; (B) distributed energy resources; (C) energy storage; (D) electric vehicles; (E) electric vehicle charging infrastructure; (F) integrated information and communications systems; (G) transactive energy systems; and (H) advanced demand management systems; and (4) the role of States and local regulatory authorities in enabling a robust future electric grid to ensure that— (A) electric utilities remain financially viable; (B) electric utilities make the needed investments that ensure a reliable, secure, and resilient grid; and (C) costs incurred to transform to an integrated grid are allocated and recovered responsibly, efficiently, and equitably. 9. Voluntary State, regional, and local electricity distribution planning (a) In general On the request of a State, regional organization, or electric utility, the Secretary shall provide assistance to States, regional organizations, and electric utilities to facilitate the development of State, regional, and local electricity distribution plans by— (1) conducting a resource assessment and analysis of future demand and distribution requirements; and (2) developing open source tools for State, regional, and local planning and operations. (b) Risk and security analysis The assessment under subsection (a)(1) shall include— (1) the evaluation of the physical security, cybersecurity, and associated communications needs of an advanced distribution management system and the integration of distributed energy resources; and (2) advanced use of grid architecture to analyze risks in an all-hazards approach that includes communications infrastructure, control systems architecture, and power systems architecture. (c) Designation The information collected for the assessment and analysis under subsection (a)(1)— (1) shall be considered to be critical electric infrastructure information under section 215A of the Federal Power Act ( 16 U.S.C. 824o–1 )