Perspective

This panel of public power leaders explored how they motivate their organizations to shift away from the status quo and foster strategic change, from making progress on carbon reduction goals to deploying new grid technologies and engaging key stakeholders to keep the process transparent, accountable, and equitable.

This panel of industry leaders found new ways to manage simultaneous crises while still inspiring and motivating others. Each CEO reflected on how his or her experience from the past year reshaped their views on crisis response and what it means to be resilient.

“This past year emphasized how public power systems are focused on serving a local community as our industry was impacted by wildfires and weather events on top of the operational and financial impacts of the pandemic.”

“Most agree that a net zero carbon emissions goal by 2035 is unachievable by the majority of public power utilities. A 2050 goal would still be difficult, but perhaps more achievable if there are breakthroughs in technology and the siting and permitting process is reformed.”

The PUF team brings you memorable moments from APPA CEO Joy Ditto’s opening remarks as she was in-person in Orlando, and from the virtual meeting in July.

A conversation with EPRI's vice president for energy supply and low-carbon resources.

EPRI looks at updating the grid for an electrified economy and solving the most difficult decarbonization challenges, with unprecedented resiliency for everyone.

“Valuations have held up very well in contrast to what was an initial concern as we entered the pandemic that they would be hit much harder.”

Ameren’s fire protection engineer: The goal is for the employees to be trained, so they can address a fire in what we call an incipient phase, where they’re very small fires.

It makes sense potentially to allow municipal broadband systems to be eligible for the proposed broadband subsidy program, albeit with safeguards.