“We are seeing another business model evolution happen in real time now. AI- driven load growth is increasing faster than traditional planning and regulatory cycles can accommodate. Moreover, this load growth looks different.”

“Today, compliance and risk management resemble a constant turning puzzle, much like Rubik’s Cube. With every move, the alignment of risk and compliance across the organization is reshaped.”

Long-time Executive Editor Steve Mitnick handed the baton to Rachel Bryant, an engineer and lawyer who is familiar to many of our readers as her career has centered on energy.

“We’re going to be focused on finding opportunities in reducing overall OpEx for how businesses are run, making sure that shows up as a net reduction in cost for the customer. We’ll also be focused on energy efficiency opportunities and ways customers can take affordability into their own hands.”

“The swings in power block cycling can be very challenging. Because AI model training runs in parallel, these power blocks can swing between five hundred megawatts to a gigawatt, up to four times a minute.”

“An equally urgent priority is helping our clients navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. We’re seeing an increase in private capital going into grid solutions and generation, which is challenging the traditional regulatory model.”

Public Utilities Fortnightly Executive Editor Steve Mitnick turned to four experts facing the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2026. Guidehouse Global Energy Providers Practice Leader Michelle Fay, Emerson President of Power and Water Solutions Bob Yeager, and Energy Impact Partners Head of Innovation Evan Pittman with EIP Elevate Future Fund Managing Partner Anthony Oni provided their thoughts on what the new year will bring.

“It’s for my Connecticut Commission to communicate that you may not agree with the decision, but if you feel there was a fair hearing and analysis of the application and how the law and precedent were applied, that will go a long way to reestablishing that sense of trust.”

“This incentive shift away from renewable resources is resulting in the prioritization of non-renewable sources such as natural gas, coal, alternative fuels, and will likely have negative impacts on energy affordability and the environment.”

“Gone are the days of stable and predictable growth. It used to be that we would have a preapproval case before us, and all the parties would come in and hammer out a unanimous settlement agreement. Now it’s a major fight.”