Non Pipe Alternatives
Maintaining Reliable and Affordable Energy Choices for Customers
Non-Pipe Alternatives (“NPA”) utilize third-party solutions to defer or avoid certain traditional natural gas capital projects (i.e., “pipes”) that are needed to address natural gas system reliability needs. We are committed to considering NPA solutions as substitutes for traditional gas capital projects where and when they are appropriate and cost-effective.
Strategy
We seek to implement a portfolio of NPA solutions which are cost-effective for customers, provide reliable alternatives to traditional natural gas capital projects, and reflect full cost recovery and earnings opportunities for our Companies, while we comply with regulatory directives, state environmental policy, and learn from working cooperatively with other utilities and stakeholders. NPA solutions are innovative and include, but are not limited to, gas energy efficiency improvements, gas demand response programs, beneficial electrification (which may include a variety of heat pump technologies as well as other solutions), or the introduction of additional natural gas equivalent supply (in various forms of energy).
Project Selection and Process
As available technologies, regulatory requirements and state environmental policies mature, we will review identified natural gas system reliability needs and the traditional natural gas capital projects for opportunities to defer or avoid spending on those projects through NPA solutions. NPA resources needed for large-scale projects (i.e., those projects which are projected to cost more than $2M) will be procured through a competitive solicitation process and evaluated using an accepted benefit-cost analysis framework which utilizes a Societal Cost Test. Small-scale projects (i.e., those that are $2M or less) may be procured using a streamlined procurement and benefit cost analysis process in order to shorten the project timeline.
Project Opportunities
There are no open NPA solicitations at this time.
Current Projects
There are no current projects at this time.
Associated Documents
- Petition for Approval of Non-Pipe Alternatives
- One Commissioner Order Approving Petition for Non-Pipe Alternative Projects, with Modifications
Additional Questions?
Contact us at NPA@avangrid.com.