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.”

“At the Summer meeting, NARUC will address issues of reliability, data centers, large loads, affordability, and utility infrastructure, because my sub-theme for this year is about the importance and need for reliable and resilient infrastructure.”

“By implementing a systematic assessment and restoration program, utilities can double that lifespan, extracting 100 to 150 years of reliable service out of a single transmission asset.”

“By upgrading the existing grid, advanced conductors slash deployment timelines from decades to months, integrating large loads faster and more affordably.”

“Everyone in the regulatory space wants to understand outcomes. When a utility spends ratepayer dollars, stakeholders must see the resulting risk reduction.”

“Connecting and automating physical grid infrastructure introduces immense systemic complexity compared to traditional information technology networks.”

Four innovators — Dragos, Rhizome, TS Conductor, and Osmose — rewrite the operational playbook for a highly automated and heavily loaded grid.

“Ultimately, adding this massive load expands the economic foundation to absorb the fixed costs of grid modernization, ensuring that future rate increases for everyday citizens are significantly smaller than they would have been without it.”

“Local leaders must have substantive conversations with developers long before a formal docket opens. Applicants learn quickly that they better be hosting workshops and ironing out concerns before the regulatory clock starts ticking. This is now codified into our permitting law.”