Recorded on February 29, 2024

As the nation sees an uptick in the adoption of electric heating technologies driven by consumer trends, energy policies, and incentive programs, there is a growing need for states to ensure utility ratepayer funds are spent on infrastructure investments that consider the future of gas. Without a forward-looking planning process that accounts for the ever-changing heating technology landscape, state constituents could be left overpaying for gas infrastructure investments that may become obsolete with a disproportionate impact on households with high energy burdens.

In this webinar discussion, using case studies out of the Midwest in Michigan and Illinois as a lens, Advanced Energy United and a panel of experts explored how states can best analyze the evolving trends and outlook of the natural gas system in order to both protect consumers from rising costs and pave the path for investment in energy innovation. 

In the webinar, panelists: 

• Highlighted findings from our report, “Consumers Energy Gas Bill Impact Analysis,” which provides an analysis on rate impacts to Michigan Consumers Energy gas customers as a result of capital investments in the gas distribution system and related policy decisions; 
• Showcased how proposed utility rate hikes in Illinois spurred investigations into thermal energy networks and the future of gas; 
• Identified the evolving market trends in the electric heating system; and 
• Provided strategies for how state decisionmakers can navigate modern gas planning. 

Panelists

• Sarah Moskowitz, Illinois Citizens Utility Board
  Executive Director
  
  
• Joe Parsons, Climate Control Group
  Senior Marketing Sustainability Manager
  
  
• Brad Cebulko, Strategen 
  Senior Manager
  

Moderator

• Samarth Medakkar, Advanced Energy United
  Principal