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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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.

“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.”

“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.”

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.

“Woven throughout these discussions was a common, essential thread: people. Southern Company and our peers in the electric utility industry are committed to putting the customer at the center of industry transformation.”