Permitting bottlenecks threaten energy security, NPC tells U.S. Department of Energy
The National Petroleum Council (NPC) has released the first two reports in its Future Energy Systems series, outlining a suite of reforms aimed at strengthening U.S. energy reliability as electricity demand accelerates. The reports—requested by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright—call for streamlined permitting, clearer accountability frameworks, and improved coordination between natural gas and electric market regulators.
NPC Chair and Williams Executive Chairman Alan Armstrong said the recommendations reflect months of technical analysis from more than 200 experts. “These reports provide timely, consensus-driven advice on two of the most critical challenges facing America’s energy future,” Armstrong said. “They underscore the need to modernize infrastructure and enhance reliability across an increasingly interconnected energy system.”
Secretary Wright welcomed the findings, emphasizing the role of natural gas in meeting rising demand and supporting U.S. competitiveness. “With America’s natural gas abundance and infrastructure potential, we can drive down costs, reshore manufacturing, and strengthen energy security,” he said.
Gas-electric interdependence
The report "Reliable Energy: Delivering on the Promise of Gas-Electric Coordination" concludes that misaligned market structures and operational practices between the gas and electric sectors pose growing risks to system reliability—particularly as power generation becomes increasingly gas-dependent.
“Gas and electricity markets were designed for different purposes,” said Southern Company Gas President and CEO James Kerr II, who chaired the Gas-Electric Coordination committee. “Aligning them is essential to keep the lights on and ensure affordable, reliable energy.”
EQT Corp. President and CEO Toby Rice added: “Natural gas is the fuel of the future. This study outlines actionable steps to make sure the gas and electric sectors operate in sync.”
Permitting reform
A companion report—"Bottleneck to Breakthrough: A Permitting Blueprint to Build"—calls for significant permitting reforms to accelerate investment in energy infrastructure, improve interagency coordination, and establish predictable, time-bound processes.
“Fit-for-purpose permitting reform is critical to meeting future energy needs,” said TC Energy President and CEO François Poirier. “A modern, transparent system will help accelerate infrastructure development and enhance North American energy competitiveness.”
NPC Executive Director John Dabbar highlighted the collaboration behind the recommendations. “These studies show what’s possible when industry, government and stakeholders work together to address complex energy challenges with facts and forward-looking solutions,” he said.
Additional Future Energy Systems reports—covering infrastructure security, technology innovation and global competitiveness—will be released in the coming months.
