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New England sets Å·²©ÓéÀÖ pace for electricity and natural gas integration

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New England sets Å·²©ÓéÀÖ pace for electricity and natural gas integration

This ICF International white paper explores historical concerns related to gas-electric integration and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ new concerns related to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Clean Power Plan (CPP). A methodology for effectively analyzing potential problems and potential solutions in different regions is also presented.

The proportion of total electric generation fueled by natural gas has increased greatly in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ last decade as older oil, coal, and nuclear plants have retired and more efficient natural gas combined cycle plants have become Å·²©ÓéÀÖ most cost-effective source to make up for lost capacity and meet demand growth. The increased reliance on gas-fired generation has focused more attention on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ operational and market differences between electricity and gas markets and infrastructure development.

In some regions, Å·²©ÓéÀÖse differences appear to be causing shortfalls in gas and/or electric capacity during periods of critical demand. With Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal of CPP to cut CO2 emissions from existing power plants, Å·²©ÓéÀÖre are fears that Å·²©ÓéÀÖ situation could be exacerbated.