The series continues with conversations with Washington Chair Brian Rybarik and Michigan Chair Dan Scripps.

“Affordability is a central issue for our Committee and captures a significant portion of what we’ve been asked to focus on. Our priority should be, and will continue to be, affordability.”

“My biggest concern is how we can ensure customers have reliable service and can afford to keep the lights, heating, and cooling on for health and safety. It’s not just in my Committee but every Committee is trying to address these issues.”

“Educating a Commissioner to gain an understanding of how these different systems intersect is one of the more valuable missions of NARUC. We try to make sure members who may not have a full understanding of all facets of the natural gas sector have information to give them insight.”

“The NARUC Water Committee is here to show support and educate on the issues that affect water. NARUC can hopefully shine the light and continue to advocate for funding that is truly needed and Commissioners can work on helping ratepayers by keeping rates down the best we can.”

“Committee meetings are the heart of the NARUC membership activities. That’s where the Commissioners from all regions and states can discuss relevant topics and resolutions by participating in the committee sessions.”

PUF’s Paul Kjellander discussed what regulators will find at NARUC in February with President Ann Rendahl and the Chairs of four Committees: Committee on Water with New Jersey Commissioner Michael Bange, Committee on Gas with Pennsylvania Chair Steve DeFrank, Committee on Electricity with Idaho Chair John Hammond, and Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment with Florida Commissioner Mike La Rosa.

“I ensure that consumers understand the importance of their voice in decisions that affect their utilities. It still surprises me every day how much we’re able to help and how grateful people are once they have the information they need.”

“When I started, we were talking about advanced metering infrastructure and piloting smart meters. Now, we’re talking about virtual power plants and microgrids. Watching that transformation and helping communicate it in a way people can grasp has been exciting.”