“Through publicly available data and interactive dashboards on the Commission’s website — including tools focused on affordability and electric reliability — we are giving the public new ways to understand how utilities are performing and offering this data to be used in case proceedings.”

The Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (SEARUC) held its 2026 Annual Education Conference from May 17 – 20 in Biloxi, Mississippi, presided over by SEARUC President and Mississippi Chair Chris Brown. The conference educated Commissioners and energy leaders on hot topics to promote the public interest.

The National Council on Electricity Policy (NCEP) held its annual meeting in May in Charleston, South Carolina on Collaborative Responses to Load Growth. Attendees heard large-load customer perspectives on load growth and experiences developing sites around the U.S.

“What’s interesting is how my career at Interstates overlaps with APPA’s Policy Makers Council (PMC) and my city council position. Interstates currently has four power generation projects. My daily life complements the advocacy for PMC and the public power sector.”

“Line school was a big part of getting over that fear. It’s repetition and taking one step at a time. Climbing a pole for the first time was scary, but you get on a pole and say, ‘Okay, one more step.’”

“Safety has got to be our first priority. It’s my responsibility to look out for all the guys I’m working with and vice versa. Everyone’s responsible for each other’s safety and speaking up about it is of the utmost importance.”

“A lot of our projects are rebuilding lines at higher voltage, bigger wire, and sometimes multiple bundle conductors where traditionally it’s been single conductors. They’re building up to handle all the growth.”

“A good line crew working is almost like watching a ballet, particularly when you have a couple of men on a pole climbing and working together. You anticipate each other’s moves.”

In celebration of National Lineworker Appreciation Day, PUF’s Paul Kjellander speaks with former lineman Rich Walje, and Idaho Power lineworkers Jesse Allen, Kyle Bligh, and Isaiah Krohn.

“NARUC and NASEO, in conjunction with 25 state agencies, have collaborated since early 2025 to develop comprehensive electricity planning roadmaps through a series of virtual and in-person workshops.”