The States

What hurdles do New York and Massa­chusetts face in meeting their renewable portfolio standards?

“How do we make the Commerce Commission focus on economic development while balancing the interest of ratepayers?”

“Illinois should be very proud that it is one of the most diverse Commissions in the nation.”

“Whatever we do, we do it in a way that it’s going to be best for all, and not to be burdensome on the business community and on utilities.”

"Establishing the Office of Diversity and Community Affairs was huge. That was a win for this entire agency.”

"It’s essential we continue to attract very talented and diverse people to public service."

Chairman Brien Sheahan, Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards, Commissioner John Rosales, Acting Commissioner Sadzi Oliva and Executive Director Cholly Smith

The three mortal sins of utility regulation are ideology, ignorance and inertia (the three I's). Acting on political beliefs, inadequate information, and past conditions that no longer exist is a recipe for poor regulation.

In December 2016, Arizona's utility regulators set in motion a new policy many believe is likely to undermine investment in solar and other distributed technologies in the state. We urge advocates and regulators looking for sustainable models of state DER policy to think carefully before following Arizona's example.

Debates over utility business and regulatory models have sidestepped a fundamental question: What do state legislators and regulators want the electricity utility of the future to do? Do they want "fat" utilities that play a larger role in implementing public policy and delivering energy services to customers? Or "skinny" utilities that are more narrowly focused on the ownership and upkeep of the grid?