The United States Energy Association held its twenty-first annual meeting of the nation’s energy association CEOs at the National Press Club. Read excerpts from the heads of NARUC, EPRI, American Gas Association, Smart Electric Power Alliance, National Hydropower Association, Large Public Power Council, Nuclear Energy Institute, and the Alliance to Save Energy.

“Hands-on experiences include visits to energy research and production sites, where participants can learn directly from on-the-ground experts and operators.”

“We plan on doing the research and dialogue with communities on geothermal over the next several years, which is the first time that approach has been attempted in Hawaii.”

“The energy efficiency administrator can look at how to help Lahaina and the island of Maui, as well. How to incorporate energy efficiency into what they’re rebuilding in Lahaina and in the temporary housing units that have been built or are still in development.”

Conversations with Hawaii PUC Chair Leo Asuncion and the State’s Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick.

“We’re at a place where there’s a lot of focus on the PUC. There is a healthy conversation coming about not being able to have everything and realizing that by relying on your PUC to achieve the balance among these competing priorities, there are going to be disappointments.”

“Our utilities are committed to fostering economic development across the nation, but we need federal policies and regulations that provide the necessary support and flexibility to make it possible.”

Societies can sail in calm waters, that suddenly become unforgiving and then come back later but to a different calm. Which is good advice for all those across the utilities industry feeling rather buffeted by the present winds of change. We are all adjusting and tuning strategies to continue to carry out our central mission to serve the public interest.

Electric rate inflation has come in at one tenth of a percent less than the CPI increase in the last two years. Of course, electric rate inflation two years earlier was a setback for American households. It was 14.3 percent, while the CPI increase was 6.5 percent.