Strategy & Planning

“Our staff regularly meets with other states and the federal government to learn about new funding opportunities. The ICC can’t apply directly for grants, but we’re working closely with other agencies to provide the technical assistance needed as they apply for those grants.”

“Among the larger programs under IIJA, electric vehicle charging infrastructure is important to states. Over $5 billion is provided to the State Departments of Transportation, typically in partnership with State Energy Offices, to establish a national electric vehicle charging network.”

“Since it’s competitive, you can’t be sure you’re going to get it. Putting the applications together costs us staff resources, time, and funds to hire experts to help us put together strong applications.”

Public Utilities Fortnightly's Paul Kjellander examines the federal funds coming into the energy and utilities space and how State Energy Offices are playing a role. He talks to the experts who are already dealing with the big funding issues.

Climate change has emerged as a top priority in Washington, giving hope to all those that have a sense of urgency about slowing down that oncoming train of a changing climate.

“If employees see their leaders taking safety seriously, they know they are supported in putting their safety first always. When leaders prioritize safety, it becomes part of the culture of the organization.”

“Achieving a competitive dispensed price for hydrogen fuel is a challenge – even with IRA support – due to the complex supply chain involved in getting hydrogen fuel to the pump.”

“Most C&I leaders want help achieving efficiency or cleaner energy goals. The good news for utilities is they are among the top of the list of providers large energy consumers would trust for support. But in the data we also see other potential providers they might go to for help.”

“In developing resources, we’re doing a lot of stormwater capture that is cost effective; on the other hand, wastewater cleanup is not so cheap, but it’s cheaper than desalinization.”

“Many of those studies will show, if you look at the IEA or others, that the world will be continuing to use fossil energy in 2050. It’s how do you manage carbon and how you’re reducing emissions from other places. Regulators do have a lot of ability in this space.”