What is the purpose of an 'Integrated Resource Plan'?

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) serves a critical role in outlining future generation and transmission planning for reliability. It is a comprehensive, long-term planning document that utilities and energy providers create to ensure they can meet future energy demands while considering various factors such as economic impacts, environmental requirements, and technological advancements. The IRP helps identify the most suitable mix of energy resources—both supply-side (generation assets) and demand-side (energy efficiency measures)—to reliably meet projected electricity needs over a specific time frame.

The IRP process involves thorough analysis and public stakeholder engagement, weighing different scenarios and strategies. This ensures that the decisions made will not only maintain the reliability of the power supply but also align with state and federal policies and commitments to sustainability. Thus, the focus is on a proactive approach, ensuring that energy systems are robust, adaptable, and capable of responding to both planned and unexpected changes in demand or supply.