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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab

@berkeleylabemp.bsky.social
11K followers 202 following 102 posts

The Energy Markets & Planning (EMP) department at Berkeley Lab inspires and informs impactful solutions to existing and emerging global energy challenges through objective and timely research and technical assistance. emp.lbl.gov

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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Queued Up 2026 can be found at emp.lbl.gov/queues. And join a webinar with the authors on July 16 at 1pm ET / 10am PT. Register here lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/regi.... /END
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
And the large load interconnection side is just as heated, with the rush to build data centers. See our report, Speed To Power, which explores more than 40 potential solutions for accelerating large load connections. emp.lbl.gov/publications... 9/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
In related work, @BerkeleyLab is hosting a series of webinars on interconnection studies under the i2X STITCH program. More at emp.lbl.gov/news/registe.... 8/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Our data visualizations include data by region, technology, and time, with interactive maps at the regional, state and county level. Data: emp.lbl.gov/generation-s... Maps: emp.lbl.gov/maps-project... 7/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The volume of interconnection agreements (IAs) is on the rise in most regions: CAISO, ERCOT, SPP, and MISO each signed a record capacity in 2025. CAISO and ERCOT both executed IAs last year amounting to >30 GW of capacity. 5/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Last year the stack dropped 10% to 2.0 TW, as more than 750 GW withdrew. Gas proposals were up, especially in MISO, SPP, and ERCOT, but solar, storage, and wind capacity decreased. The usual caveat: not all projects in the queue will be built! But it is a strong indicator of near-term trends. 3/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
In our annual tracker, we compiled, aggregated, and cleaned data from all 7 ISO/RTOs and 50 non-ISO balancing areas, which represent ~98% of current US generating capacity. The data goes through the end of 2025. 2/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
New data from @BerkeleyLab shows that the massive backlog of generation & storage interconnection requests has shrunk a bit, as reforms and other market factors take effect. See our slide deck, data dashboard, maps, and downloads at emp.lbl.gov/queues. -THREAD-
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Join us next Tuesday, June 23, for a webinar on regional study processes in MISO and @pjminterconnection.bsky.social. Presentations by staff from MISO and PJM, plus Engie and STRATA. Register for free at uvig.webex.com/webappng/sit...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
As the interconnection queue gets longer, how can we improve the speed and reliability of connecting new generation and storage? For DOE’s Interconnection Exchange (i2X), we are convening a webinar series to dive into interconnection study methods. Register at uvig.webex.com/webappng/sit...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Check out the report here, in the Journal of Building Engineering: emp.lbl.gov/publications... LBNL will host a webinar on this article on 4/2 at 10am PT / 1pm ET. Register here: lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/regi... /end
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Electrical panels need available breaker space to accommodate new loads, but we estimate that at least 20% of panels of all sizes have no available breaker space. Homes with larger-capacity electrical panels generally have more available breaker space. 3/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
We estimate that most U.S. single-family homes (58%) have electrical panels with at least 200A of capacity, but the share of these panels varies by state. For example, homes in Southern states are most likely to have 200A panels, while homes in Northeastern states are least likely. 2/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Data on electrical panels is important for understanding the costs and grid impacts of adding new loads to homes. A new study from @BerkeleyLab provides nationwide estimates of electrical panel capacity, available breaker space, and panel headroom for new loads in U.S. single-family homes.🔌🏠 1/x
Electrical breaker panel
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Advanced technologies for transmission and distribution (T&D) can increase capacity and improve electricity reliability and affordability. But they don’t easily scale under traditional regulatory practices. “Sandboxes” reduce barriers to deploying these innovative technologies. <THREAD>
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
The study looks at hourly energy transfers across thirty-two US transmission interfaces, from 2014 to 2023. By comparing real-time energy prices in the exporting and importing regions, it gauges the economic efficacy of transactions. 4/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
The net saving of $679 million could be much higher if uneconomic trades were avoided and all economic opportunities were pursued. Using existing transmission capacity, another $789 million could be regained. 3/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Electricity trades across regions can save money, but market inefficiencies can erode those savings. A new study from @BerkeleyLab finds $1.23 billion a year in gross savings were offset by $551 million of uneconomic transactions. 🧵 🔌 💡 1/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
States, public power utilities, and rural cooperatives can also apply for technical assistance to consider, develop, and implement sandboxes - or novel pilots and programs - for advanced T&D technologies like smart reclosers, advanced conductors, and flexible transformers. 3/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Berkeley Lab's new Regulatory Sandbox Navigator toolkit provides information for states and utilities on how to use sandboxes to promote innovation, examples across the country, and practical materials to tailor a sandbox to meet local objectives. 2/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Advanced technologies for transmission and distribution (T&D) can increase capacity and improve electricity reliability and affordability. But they don’t easily scale under traditional regulatory practices. “Sandboxes” reduce barriers to deploying these innovative technologies. <THREAD>
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Learn how to maintain a reliable and secure grid with distributed energy resources. Join @berkeleylab.lbl.gov and panelists from the Georgia PSC, @nreca.bsky.social Puget Sound Energy, and @nationalgrid.bsky.social for a free i2X webinar on Dec 16. Register: lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Join @berkeleylab.lbl.gov and panelists from the Georgia PSC, @nreca.bsky.social, Puget Sound Energy, and @nationalgrid.bsky.social for a free i2X webinar on Dec 16. Learn solutions for maintaining a reliable and secure grid with distributed energy resources. Register: lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
The Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X™) enables simpler, faster, and fairer interconnection of new energy resources on distribution and transmission systems while enhancing the reliability, resiliency, and security of electric grids. Learn more at emp.lbl.gov/interconnect....
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Join a free i2X webinar to discuss innovations in allocating interconnection-related costs for distribution upgrades among beneficiaries for economic efficiency. September 29. With panelists from @Mass_DPU, @NMPRC1, @New_Leaf_Energy, and @Current_Energy_. Register at lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Join us August 21 for an i2X webinar on how closer alignment between distributed energy interconnection and long-term grid planning can improve economic efficiency and reduce costs. Panelists include Eversource, NC Utilities Commission, and the NY PSC. Register here: lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
“Regulatory sandboxes” allow utilities to test and scale innovations in a structured environment. Learn how they are being applied to advanced grid technologies on a free @BerkeleyLab webinar. August 13, 2pm Eastern/ 11 am Pacific. Register at naruc-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi....
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Learn more about how these mechanisms create an ongoing laboratory to test innovative ideas for advanced grid technologies, respond to changing grid needs, and document impacts, benefits, and lessons learned. Download the @BerkeleyLab report at emp.lbl.gov/publications.... 5/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
A dozen jurisdictions across the U.S. are using sandbox-type mechanisms to trial advanced grid technologies like dynamic line rating and smart distribution circuits, new customer programs, and resilience and cybersecurity strategies. 3/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
We categorize four types of innovation mechanisms—regulatory sandboxes as well as complementary approaches, such as funding opportunities, pilot processes, and rate cases and rulemakings that include innovation initiatives. 2/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Advanced grid technologies don’t easily scale under traditional regulatory approaches. “Regulatory sandboxes” allow utilities to test innovations in a structured environment and rapidly scale successful approaches. Our new report talks about how to do that. <THREAD> 💡🔌
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Grid Resilience Planning for Severe Storms in the East and Southeast: Join us on June 16, 2–5 pm ET, for an interactive webinar on grid resilience planning. Experts will discuss planning for severe storms and hurricanes and answer questions from participants. Register: lbnl.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
The Energy Innovator Fellowship is looking for recent grads to help advance solutions at critical energy organizations. Help us spread the word about this (paid!) opportunity. Learn more: bit.ly/3SVv2de #ExperienceORISE #Energy @berkeleylab.lbl.gov
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
For even more information, see our landmark research on the interconnection queues, in the report Queued Up. Find also recorded webinars, interactive data sets, and more, at emp.lbl.gov/queues. /END
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Policymakers are actively working with stakeholders to improve procedural rules for interconnection but commonly cite the lack of data and transparency as a gap to evidence-based decision-making. We hope these data will shed light on the process. 8/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
A big factor is the cost of network upgrades, which are often billed to project developers to overcome transmission constraints. The wide range of interconnection costs across the country and by situation illustrates the uncertainty and lack of uniformity of the process. 6/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Interconnection service can either be firm (capacity) or as-available (energy). One would expect that as-available service would cost less, be approved more quickly, and be less likely to trigger grid upgrades, but our evidence suggests that is often not the case. 5/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Interconnection costs have risen over time. Projects withdrawn in recent years had costs 23% greater than the preceding 5 years and more than double those before 2014. Costs are much greater for withdrawn projects ($373 per kW) than for those that completed interconnection studies ($73 per kW). 3/x
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Massive growth in solar and battery development has led to the queue backlog. Since 2010 the queue has grown >5X and the process length has nearly doubled. To get more details about what’s going on, we analyzed 5000 interconnection studies to create a first-of-a-kind cost database. 2/X
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
We reported earlier on the massive backlog for grid interconnection. To better understand the dynamics and what solutions may be available, we just published “Grid connection barriers to renewable energy deployment in the United States,” in the journal Joule. THREAD! emp.lbl.gov/publications...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Community solar is growing, but customers can be confused when they get separate bills from a community solar company and from their utility. A new report by NREL and @berkeleylab.lbl.gov explores issues around consolidated billing for community solar. emp.lbl.gov/publications...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
FERC Order 1920 sets requirements on planning and cost allocation for new transmission. State officials can learn about 1920 at a free educational session offered by @ENERGY, @NARUC, @NASEO_Energy and national labs. Friday, December 6. Register today at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
We teamed up with Synapse Energy Economics on a joint report: Best Practices in Integrated Resource Planning: A guide for planners developing the electricity resource mix of the future. Read it here: live-lbl-eta-publications.pantheonsite.io/sites/defaul...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
FERC Order 1920 sets requirements on planning and cost allocation for new transmission. State officials can learn about 1920 at a free educational session offered by DOE, @NARUC, @NASEO_Energy and national labs. On December 6. Register today at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
FERC Order 1920 sets requirements on planning and cost allocation for new transmission. State officials can learn about 1920 at a free educational session offered by DOE, NARUC, NASEO and national labs. Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN…
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
Distributed energy and electrification are making big changes in the distribution grid. If you work for a state energy agency, sign up for free training on integrated distribution system planning. energycentral.com/c/pip/free-traini…
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 29/10/2024
TODAY -- Join a webinar with the authors to learn about Berkeley Lab’s annual Utility Scale Solar report. Data on trends, performance, prices, costs, and value. Tuesday, October 29 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. Register at: lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yA…
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 28/10/2024
TOMORROW -- Join a webinar with the authors to learn about Berkeley Lab’s annual Utility Scale Solar report. Data on trends, performance, prices, costs, and value. Tuesday, October 29 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. Register at: lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yA…
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 25/10/2024
Our department is hiring for two Energy/Environmental Policy Researcher positions. Work on electric utility regulation, demand flexibility in buildings, VPPs and ADERs, electrification impacts, and more. jobs.lbl.gov/jobs/energy-... jobs.lbl.gov/jobs/energy-...
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Energy Markets & Planning at Berkeley Lab @berkeleylabemp.bsky.social · 22/10/2024
The 2024 edition of Berkeley Lab’s Utility-Scale Solar report is out! Trends in deployment, technology, performance, costs, prices and value. Join a webinar with the authors on Tuesday, October 29 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. Register at: lbnl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yA…
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