Strategy & Planning

Conversations with Commissioner Ann Rendahl, Chair Carrie Zalewski, and Commissioner Eric Skrmetta with PUF’s Paul Kjellander, former NARUC President.

“More than ever before, the utilities that operate the grid, their regulators, and society at large, understand their fates should be increasingly intertwined going forward. Climate change and GHG reduction mandates make DER integration a necessity, along with building and transportation electrification.”

“We see opportunities, especially with the Inflation Reduction Act. There’s a lot of benefit to coal plant repurposing from a cost-per-megawatt-hour savings with the tax credit. You gain more tax credit benefit from hydrogen production.”

Fourteen Guidehouse experts hit their buzzers and answer our questions: Chris Rogers, Raquel Malmberg, Britt Harter, Ed Batalla, Robyn Link, Graham Dickson, Nicole Wobus, Shaun Fernando, Danielle Vitoff, Lisa Frantzis, Patrick Di Gregory, Peter Shaw, Jenny Hampton, and Erik Larson.

“We submitted two concept papers for the GRIP programs aimed at grid resiliency infrastructure. One for grid modernization and infrastructure enhancement to reduce wildfire. We were invited to apply on two concept papers, which is remarkable because about 50% were requested to apply for a grant.”

“With the Infrastructure Act, the State of Idaho can receive about $25 million over five years to make investments in grid hardening and modernization. We’ve never done that before. The State relies on utilities and specifically the PUC, to decide when and how to shape those investments. Now, we’ve got an opportunity to help facilitate investments.”

“Although grant funding is speculative, the sums available for eligible projects are significant and that is a driver. A lot of the funding is open to innovative solutions that are on the cusp of commercialization, such as the distributed energy startup we have at Emera called BlockEnergy.”

“GRIP received more than 700 concept papers for the first round of funding. That’s an extraordinary level of interest and signals that the direction we’re going in standing up the Grid Deployment Office and implementing these programs, is resonating with the broader public.”

“As soon as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed, EEI quickly shifted our focus to becoming the central hub where our member companies can learn about and keep track of all the funding opportunities.”

“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.”