Hello, Goodbye
My Last PUF. February to be Rachel’s First
Rachel Bryant will take the helm at Public Utilities Fortnightly starting with February’s issue. For PUF’s next voyage, this proud boat could not be in better hands.
Fortnightly Magazine - January 2026
WEC Energy Group Exec Talks Data Centers
Proliferation and load growth
“The way to pay your own way is for us to identify the infrastructure that’s purpose-built to serve you. The good news is that the hyperscalers we’re dealing with fully agree with that. We created bespoke tariffs.”
Yes, Affordability Crisis Can Be Defined
And Yes, It Can Be Solved
“If we define unaffordability as when households with limited means and assets encounter a confluence of bill spikes and other adversities that compel them to miss payments and forego necessities, then data from all directions are informing us that there is indeed a crisis.”
Two States' Commission Chairs Conversations
Oklahoma and Wisconsin
PUF’s popular series on contentious issues facing state regulators takes off in 2026 with Oklahoma Chair Kim David and Wisconsin Chair Summer Strand, who discussed tough subjects with PUF Senior Advisor Paul Kjellander.
Oklahoma Commission: Chair Kim David
State Commission Chairs
“Gone are the days of stable and predictable growth. It used to be that we would have a preapproval case before us, and all the parties would come in and hammer out a unanimous settlement agreement. Now it’s a major fight.”
Wisconsin Commission: Chair Summer Strand
State Commission Chairs
“This incentive shift away from renewable resources is resulting in the prioritization of non-renewable sources such as natural gas, coal, alternative fuels, and will likely have negative impacts on energy affordability and the environment.”
Connecticut Commissioner Caron Reflects
The States
“It’s for my Connecticut Commission to communicate that you may not agree with the decision, but if you feel there was a fair hearing and analysis of the application and how the law and precedent were applied, that
will go a long way to reestablishing that sense of trust.”
What's Ahead in 2026
Thought Leaders
Public Utilities Fortnightly Executive Editor Steve Mitnick turned to four experts facing the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2026. Guidehouse Global Energy Providers Practice Leader Michelle Fay, Emerson President of Power and Water Solutions Bob Yeager, and Energy Impact Partners Head of Innovation Evan Pittman with EIP Elevate Future Fund Managing Partner Anthony Oni provided their thoughts on what the new year will bring.
What's Ahead in 2026: Michelle Fay
Guidehouse
“An equally urgent priority is helping our clients navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. We’re seeing an increase in private capital going into grid solutions and generation, which is challenging the traditional regulatory model.”
What's Ahead in 2026: Bob Yeager
Emerson
“The swings in power block cycling can be very challenging. Because AI model training runs in parallel, these power blocks can swing between five hundred megawatts to a gigawatt, up to four times a minute.”