Exploring Non-Traditional Resilience Investments in the Utility Business Model: A Case Study with Baltimore Gas & Electric and Pepco

In 2021-2022, Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) and Pepco Holdings Inc. (PHI) collaborated with the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) on a project focused on enhancing grid investment decisions with an emphasis on resilience and equity. The project aimed to identify grant opportunities and explore unconventional distribution upgrades. BGE and PHI were also engaged in efforts to strengthen grid infrastructure and implement innovative clean energy solutions to meet sustainability and resilience objectives at the state and utility levels in Maryland.

This case study provides an overview of SEPA’s analysis conducted on behalf of BGE and PHI and includes:

• The impact of increased extreme weather events and how they disproportionately affect state and federally-defined disadvantaged and underserved communities.
• An exploration of both traditional and non-traditional solutions for increasing distribution system resilience.
• Guidance for utilities in pinpointing areas of the distribution system where Distributed Energy Resource (DER) projects can be deployed to strengthen grid affordability, safety, reliability, resilience, and equity.
• A review of innovative, non-traditional resilience investments that offer a promising model that utilities can adopt to bolster grid resilience, meet carbon reduction and energy storage goals, and promote a cleaner, more equitable energy future for their customers.

To read the case study and learn insights from SEPA’s Jared Leader and BG&E’s Ethan Holmes, please submit the form.

Authors

Jared Leader, Senior Director, Research & Industry Strategy, Resilience, Smart Electric Power Alliance

Partners

Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)

Pepco Holdings Inc. (PHI)