In a workshop in San Francisco on September 16th and 17th, staff at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) used a novel combination of e-learning and game-based simulations to explore a key policy challenge – namely, how do we make sure consumers have enough electricity when wind and solar aren't available?

One intuitively appealing way to ensure "resource adequacy" is simply to pay flexible power plants like gas-fired generators to sit around and be ready for when they're needed. But CPUC staff learned through the workshop that there might be a better way. Once you understand the key electricity market principles taught by the e-learning modules and game-based simulations, you can find ways to more effectively deploy market incentives in the service of cost reduction and increased reliability for ratepayers.

This workshop was the first time PESD combined the Energy Market Game (EMG) with our newly-developed suite of five e-learning modules. Feedback from participants suggests that the modules were highly effective in preparing participants to skillfully play the roles of generating companies in the EMG, maximizing learning from the workshop.

PESD Director Frank Wolak and Associate Director Mark Thurber at the CPUC