People

The National Association of State Energy Officials held its 2023 Energy Policy Outlook Conference with the theme of lean Energy Abundance: An Economic and Climate Advantage.

Public Utilities Fortnightly held its annual State of State Regulation luncheon during NARUC’s Winter Policy Summit, a series of short, lively talks with five regulatory experts.

Regulation in the public interest was celebrated, and participants had a plethora of panels and speakers to choose from.

“NARUC is in its 134th year, and we’re in a good place. We’re an established organization, and our members are at the forefront of the energy and utility regulatory transition that is going on today. We’re busier than ever.”

When Chris Womack takes the reins at Southern Company, he will join Exelon’s Calvin Butler as two African American men leading two of the largest five utilities.

“Dealing with supply restructuring was challenge enough, but as Montana Power transitioned into being a telco, which ended up in a liquidation bankruptcy, NorthWestern Public Service came in, committed to the utility operation, and acquired the distribution system.”

Arizona Corporation Commission’s Chair Lea Márquez Peterson hosted this event, featuring Hispanics in Energy CEO José Pérez, Arizona Public Service VP of Supply Chain Juli West, Tucson Electric Power/UNS Energy Director of Supply Chain Jeanine Tracey, Arizona G&T Cooperatives Director of Energy Services Chris Jimenez, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative CEO Jason Bowling, Southwest Gas Director of DEI and Supplier Diversity Courtney Moore, Southwest Gas Manager of Diversity Programs Telma Lopez, EPCOR USA VP of Corporate Services Rebecca Burleigh, with remarks by Arizona Commissioner Sandra Kennedy.

The recently-retired CEO talked with us candidly about his evolution on utility culture and strategy.

Many NARUC Summer Policy Summit attendees chose to have fun and be enlightened at PUF’s Soapbox Luncheon.

Nearly a thousand attended NARUC’s Summer Policy Summit in San Diego.