Distributional Equity Analysis Case Studies in Illinois

Released in May 2024, Distributional Equity Analysis for Energy Efficiency and Other Distributed Energy Resources: A Practical Guide describes an analytical framework—referred to as distributional equity analysis (DEA)—that allows utilities, regulators, communities, and stakeholders to answer questions about the distributional equity implications of distributed energy resources (DER) investments, and to consider those implications alongside benefit-cost analysis (BCA).

Using the concepts and processes described in this guide, Synapse Energy Economics is collaborating with E4TheFuture and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance to demonstrate and conduct DEA case studies in Illinois on the electric utilities' energy efficiency and beneficial electrification portfolios.

Synapse is playing a key role in preparing transparent and clear materials for presentation to a diverse work group, which has members from community based organizations, Illinois Commerce Commission staff, utility representatives, low income and environmental justice advocates, the attorney general, energy program implementers, and others. With guidance from this work group, Synapse will define and identify priority populations and equity metrics, collect data, address data gaps, conduct data analysis, develop results, and make recommendations. The case studies will be documented in a report to the work group and to project funders E4TheFuture and the Joyce Foundation.