a restructured distribution utility and a community choice aggregator. They discussed what demand- and supply-side resource portfolio procurement looks like for each of them, challenges and opportunities, and what regulators can do to accelerate progress.