The Interdependence of Electricity and Natural Gas: Current Factors and Future Prospects

The growing interdependence of the nation's electricity and natural gas systems presents challenges to the reliable and efficient operation of both systems. Shale gas developments, retirement of aging fossil units, and increases in variable renewable generation are likely to increase the prominence of natural-gas-fired generation and interdependence risks. The authors review factors at the intersection of electricity and natural gas markets and operations, and present ways to address the risks.