Natural gas utilities can navigate the energy transition by following a three-step action plan, according to economists with management consulting firm The Brattle Group.

“Increased coordination among stakeholders — especially between gas and electric utilities, and between gas utilities and technology providers — is needed to ensure decarbonization is achieved in the most cost-effective way on a system basis,” said Associate Long Lam, an author of the firm’s Implementing Regulations study.

The Brattle economists said implementing a decarbonization plan is a long-term proposition that considers “system economics” through the lens of a gas utility’s political, regulatory and competitive environment.

The report authors argue that gas utilities need “to translate...