Strategy & Planning

“We’ve invested billions of dollars into preventing wildfires, but just as important are the post-ignition protections. We have 45 two-person teams – 90 people – in Safety and Infrastructure Protection in place.”

Conversations with PG&E CFO Carolyn Burke and Southern California Edison CEO Steve Powell, co-moderated with PUF’s Steve Mitnick and Guidehouse’s Chris Rogers.

“This year’s annual meeting was not only a unique forum for robust exchange of ideas and insights with one another, it was also a celebration of the exceptional level of commitment and the high quality of collective effort of our members and industry partners.”

“Since the column's inception in November 2022, we have witnessed vast geopolitical shifts, a global realignment of energy priorities, and a rise in pragmatic regional goals. There have been ambitious goals set, complex challenges grappled with, and practical considerations made. What has become increasingly clear is that the clean energy transition will be multifaceted and rooted in local context.”

“Regulatory frameworks around AI and cybersecurity will mature, requiring ongoing assessments and updates to cybersecurity strategies to help AI systems remain secure and trustworthy.”

“We asked, ‘How much are you willing to absorb on your utility bill to support achieving net zero?’ They said 9% per year. We backed 9% into investment needed over time, and that 2050 net-zero goalpost gets moved to 2085, illustrating the tension between net zero by 2050 and customer affordability.”

“Our primary goal was continuity for our customers as we went live. Going from a twenty-plus-year-old system to a modern system, requires moving data. That typically requires taking systems offline, which would’ve impacted customers.”

“Instituting a robust Integrated Distribution System Planning process is a critical step in advancing more comprehensive planning processes that include a holistic assessment of resource requirements and grid modernization strategies across multiple jurisdictions and parts of the electric system.”

Conversations with more of this year’s winning teams from Ameren, Entergy with Enchanted Rock, Ontario Power Generation, and PG&E.

“In terms of energy consumption, I’m one of the largest customers in the U.S. I would like utilities to think of me as a partner in business, because I have several special authorities given by Congress that allow me to utilize my resources to help deliver these results, but in a business-like way.”