Strategy & Planning

Regulating Load Growth: John Harvey

PSC of Utah

“Our legislature has put statutes in place that allow the utility to obtain pre-approval for significant energy resources. It’s not an absolute final approval, but it sets parameters, so they have more confidence in building infrastructure.”
Byline: 

John Harvey with Paul Kjellander

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Regulating Load Growth: Katie Anderson

Arkansas PSC

“Before significant infrastructure is constructed, utilities should carefully evaluate whether operational improvements, planning enhancements, or other measures can allow existing assets to continue serving ratepayers efficiently and reliably.”
Byline: 

Katie Anderson with Paul Kjellander

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Regulating to Meet Load Growth Challenges

The States

Load growth and system planning all require adding electric utility infrastructure but building that runs smack into many reasons for delays, including permitting, NIMBY-ism, supply chain disruptions, and more. The situation threatens to stunt the needed industry growth to handle increased demand.

Throw in affordability, and the issues surrounding meeting the energy required to allow modern society to thrive become even more fraught. Regulators are charged with the difficult task of figuring it all out, culminating in decisions that serve the public interest.

Byline: 

PUF

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Weathering the Storms for Grid Reliability

NARUC Summer Policy Summit

This panel at the NARUC Summer Policy Summit examined how utilities, grid operators, regulators, consumer advocates, and the Department of Energy work together to maintain grid reliability during extreme events. The discussion focused on lessons learned from recent winter storms, the role of emergency authorities such as Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, and the importance of coordination across regions and fuel types, as well as addressed issues that arise in balancing reliability, affordability, and resilience.
Byline: 

Mike La Rosa et al.

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Wildfire Workbook for Utility Regulators

NARUC Summer Policy Summit

“NARUC developed the Wildfire Workbook. As Chair of the Wildfire Working Group, I’m proud of this collaborative effort. The interactive seven-chapter resource is available on NARUC’s website.”
Byline: 

Ann Rendahl

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2026 NARUC Summer Policy Summit

Events

The NARUC Summer Policy Summit was held July 19-22 in Minneapolis and featured unique perspectives from those on the front lines of utility regulation, policy, and infrastructure challenges. The many sessions and panels were curated to explore strategic insights necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Byline: 

PUF

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Light Up Navajo: Scott Breithaupt

Delta-Montrose Electric Association

“Some of the Navajo travel back and forth to town and fill up coolers with ice two to three times a week to use for refrigeration. Some have small solar arrays, but generally they’re not big enough for the power to allow them to be self-sustaining.”
Byline: 

Scott Breithaupt with Paul Kjellander

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Light Up Navajo: Natalie Smith

NextEra Energy Resources

“We have provided financial support for Light Up Navajo. That helps pay for crews, who from early in the morning until late at night are putting poles in the ground and pulling wire out to homes that don’t have electricity.”
Byline: 

Natalie Smith with Paul Kjellander

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Light Up Navajo: Jack Johnston

Delta-Montrose Electric Association

“I did not expect to see something like the situation in Guatemala in the State of Arizona within the U.S. That was a watershed moment.”
Byline: 

Jack Johnston with Paul Kjellander

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Light Up Navajo: Wally Haase

General Manager

“Once electricity reaches the homestead, the homes can then receive water and wastewater services, including internet connection, which is important for children to study. A great improvement is getting a bathroom in the house.”
Byline: 

Wally Haase with Paul Kjellander

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