Virginia Chair the New Leader at MACRUC

MACRUC

“Even though there are differences of opinions, I try to establish common goals, with both MACRUC and NARUC. I always stress the importance of a Commissioner’s role to ensure reliable and affordable service. Also, I make sure there are opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.”

Two Minutes on the Soapbox: Chorus of Cowbells Greeted My Last Words

From the Editor

PUF has hosted the Summer Summit Soapbox Luncheon at NARUC’s midsummer conference. It’s become an institution practically. And a beloved one at that. This summer’s edition featured two-minute speeches by the Chairs of the New York, Wyoming, and Washington Commissions, the former Chair of the Maryland Commission, and a former FERC Commissioner.

Practical Realities of the Clean Energy Transition

Pedal to the Metal

“Another practical reality is that emerging energy supply technologies expected to contribute to net-zero goals are not yet available at the scale or cost required for broad deployment. Bringing new energy supply technology options to market has historically taken multiple decades.”

Data Centers: Challenges and Opportunities for Utilities

AEIC

“Data center energy use in the U.S. has doubled over the past three years and is expected to grow nearly sixty-seven percent from twenty-one to thirty-five gigawatts by the end of the decade, according to FERC. EPRI reports that by 2030, data centers could account for up to nine percent of all U.S. electricity consumption.”

The Nuclear Renaissance of Today and Tomorrow

Acceleration Over Next Decade

“The U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of SMR Technology – or FIRST – program, supports the development of nuclear energy innovation with partner nations.”

Tri-State G&T Highlights Three Initiatives

Flexibility, Solar, Reliability

“Tri-State’s members, including distribution cooperatives and public power districts across four states, will have increased flexibility to self-supply more power through a Bring Your Own Resource program filed with FERC on June 7. If approved, members would be able to supply up to 40% of their power requirements.”

Death of a Bottleneck

New Transmission Line Life via Reconductoring

“If line losses on an existing line are 20 MW, installing an advanced conductor would reduce losses to approximately 10 MW for the same current, allowing 10 MW of plant construction to be permanently deferred.”

The Next Act For Utilities M&A

Flipping the Script on the Past

“State regulatory commissions can be demanding in how they evaluate proposed mergers, such as by applying the public interest standard and distributing net synergy benefits (after costs-to-achieve) between customers and shareholders.”