People In Power

“Utilities are focused on making sure they can meet the growth, but we’re also seeing the impact of continued weather events, extreme climate events that require a resilient, reliable grid. We have not seen a stop of those investments from a grid-modernization, grid-reliability perspective.”

“We need an ecosystem that allows us to rewrite how to design, operate, and plan the grid. I always believe that the impossible can be made possible if you put your mind to it, and I think SEPA can help us do that.”

“The magic of this group is this is one of the few conferences where you see across the industry, as we’ve got co-ops, public power, and IOUs. We’ve also got a variety of companies on the supply side in terms of providing programs, opportunities, and the cool things driving the advanced energy economy.”

“While many utilities start with a well-researched Wildfire Management Plan, these changing conditions require dynamic and continuous management, informed by investments in ongoing situational awareness.“

“The wildfire season we had this year perhaps spurred legislative action. The legislation requires utilities to file wildfire plans, which the Commission must approve. A company in compliance with its approved plan has limited liability protection in any civil action.”

“Communities rely on a healthy utility to keep the lights on and power economic growth, and wildfire puts our ability to do that at risk. Ensuring that our financial health is strong isn’t just about protecting the business. It’s about protecting the affordability and reliability of electricity for millions of our customers.”

“Our capital allocation toward wildfire prevention is growing remarkably fast. This year in Washington State, as part of our rate case, the WUTC approved a tracker that will enable us to invest over a hundred million dollars in wildfire mitigation over the next two years.”

Conversations with Puget Sound Energy CEO Mary Kipp, Rocky Mountain Power President Dick Garlish, and Wyoming PSC Commissioner Mary Throne with PUF Senior Advisor Paul Kjellander, and featuring Paul’s paintings.

“The energy transition looks different in every state. You have to bring everyone to the table in every state, and every location, and understand the timetable and cost associated with it.”

“We must continue to invest in training, resources, and infrastructure to ensure we’re prepared to meet whatever challenge may come our way. Collaboration and communication between regional mutual assistance groups and other stakeholders will be key to our success.”