Strategy & Planning

“Dealing with supply restructuring was challenge enough, but as Montana Power transitioned into being a telco, which ended up in a liquidation bankruptcy, NorthWestern Public Service came in, committed to the utility operation, and acquired the distribution system.”

“EEI won the 2022 CHARGE Energy Branding Award for Energy Advocates of the Year. The award recognizes EEI for its International Programs and global electrification advocacy efforts.”

Panelists brought together by University of Missouri’s Financial Research Institute included Big Rivers Electric Corp. CFO Talina Mathews, Energize Strategies Founder Ted Thomas, NASUCA Executive Director David Springe, and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Lead Economist William Emmons.

“Utilities are uniquely positioned to bring together and advise all stakeholders to address the operational and technological challenges associated with installing a wide enough network of high-powered chargers for commercial vehicles.”

Answers to “What are the most important issues facing your State or Company?” and “What does the Federal Infrastructure Bill mean for your State or Company?”

“We’re active asset managers, typically with at least majority control. We have representation on the boards and are in constant communication with our companies.”

“We expect to see an initial, about one fifth of $2.5 billion in grid resilience formula funding for states to be in the states’ hands sometime next spring to summer.”

“We typically lose 290 poles a year to monsoon. We lost more than 800 this time, plus transmission towers. This is where we focus on building a resilient electrical system. Our stopper pole program is a great example. If we have a long line of wood poles, we’ll put stopper poles as a prevention.”

At this time of global geopolitical tension, one is reminded how fortunate we are in North America and how central we are to staving off the scariest scenarios.

“We plan to expand the focus of AEIC in key areas such as electrification, supply chain, energy storage, and critical need for workforce development. We’re incorporating a new 501c3 organization, which will allow us to secure outside funding to support industry research and education.”