New Jersey BPU: Mike Winka
Senior Policy Advisor
“I help out working on the Energy Master Plan, shaping policy for clean energy for carbon neutral, one hundred percent clean energy into the future.”
Law & Lawyers
A NARUC Winter
Characterizing the Commissioners Now Serving
State commissioners are a dedicated bunch, as is certainly the case of the thousands of commission staff. Dedicated to the public interest, including [when] in the arctic climes of Washington D.C. in mid-February.
Having a Choice is Preferable, Right?
Heeding Albus Dumbledore’s Wisdom
Each month, here, in this very spot, the History Repeats column takes a look back on the large moments in the history of utility regulation and policy. And in doing so, we seek the lessons of history that might be applicable to the practice of pursuing the public interest in the present and the years ahead.
This month we choose to consider the past, present, and future of choice. Or rather, to be more precise, we mean to consider herein the past, present, and future of policymakers' choice — in about a quarter of the states — to allow choice.
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.
Washington State UTC: Engineering
Safety Director and Engineers
“On any one day you could be dealing with a large gas transmission or hazardous liquid company at the interstate level or testifying in front of our state legislature.”
Modernizing Aging Transmission
A Golden Opportunity
Utilities need to consider modernization a golden opportunity to unite officials, consumers, and industry on a quest to reimagine transmission.
Washington State UTC: Telecommunications, Water and Transportation
Assistant Directors
“We work closely with the state Broadband Office. The Commission has been directed by the legislature to review technical feasibilities of any of the plans the Broadband Office approves.”