Illinois Commerce Commission: Chairman Brien Sheahan
“We are the most diverse commission.”
"It’s essential we continue to attract very talented and diverse people to public service."
The States
An Inside Look at the Illinois Commerce Commission
A diverse group navigating a dynamic time of change
Chairman Brien Sheahan, Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards, Commissioner John Rosales, Acting Commissioner Sadzi Oliva and Executive Director Cholly Smith
Is Good Utility Regulation in Jeopardy?
Balance and Adaptability are Critical
The three mortal sins of utility regulation are ideology, ignorance and inertia (the three I's). Acting on political beliefs, inadequate information, and past conditions that no longer exist is a recipe for poor regulation.
Arizona on Value of Solar
Turning Point for Distributed Energy
In December 2016, Arizona's utility regulators set in motion a new policy many believe is likely to undermine investment in solar and other distributed technologies in the state. We urge advocates and regulators looking for sustainable models of state DER policy to think carefully before following Arizona's example.
The Electric Utility in 2030
Fat or Skinny?
Debates over utility business and regulatory models have sidestepped a fundamental question: What do state legislators and regulators want the electricity utility of the future to do? Do they want "fat" utilities that play a larger role in implementing public policy and delivering energy services to customers? Or "skinny" utilities that are more narrowly focused on the ownership and upkeep of the grid?
Helping Legislators Understand and Manage Utility Risks
Performance, Political, Customer Expectation, and Fiscal Risk
It is important to help legislators and regulators understand the utility's risk management decisions so that they can approve of the company's risk management strategies. Legislators and regulators are accustomed to thinking in terms of insuring against failures.
Surprising Energy Requirements of the Cannabis Industry
Part I: Implications for Utilities, Regulators
The legal cannabis industry in the U.S. is experiencing rapid growth. That growth and its commensurate energy demands are placing strains on some individual utilities and local grids. In Part I, we forecast electricity demands, analyze problems resulting from the immense energy requirements, and assess some potential implications for the cannabis industry and for utilities.
Energy People: Rob Powelson
We talked with NARUC President, Commissioner Rob Powelson
Commissioner Powelson was installed as the 128th president of NARUC in November 2016.
New Jersey Eyes Microgrids to Augment Reliability
Excerpt from the December 9, 2016 issue of PUR's Utility Regulatory News
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities determined that microgrids, whether based on CHP, fuel cell, solar, or some other technology, offer the promise of increased system resiliency. Especially with CHP-based microgrids, energy efficiency is advanced as well.
Renewable Portfolio Standards: Changing the Industry
Updates and Forecast for 2017
Since 1983, renewable portfolio standards have been enacted in 29 states, with 8 others setting different benchmarks. In addition to increasing renewable energy generation in states that have adopted these standards, the standards have driven renewable energy development in states without them.