“For projects that use these newer technologies that might have longer-term benefits with shorter-term costs or that build their value from preventing high-cost catastrophes from occurring like wildfires or increasing global temperatures, how can those costs be properly assessed?”

“Talk about the gas-electric harmonization challenges. We’re going to start a task force. We’ll be asking for RTOs to be involved, hopefully NERC will support our efforts with tactical assistance.”

NARUC held its Annual Meeting and Education Conference in California inNovember, closing out three years of the theme, “Connecting the Dots, Innovative/Disruptive Technology and Regulation.” NARUC President Michael Caron passed the torch on to North Dakota Commissioner Julie Fedorchak, who as NARUC’s new President will make history with the first all-female leadership of the Association, with Georgia’s Tricia Pridemore as First Vice President and Washington’s Ann Rendahl as Second Vice President.

As we contemplate how we, in the fashion of Odysseus, shall confront the various Scylla and Charybdis of the new year, it is good to remember the strengths of our ship at sea.

“EPAC’s philosophy is that the industry can and must work together to proactively and voluntarily advance its own standards, rather than waiting for mandates to be imposed.”

“In the coming year, we will provide opportunities to follow and contribute to the global dialogue on critical issues shaping the clean energy future. Through participating in EEI’s Global Electrification Forum in April and signing up for the EEI International Engagement Hub, stakeholders can engage directly with our programs – which all are aligned with our commitment to share knowledge through Power by Association.”

“The main thing we want folks to know is that there are practical pathways, and they can look at this within their area of interest and start to understand how some of these solutions might fit for them.”