; (ii) a regional regulatory authority or other regional entity; (iii) an institution of higher education; (iv) a National Laboratory (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 15801 )); (v) a ratepayer or advocate of ratepayers; and (vi) any other appropriate entity. (E) Access to data In developing an electricity distribution resource plan under subparagraph (B), the electric utility shall provide to any participants designated under subparagraph (D) access to relevant data regarding the operation and performance of the electricity grid, subject to any qualifications and confidentiality requirements that the State regulatory authority determines to be appropriate. . (b) Technical and financial assistance for the development of electricity distribution resource plans (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means a State, State regulatory authority, electric utility, or any other entity designated by a State or State regulatory authority as a participant in the development of a plan under paragraph (20)(D) of section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2621(d) ) (as added by subsection (a)). (B) Plan The term plan means an electricity distribution resource plan developed under paragraph (20)(B) of section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2621(d) ) (as added by subsection (a)). (C) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy. (D) State regulatory authority The term State regulatory authority has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2602 ). (2) Technical and financial assistance At the request of a State or State regulatory authority, the Secretary shall provide— (A) technical assistance to eligible entities to assist in the development of a plan