Best Practices in Integrated Resource Planning: A guide for planners developing the electricity resource mix of the future

The Energy Foundation
Project completed.

The new report from Synapse Energy Economics and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Best Practices in Integrated Resource Planning: A Guide for Planners Developing the Electricity Resource Mix of the Future, provides a comprehensive update on best practices for integrated resource planning (IRP) in the context of the evolving U.S. electricity sector. The report is aimed at electric utilities, state regulators, and other stakeholders involved in the development of resource plans to meet forecasted electricity demand.

Historically, IRPs have focused on identifying the optimal resource mix to meet demand at the lowest cost, considering factors such as generation capacity, demand-side options, and system reliability. However, recent changes in the electricity landscape—such as emerging load growth, plant retirements, rising costs, extreme weather events, and the increased pace of renewable energy deployment—have introduced new challenges for utility planning. The guide addresses these changes, offering practical guidance for developing more technically sophisticated, effective, and forward-thinking resource plans.

The report builds on a previous 2013 study by Synapse, updating the recommendations to reflect recent sector developments, including the expansion of electrification, renewable energy adoption, and the challenges associated with aging fossil fuel plants. With projected load growth driven by data centers, industrial expansion, and electrification, IRPs are more critical than ever in ensuring affordability, sustainability, reliability, and resilience within the electric grid. This guide helps utilities and stakeholders navigate this transition and meet decarbonization and other policy goals.

The guide outlines 50 best practices for resource planning professionals, including utility staff, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, environmental groups, and other stakeholders. It also includes a checklist of these best practices, providing actionable steps for improving IRP processes.