Public Utilities Fortnightly hosted its popular Summer Summit Soapbox Luncheon on at the Hilton West Palm Beach in July. Volunteers made two-minute soapbox speeches on anything related to utility regulation and policy, with humor if they chose, in prose, rhyme or song.

The NARUC Summer Policy Summit convened in West Palm Beach under sunny Florida skies in July. The State Commissioners who regulate essential utility services in the public interest had a successful gathering of energy and utilities leaders to share thoughts and ideas in the face of change.

“Where we are trying to change customer sentiment and get participation in programs, we had extraordinary results. We had over a 300% increase in participation in our programs after we launched the campaign.”

“Even though there are differences of opinions, I try to establish common goals, with both MACRUC and NARUC. I always stress the importance of a Commissioner’s role to ensure reliable and affordable service. Also, I make sure there are opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.”

PUF has hosted the Summer Summit Soapbox Luncheon at NARUC’s midsummer conference. It’s become an institution practically. And a beloved one at that. This summer’s edition featured two-minute speeches by the Chairs of the New York, Wyoming, and Washington Commissions, the former Chair of the Maryland Commission, and a former FERC Commissioner.

“Another practical reality is that emerging energy supply technologies expected to contribute to net-zero goals are not yet available at the scale or cost required for broad deployment. Bringing new energy supply technology options to market has historically taken multiple decades.”

“Data center energy use in the U.S. has doubled over the past three years and is expected to grow nearly sixty-seven percent from twenty-one to thirty-five gigawatts by the end of the decade, according to FERC. EPRI reports that by 2030, data centers could account for up to nine percent of all U.S. electricity consumption.”

“The U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of SMR Technology – or FIRST – program, supports the development of nuclear energy innovation with partner nations.”

“Tri-State’s members, including distribution cooperatives and public power districts across four states, will have increased flexibility to self-supply more power through a Bring Your Own Resource program filed with FERC on June 7. If approved, members would be able to supply up to 40% of their power requirements.”