ScottMadden Launches the Fall Energy Industry Update Themed “The Distance”

ScottMadden, Inc., released its fall 2024 issue of the ScottMadden Energy Industry Update. This publication is a cornerstone for strategic discussions, debates, and decisions among more than 10,000 executive leaders who rely on it for critical trends and insightful analysis. 

 Themed “The Distance,” ScottMadden’s report explores pressing topics such as: 

• FERC Regulatory Developments – The need for investment in electric transmission is growing due to increasing renewable resources, extreme weather events, and energy demand. However, most development has been localized with few new line miles added. FERC aims to address this with Orders 1920 and 1977, issued in spring 2024, to foster a longer-term view of regional needs and to improve siting for necessary transmission infrastructure. 

• Long-Duration Energy Storage – Electric energy storage is key to a decarbonized electric system. Many storage and hybrid installations on the U.S. grid use lithium-ion batteries with a duration of four to six hours. To handle longer disruptions and stabilize variable resources, longer-duration storage solutions are needed. Firms are researching new technologies to extend discharge life to eight or more hours, but the question remains: when will they be commercially available? 

• Low-Income Affordability – Energy affordability, especially electricity, is a major concern for utilities and regulators. Investments in modernizing aging infrastructure and decarbonizing energy systems are increasing costs. Policymakers are focusing on low-income affordability, with states testing approaches to achieve policy goals without unduly burdening low-income customers. 

“We are beginning to see the outcomes of some early regulatory and development efforts aimed at meeting increasing energy demand with generation and transmission resources. It will be critical that these investments continue to provide reliable and affordable energy, with due consideration for vulnerable low-income customers,” says Andy Flores, partner and energy practice leader at ScottMadden.