The States

“This incentive shift away from renewable resources is resulting in the prioritization of non-renewable sources such as natural gas, coal, alternative fuels, and will likely have negative impacts on energy affordability and the environment.”

“Gone are the days of stable and predictable growth. It used to be that we would have a preapproval case before us, and all the parties would come in and hammer out a unanimous settlement agreement. Now it’s a major fight.”

PUF’s popular series on contentious issues facing state regulators takes off in 2026 with Oklahoma Chair Kim David and Wisconsin Chair Summer Strand, who discussed tough subjects with PUF Senior Advisor Paul Kjellander.

“I’d be hard-pressed to see where there’ll ever be any utility scale generation built again – renewable or fossil fuel – because of dynamics of the region; land is too valuable. Through OPSI, we are trying to work through that process.”

West Virginia PSC modified a request for proposal for a management audit of electric service reliability. The Commission’s aim was to extend deadlines for proposals and the resulting project. The focus is to be that state’s distribution system served by Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, operating companies of American Electric Power.

“We have a new set of customers who are struggling with affordability issues, and that is something we’re noticing here. That’s a big issue we’re dealing with, and when large new loads are tied to that equation, affordability becomes even more complex.”

“There is no realistic way to interconnect larger numbers of generators of any fuel type or move that power around the Northwest without Bonneville Power Administration’s partnership, system growth, and investments. There’s no way to accommodate the growth without that partnership.”

“New Mexico still has zero-carbon and renewable portfolio standards. Utilities and regulators need to abide by those laws regardless of uncertainty occurring beyond New Mexico.”

“We’re eliminating the mandates. You’re seeing that from the administration in Washington, D.C., as well. We started down this path in 2023 with our changes in our Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff, REST rules. We don’t need to subsidize it either.”

Part two in PUF’s series, with conversations with Arizona Chair Kevin Thompson, New Mexico Chair Gabriel Aguilera, Oregon Chair Letha Tawney, and Pennsylvania Chair Steve DeFrank with PUF Senior Advisor Paul Kjellander.