Overview of the CERE Division

On this page, you will find a description of the roles and responsibilities of the DPU's Clean Energy and Resilience Engineering (CERE) Division.

Roles and responsibilities of the CERE Division

The responsibilities of DPU's CERE Division include:

• Conducting integrated energy planning to assess the safety and reliability of the electrification and gas decommissioning plans proposed by the utilities. Order D.P.U. 20-80-B requires each gas company to file a decommissioning plan by March 2026.
• Evaluating non-gas pipeline alternatives (NPAs). The gas companies are required to consider NPAs before investing in any additional natural gas infrastructure.
• Assessing and determining the performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance of electric utility distribution systems
• Evaluating grid investments to improve system resilience
• Reviewing the following information filed by the electric companies:
  • annual emergency response (ERP), 
  • system planning and reliability (ARR), 
  • vegetation management compliance, and 
  • service quality (SQ) reports and plans.
• Working with the Electric Power Division on operational issues associated with:
  • electric sector modernization plans (ESMPs),
  • grid modernization, and
  • interconnection of renewable energy.
• Monitoring and responding to emergency events, incidents, and major service disruptions including storm events.
• Investigating consumer complaints concerning charges and application of rates of electric utilities, line extensions, and quality and availability of service.
• Investigating electric system accidents, incidents (such as a manhole event or stray voltage), and major service interruptions to determine compliance with operating rules and safety regulations.
• Participating in meetings with state, regional, and federal agencies and authorities in matters relating to electric system operation, safety, and reliability.

Last updated:	January 15, 2025