Load growth and system planning all require adding electric utility infrastructure but building that runs smack into many reasons for delays, including permitting, NIMBY-ism, supply chain disruptions, and more. The situation threatens to stunt the needed industry growth to handle increased demand.

Throw in affordability, and the issues surrounding meeting the energy required to allow modern society to thrive become even more fraught. Regulators are charged with the difficult task of figuring it all out, culminating in decisions that serve the public interest.

State utility regulators, state and federal officials, industry experts, and consumer advocates convened in Minneapolis from July 19-22 for the NARUC 2026 Summer Policy Summit.

Discussions centered on maintaining reliable and affordable utility service amid rapid demand growth, extreme weather, emerging technologies, and changing federal policies.

Enjoy memorable moments from the event at our Facebook gallery.

Data centers, AI, and load growth are inescapable now, as is state and federal authority over them. This series of speakers at the NARUC Summer Policy Summit grappled with meeting increased demands on the grid. Through their lens on emerging issues, along with technical expertise, the speakers offered unique takes on what’s working, what’s worrisome, and what’s wrong.

The NARUC Summer Policy Summit was held July 19-22 in Minneapolis and featured unique perspectives from those on the front lines of utility regulation, policy, and infrastructure challenges. The many sessions and panels were curated to explore strategic insights necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape.