Strategy & Planning

“Even though there are differences of opinions, I try to establish common goals, with both MACRUC and NARUC. I always stress the importance of a Commissioner’s role to ensure reliable and affordable service. Also, I make sure there are opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.”

PUF has hosted the Summer Summit Soapbox Luncheon at NARUC’s midsummer conference. It’s become an institution practically. And a beloved one at that. This summer’s edition featured two-minute speeches by the Chairs of the New York, Wyoming, and Washington Commissions, the former Chair of the Maryland Commission, and a former FERC Commissioner.

“Another practical reality is that emerging energy supply technologies expected to contribute to net-zero goals are not yet available at the scale or cost required for broad deployment. Bringing new energy supply technology options to market has historically taken multiple decades.”

“Data center energy use in the U.S. has doubled over the past three years and is expected to grow nearly sixty-seven percent from twenty-one to thirty-five gigawatts by the end of the decade, according to FERC. EPRI reports that by 2030, data centers could account for up to nine percent of all U.S. electricity consumption.”

“The U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of SMR Technology – or FIRST – program, supports the development of nuclear energy innovation with partner nations.”

“State regulatory commissions can be demanding in how they evaluate proposed mergers, such as by applying the public interest standard and distributing net synergy benefits (after costs-to-achieve) between customers and shareholders.”

“Investing for more reliable, resilient power grids, using the most advanced tools and techniques, must now be considered standard operating procedure for power companies.”

“The multi-year rate plans meet a number of objectives for us. We can say upfront, ‘Commission and customer, this is how we plan to invest in the infrastructure over three years, over five years. Hold us accountable.’ That creates certainty, transparency.”

“We have a Reinvent website, where employees can submit their thoughts and ideas in support of our business operations or for the betterment of our customers, which are then evaluated and possibly put into our business.”

“It’s less about how to drive that culture and more about how to unleash it. The passion is in all of our employees, and every one of those employees says, ‘There’s a better way.’”