Concern about natural gas infrastructure is a leading theme of the NYISO 2015-2019 Strategic Plan, released Thursday.

“Growing reliance on natural gas to generate electricity, the expanding role of distributed energy resources and the potential effects of rigorous environmental regulation are key factors influencing the future of the electric system and our strategic priorities,” NYISO Board Chair Michael Bemis said in a statement.

The plan says NYISO’s efforts over the next five years will focus on:

• Improving coordination between the gas pipeline delivery system and the New York bulk electric system;
• Integrating demand response and distributed energy resources in collaboration with the New York State Public Service Commission’s Reforming the Energy Vision proceeding;
• Improving capacity and energy price signals to promote greater fuel assurance and improved unit performance from capacity resources;
• Taking advantage of interregional connectivity to lower system costs; and
• Employing smart grid technology to respond to the variability of renewable resources.