“We’re the only truly independent organization that doesn’t have a financial stake in outcomes. I don’t have to please anybody. My job is to tell the truth as I see it, back that up with facts, and help people interpret what the facts are saying.”

The mission of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. PUF Executive Editor Steve Mitnick discussed achieving that with NERC CEO Jim Robb, Chief Engineer Mark Lauby, General Counsel Sonia Rocha, Senior Vice President of Strategy and External Engagement Camilo Serna, and Senior Vice President of Regulatory Oversight Howard Gugel.

The first affordability crisis took place during the Panic of 1907, a devastating downturn in the nation’s economy. The broken banking system couldn’t continue to provide capital to the electric companies, bringing to a screeching halt the expansion of electric service beyond the wealthiest communities. Lowering the risk of the companies, albeit also lowering their profit potential, broke the logjam.

When NTUA approached Salt River Project in 2019 to share the challenges they faced, including that bringing electricity to all homes in the Navajo Nation could take more than fifty years to complete, SRP responded immediately.

Beyond the Blueprint

As the NARUC community gathers this November, it’s clear that Washington offers more than scenic views. It offers a glimpse into what’s possible when legislative ambition, regulatory innovation, and utility leadership move in concert turning clean energy from aspiration into everyday reality.

In Atlanta, Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy celebrated its 20th anniversary in October. Through workshops, keynotes, and offsite events, the event embodied WRISE’s vision of creating a transformed energy ecosystem where all people and our planet thrive.

Building for Tomorrow’s Demand

Dentons held its annual US Energy Summit 2025 in September at the Dentons Washington, D.C. Office Conference Center with a focus on modernizing energy infrastructure and addressing national energy challenges.