Regulatory Sandboxes and Other Processes to Expedite Utility Adoption of Advanced Grid Technologies

Advanced grid technologies are increasingly important to enable electric transmission and distribution systems to meet growing demands. However, traditional regulatory processes typically lag technological advancements. Regulatory sandboxes, which provide a structured environment for testing new technologies and business approaches under modified rules to increase the speed of adoption, aim to bridge the gap between grid needs and opportunities to deliver solutions at scale.

This report examines the role of regulatory sandboxes in promoting utility innovation, highlights examples of successful sandbox mechanisms, and provides emerging best practices for designing and implementing regulatory sandboxes.

A webinar discussing this study was recorded on August 13, 2025. The webinar slides can be downloaded here. The recording can be viewed here. 

The Regulatory Sandbox Navigator toolkit offers resources for states and utilities to consider, develop, and implement regulatory sandboxes or other innovative approaches like pilots and novel programs for deployment of advanced grid technologies for transmission and distribution systems.

Technical assistance is available for state public utility commissions, state energy offices, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives. Learn more here and see informational slides here. You can view and information webinar recorded on January 23, 2026, here.