The region’s electrical grid has not kept pace with advances in energy technology and will require greater investment and coordination among energy providers and regulators across the three states to become a lower-emitting, reliable, and flexible system. Long-term planning for electricity demand should be focused in the region through a Tri-State Energy Policy Task Force. With a clearer sense of demand and a cohesive approach to incorporating emerging renewables such as wind and solar and storage technology, the grid can be updated to become more intelligent, with two-way communications, integration of distributed generation, and greater use of products that help consumers manage their energy use. As cleaner fuels generate more power, existing electricity-supply facilities — including fast-ramping plants necessary for rapid changes — can be updated and used more effectively.
