Energy Policy & Legislation

“The Commission exercises both legislative and judicial power. Most utility matters, like setting rates, are legislative cases. Judicial cases usually involve fines or someone showing why they should not have a license taken away.”

“In Virginia, the SCC is not just a utility Commission. It’s also the banking Commission and the insurance Commission. We also oversee railroad safety, gas pipeline safety, and security brokers.”

“We do complement each other. Judge Jagdmann has the experience and depth of knowledge. Judge Hudson coming from FERC, has that federal experience. My experience is more on the public policy side.”

“We Commissioners also work with HR, the CAO, and the Comptroller's Office to address matters related to running the business side of the agency.”

“Each Commissioner is Chair once every three years. If you weren’t already inclined to be collegial, this practice provides a little extra incentive.”

Conversations with the chair, commissioners and more.

California and Texas lack a coherent microgrid strategy. It is time to boldly step into the future with more sustainable solutions that offer much greater value to ratepayers, utilities, and the environment.

Addressing this triple impetus – a pandemic-hobbled economy, an over-heated planet, and poorly-addressed social equity issues – can begin immediately if we go big and go local.

This article puts forth a practical resolution of this issue – and the one currently favored by FERC – which is for the bankruptcy courts and FERC to share jurisdiction over matters related to wholesale energy contracts during Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

“Any pricing change will disbenefit some customers. You can manage that issue with proper customer education and customer engagement.”