Achieving Success in the Energy Transition
Sheri Givens is President and CEO of the Smart Electric Power Alliance.
As 2026 begins, one truth about the energy transition has become unmistakable: success now depends less on setting goals and more on governing complexity well. The energy transition is no longer a future concept; rather, it is the operating reality for utilities and regulators today. Decisions being made now, particularly at the state level, will shape whether the evolving power system remains resilient, affordable, and accessible for all customers.
SEPA’s work in 2025 reflected this reality. We focused on the practical policy and operational questions facing our members and the broader industry. How do virtual power plants move from pilots to dependable system resources? How should utilities plan for rapid load growth while maintaining resilience in the face of extreme weather and wildfire risk? And how can emerging technologies — from distributed energy resources and managed EV charging to advanced analytics and artificial intelligence — be integrated in ways that deliver tangible value to customers?