Energy efficiency and demand response can be coupled with energy storage or distributed generation to avoid the need to build transmission infrastructure, especially when geo-targeting constrained areas within the energy system.  Broadly, this is referred to as "non-wires / pipes solutions". There are regulatory and institutional barriers to incorporating these solutions in grid planning processes, such as limited familiarity with the practice among utilities and regulators. This policy item tracks the existence of planning practices and pilot / demonstrations for non-wires / pipes alternatives (NWA / NPA).