Washington State UTC: Jay Balasbas
Commissioner
“As we think about implementing the clean energy law, how do we at the same time change our ratemaking process to be more forward-looking, as well as give the utilities every chance of success?”
Law & Lawyers
Innovation-Investment Nexus, Part 1
Accelerating the Future
EIP’s investments are creating the tools necessary for the industry to implement a cleaner, safer, more affordable, customer-centric future.
Washington State UTC: Ann Rendahl
Commissioner
“CETA requires that utilities ensure that energy is affordable, reliable, and that they make the transition to one hundred percent clean energy in an equitable manner.”
Resilience from Policy, Regulatory and Engineering Perspectives
Measure It
A key will be for utilities to share the results of their comparative data analysis and modeling development with organizations, and with that information transmitted to other utilities.
Washington State UTC: Executive and Policy Directors
Directors
“We’ve had flat to declining revenues and increasing cost pressures over the last several years. We’re looking at how to adjust some regulatory fees to set the Commission on firm financial footing.”
Lessons Learned from Hawaii
Bold Visions Require New Paradigms
In the same way Hawaii innovated in electricity production and distribution more than a century ago, the state continues to define the future of electrification, this time through renewables.
Washington State UTC: Directors
Regulatory Services and Energy Directors
“CETA is a total change in how we approach utility investment. We still have ratemaking standards to meet, we still have lowest reasonable costs. CETA does have an off-ramp if costs get out of control, in a two percent cost cap.”
Utilities – Leaving Airline Model Behind
We Need the Grid
Grid governance, ownership, and regulation must also be redesigned.
Washington State UTC: Law
Administrative Law Director, Judge, Paralegal
“In rulemakings and open meeting items, there’s free conversation among Staff, Commissioners, and Judges. In adjudication, the ex parte wall comes up, and only Policy, Judges, and Commissioners can talk with each other, and the rest of Staff take on an advocacy role.”
The Project Management Office
Improving Project Delivery
As a best practice tool for managing programs and projects, a PMO can be used to retain and disseminate institutional knowledge for generations of future utility professionals.