Background/Analysis:

In 2023, DVRPC was selected as one of only two community teams nationwide to receive an In-Depth Technical Partnership from the National Lab of the Rockies (NLR) of the U.S. DOE. 

The partnership’s first phase awarded DVRPC $968,599 under FY24 UPWP project 24-33-230. The second phase now provides an additional $2,031,401, as outlined in FY26 UPWP project 26-33-230 (attached).

During the first phase of the partnership, DVRPC and its regional partners worked closely with NLR experts to research, model, and develop a plan to create a Regional Innovation Center that will help facilitate identified power, heating, and cooling conservation solutions across southeast PA. These solutions will advance efficient use of resources and expand affordability, while reducing the administrative burden on the four southeast PA counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery. 

During the second phase of the partnership, DVRPC will further three focus areas: 1) Facilitate Collaboration to Reduce Residential Utility Costs; 2) Expand Capacity of Local Governments; and 3) Advance Regional Visioning and Convening. 

This project supports the regional vision outlined in DVRPC’s Long-Range Plan, Update: Connections 2050, which calls for reliable, affordable, and resilient infrastructure and utility services. Strengthening the reliability and affordability of power, heating, and cooling systems will improve comfort and quality of life, lower utility cost burdens, reduce air pollution, and improve the performance of infrastructure systems. 

This also aligns with the purposes of the establishment of DVRPC, as laid out in the Urban Compact, “to organize and conduct a continuing, comprehensive, coordinated regional planning program for the area.” This includes guiding the orderly growth of the region by aligning transportation investments with water, power, and other utility systems to coordinate development and resources.

The completion of this project and activities may require subgranting to planning partners and the purchase of materials, supplies, and other services.

Cost and Source of Funds:

$2,031,401 from National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) of the U.S. DOE 

The Regional Technical Committee recommends the DVRPC Board amend the DVRPC FY2026 Unified Planning Work Program to add project, 26-33-230 - Regional Innovation Center.