In comments on the second installation of the Quadrennial Energy Review (QER), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recommended steps the federal government can and should take to update the U.S. electric system from transmission and distribution to end use. The QER was launched to stimulate collaborative discussions between government and stakeholders with the goal of a developing comprehensive set of national energy policies. NEMA’s comments emphasized the key role that adoption of modern energy technologies should play.
“The products manufactured by NEMA Members and used by electric utilities and other end users make the U.S. electric system efficient, reliable, and secure,” said NEMA President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff. “Speeding the adoption of modern electrical products and systems, including distribution automation equipment, energy storage systems, smart meters, large power transformers, and more, is a priority of NEMA. Our QER comments provide actions that the federal government should take to evolve the U.S. electric system for the rest of the 21st century.”
The second installation of the QER builds on the first effort, covering the U.S. electric system from generation to end use. NEMA’s comments address planning and siting transmission infrastructure, as well as tax provisions that impact various modern electrical products and systems. NEMA also commented on the treatment of distributed energy resources in electricity markets, physical and cybersecurity of the electric grid, energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes, and the evolving utility business model.
NEMA’s comments on the second installation of the QER can be downloaded here. Comments on the first installation of the QER focused on the transmission and distribution of energy, and they can be downloaded here.