“The electric sector’s cybersecurity posture is undergoing a fundamental shift. This evolution recognizes that organizations must plan for scenarios where adversaries are already operating within the environment.”

“We have areas that are not expecting load growth – and potentially even a decrease in load – like in eastern Kentucky in the Appalachian region, where we haven’t gotten a lot of economic development.”

The 2026 NARUC Winter Policy Summit was held February 8-11 in Washington, D.C. and gathered regulators from across the country along with international attendees for four days of education and camaraderie.

“Regulators are grappling with how to address new large load growth and ensure fairness and affordability. What models stand out as best practices for ensuring new large loads are integrated while addressing affordability and customer impacts?”

“State Commissions sit at this intersection of the federal requirements, local concerns, and project reality. Where does the permitting system break down in what the state regulators control and where do states already do well?”

“I look forward to hearing about the ways your state, industries, and companies are addressing how to overcome silos to share resources and resilient practices, communicate across sectors, and coordinate and prioritize restoration. We can then take these lessons home.”

A resiliency panel was led by NARUC President and Washington Commissioner Ann Rendahl. First Vice President and Virginia Commissioner Jehmal Hudson also took center stage, leading two panels, one on permitting and a demand roundtable on large load tariffs.

“Our mission now is to reduce the time it takes to reach infrastructure investment decisions. That is not just a technical problem, it is a human one. Trust, culture, and alignment matter just as much as the tools themselves.”

“Regulation is a form of consumer protection, but it is also about alignment. All stakeholders are clients in my mind, and the challenge is serving those needs while positioning the utility to do the same.”

“One of the best pieces of advice I received was simple: if you do not know the answer, say so. Do not bluff. Do not dig a hole. Just say you will find out and follow up. That builds credibility. It builds trust. And it reinforces integrity.”