People

The breakfast, Before the Fire: What Utilities and Regulators Need to Know About Wildfire Technology, included opening remarks from NARUC President Ann Rendahl and a panel moderated by SEPA CCO Monica Trauzzi with California Commissioner Matt Baker and Xcel Energy – Colorado President Robert Kenney.

Speakers and performers volunteered two minutes of their time on a variety of subjects, celebrating the energy and utilities industry with camaraderie, fun, and education.

The Mid-America Regulatory Conference (MARC) held its annual conference June 7-10 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, a landmark in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. With the theme of Forward Momentum: Recognizing the Past, Energizing the Future!, the event was presided over by MARC President and Wisconsin Chair Summer Strand.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s Technology Showcase was held in our nation’s capital on June 9, 2026, at Audi Field in beautiful weather. The event brought together the automotive innovators, visionaries, and disruptors redefining personal transportation.

The Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (SEARUC) held its 2026 Annual Education Conference from May 17 – 20 in Biloxi, Mississippi, presided over by SEARUC President and Mississippi Chair Chris Brown. The conference educated Commissioners and energy leaders on hot topics to promote the public interest.

“Line school was a big part of getting over that fear. It’s repetition and taking one step at a time. Climbing a pole for the first time was scary, but you get on a pole and say, ‘Okay, one more step.’”

“Safety has got to be our first priority. It’s my responsibility to look out for all the guys I’m working with and vice versa. Everyone’s responsible for each other’s safety and speaking up about it is of the utmost importance.”

“A lot of our projects are rebuilding lines at higher voltage, bigger wire, and sometimes multiple bundle conductors where traditionally it’s been single conductors. They’re building up to handle all the growth.”

“A good line crew working is almost like watching a ballet, particularly when you have a couple of men on a pole climbing and working together. You anticipate each other’s moves.”