Open to NARUC member commissioners and commission staff

Join this interactive workshop for in-depth training and facilitated discussion to help states navigate FERC Orders 1920 and 1920A’s requirements for cost allocation and regional planning of electric transmission. Participants will leave with a better understanding of lessons and approaches they can leverage from states in other regions; concrete topical areas to prioritize for their involvement in regional processes; and an understanding of support available to assist.

Registration for this event is free and open to NARUC Members: https://forms.office.com/r/vknmBReThm

This workshop is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Deployment Office.

In an era of increasingly freqiemt and severe natural disasters, telecommunications is crucial for protecting public safety and ensuring consumer well being.  Reliable connectivity supports emergency communications, access to vital services, and the dissemination of critical information.  This panel will examine how the telcommunications and utility sectors work together to maintain service continuity during disasters, with a focus on consumer impact.  Panelists will share best practices and lesons learned.  They will also discuss emerging technologies, strategies for resilience, andpolicy considertions to keep communities connected when disasters strike.

More than a decade ago, electric customers ceased paying into the federal Nuclear Waste Fund following a lawsuit from NARUC. Today, nearly $50 billion continues to await congressional appropriation to fulfill the intent of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982: for the U.S. Department of Energy to take on the siting, construction, and operation of deep geologic repositories for the disposal of the nation’s high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Nuclear policy expert and Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition Executive Committee member Bob Capstick will present to NARUC members on nuclear waste policy and what state utility regulators can do to support federal action towards a national integrated nuclear waste management program.

During the panel, experts will delve into the evolving U.S. energy landscape, examining its profound implications for communities and the workforce, as well as the pivotal roles and responsibilities of utilities and regulatory bodies. The discussion will highlight resources and strategies available to facilitate economic diversification within energy-dependent communities. Presenters will offer in-depth analyses of initiatives and share their experiences in aiding regions striving to revitalize and diversify their economies. These case studies will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by energy communities, the strategies employed to overcome them, and the successes achieved. Furthermore, participants will gain insights into programs designed to support impacted regions and workers, essential for preserving economic stability and promoting new opportunities in the clean energy sector. The session will also cover grassroots efforts by regulated utilities to mitigate the effects of power plant closures, alongside innovative projects driving economic diversification.

Extending natural gas service to unserved and underserved areas can be used to attract new and diverse businesses and industries resulting in immediate and long-term economic benefits. One such example is in the State of Nevada where legislation was enacted to permit the natural gas utility to expand its infrastructure to aid economic development. This panel will discuss the economic development spurred by extending natural gas service in unserved areas.

Commissioners and commission staff have an opportunity to step into the shoes of power generators and electricity suppliers! Attendees will experience first-hand how economic theory and market design can aid in informing regulatory policy. This interactive learning session examining wholesale power markets is sponsored by the Staff Subcommittee on Electricity.

Complimentary attendance but separate registration required. Space is limited.

Register for Power Markets Simulation (Commissioners and Commission Staff Only)

The Pathway Forward Framework is a comprehensive tool for advancing organizational DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) maturity within the clean energy industry. It provides accessible, measurable approaches for implementing DEI actions tailored specifically for renewable energy organizations. Understanding effective DEI practices, behaviors, and actions—regardless of size, location, or sector—can accelerate the transition to a more inclusive workplace.

The framework model identifies six “levers” of organizational functioning that are most critical to advancing DEI within clean and renewable energy sectors. Each lever highlights actionable areas for internal assessment and growth: leadership, recruitment pipeline, talent management, inclusive culture, community engagement, measurement.

For every lever, there are five defined stages of growth: explore, develop, implement, operationalize, transform. Each organization can identify the next steps for where they are on the DEI journey. Panelists will address these concepts from their respective points of view and focus on their applicability to utilities and state commissions.

In this session, Commissioner Eric Skrmetta will bring forward a resolution to update the subcommittee's name. 

Then, Commissioners Tim Echols and Nick Myers will emcee a panel with Georgia Power's Jeremiah Haswell on how the math unfolded on construction for Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including how Georgia Power managed the projects’ prudency and reported milestones and challenges to the Georgia Public Service Commission. Then, Bob Capstick, a member of the Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition Executive Committee, will break down the Nuclear Waste Fund: why it was created, how much it collected from state electric ratepayers, and what to do with it to make progress towards re-starting a national program to manage all the nation’s nuclear waste. Then, ClearPath's Niko McMurray will summarize the Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act, a proposal from Sen. James Risch (R-ID) to encourage investment in advanced reactors. 

Commission Staff won't want to miss this interactive meeting on hot issues facing Commissions! 

Join Staff Chairs: Sallie Tanner & Doug Clark of SS on Exec Mgmt, Bridgett Frazier, SS on ALJ and Elizabeth Barnes and Greg Walklin, SS on Law, and be a part of the conversation. 

Interested in joining one of these Staff Subcommittees? Send email to Mmalloy@naruc.org. 

(Commission Chairs Only)

(Invitees Only)

Welcome to Washington

Kick off of the 2025 Winter Policy Summit by The Hon. Ann Rendahl, Washington, NARUC 1st VP

Mutual Assistance: The Power of Partnership

Mutual assistance plays a critical role in keeping the lights on. From its humble beginnings where utilities joined together organically in response to storms, to the robust support network that it is today — deploying tens of thousands of personnel and resources to storm hit areas — mutual assistance is a great example of the power of partnership and the recognition of energy as a necessity.

The grid remains vulnerable to impacts from myriad risks throughout the country, including hurricanes, bomb cyclones, ice storms, and wildfires. Electric companies and regulators are continuing to implement or explore measures for grid hardening, with prudent investments to reduce the extent, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events. Although these efforts will protect infrastructure, limit outages, and reduce system restoration times, mutual assistance programs will continue their long history of providing a framework for sharing skilled personnel and/or equipment from unaffected areas to those in need, expediting the restoration process.

This panel will explore the history of mutual assistance efforts, various mutual assistance frameworks, and the organizations that support these efforts, including the American Public Power Association’s (APPA’s) Mutual Aid Network, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Electric Cooperative Mutual Assistance, the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) Mutual Assistance Program, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Panelists will discuss the evolution of these programs and the industry’s year-round planning and preparation efforts, provide real examples of how mutual assistance efforts are deployed, and explain the coordination required for effective system restoration following major outage events.

EPRI Presentation: Foundational Report on Demand and Load Growth: Arshad Mansoor, President and CEO, EPRI. 

State utility regulators have been tasked with a growing set of objectives beyond the safety, reliability, and affordability of energy utilities. As policymakers and stakeholders press utility commissions to implement emissions reduction strategies, it is important to look at the bigger picture of what is driving economy-wide emissions and who is involved in regulating those sectors. Where do utility commissions fit in this complex and evolving landscape? How much impact can they have on emissions? And what regulatory approaches are feasible – and, more importantly, just and reasonable – for utility commissions to implement?

In December of 2023, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) nearly tripled its 9-year electricity demand forecast from the prior year, from 200 to 550 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of growth. Within the last year, several U.S. utilities and ISO/RTOs significantly increased their peak demand forecasts, largely driven by a surge in data centers, manufacturing, and federal, state and local policies advancing electrification.

Given the significant investment required to upgrade and expand the grid, this panel will explore best practices in dealing with expected, but uncertain, load growth. Consumers cannot afford to either wait years for adequate supplies of electricity, nor to experience unnecessary overbuilds like we saw in the 1970’s or ’80’s.  How can regulators better forecast when, where, and what amounts load growth will appear? How do regulators use ever-changing forecasts to determine a prudent amount of transmission and generation and avoid under- or over-building? How can regulators meet this unprecedented load growth while ensuring ratepayers do not face exorbitant utility bills?

Senior congressional staffers and FCC officials will discuss the evolving communications policy landscape under the new Congress and new FCC leadership.  Panelists will outline key legislative and regulatory priorities, includng broadband expansion, spectrum policy, and oversight of emerging technologies.  This session will also explore how these planned federal initiatives may impact states' regulatory frameworks.

In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned the Chevron doctrine, a long-standing principle that gave deference to federal agencies' interpretations of ambiguous laws. Eight months after this decision, how have we seen the results play out in the energy space? What does this mean for the future of FERC rulemaking, and how might it reshape the role of the courts in interpreting legislation?  What changed role or authority, if any, will states have moving forward? Join our panel of experts to explore the results and the future impacts of this decision on FERC, states, and other actors in the energy system.   

Joint Business Meeting of the Water Committee and Staff Subcommittee on Water

• Update on Federal Utility Funding Programs  
• Committee Business

(Invitees Only)

How Does Your Crystal Ball Compare to Others? Hear Federal Policy Predictions for 2025 From Several Major Trade Associations

 Water utilities of all sizes face are facing challenges that are placing upward pressure on rates.  Today’s water providers must juggle wildfires, severe storms, cyber threats, aging infrastructure, and requirements to replace lead services lines and remediate for PFAS, all while trying to ensure that rates continue to be affordable for customers.  On this panel, utilities of various sizes and geographic locations will discuss how they are managing these challenges while also keeping in mind affordability.

As broadband construction picks up pace across the country in 2025, protection of existing buried infrastructure will be paramount. Failures of communication and coordination between broadband providers and existing utilities could cause significant delays, unnecessary costs, or risks to public safety. This panel will explore ways incoming broadband providers can increase cooperation and efficiency in the buildout process to the benefit of the providers, utilities, and ratepayers alike.

In almost every part of the U.S., electricity and gas currently complement each other in delivering safe, affordable, and reliable power and heat to American homes and buildings. Delivering these commodities to end users depends on decentralized and interdependent distribution networks, much of which is subject to state regulation. As patterns of both electricity and gas use are changing in response to extreme weather events, customer and policy pushes for decarbonization, and load growth, questions are emerging about how state utility regulators can oversee prudent investments in both types of infrastructure. This panel will explore technology options, analytical tools, and regulatory strategies to integrate and optimize gas and electric systems.

Executive Director's Greeting

Tony Clark will deliver his first address to NARUC since becoming Executive Director on January 1. He'll provide insights into the work of the Association and preview what to expect in 2025. 

Remarks by Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia

Introduction by the Hon. Charlotte Lane, West Virginia

Fireside Chat with the Hon. David Wright, Chair, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Remarks by Ms. Grace Stanke, Nuclear Fuels Engineer & Clean Energy Advocate, Constellation; Miss America 2023 (Wisconsin)

(Commissioner Emeritus Only)

(Invitees Only)

(Invitees Only)

(Invitees Only)

(Invitees Only)

(Invitees Only)

(Commission Staff Only)

(Commissioners Only)

1. Honorary and substantive resolution discussion and vote
2. NARUC Center for Partnerships & Innovation update
3. Center for Strategic and International Studies Report Shows Natural Gas is Critical for U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness

The water and wastewater sectors depend on the digital world, leveraging technology for monitoring, operations and communicating with customers. At the same time, water utilities are the targets for many cyber criminals who are aware that any disruption to the water sector will have significant impacts on the communities they serve, as well as to other critical infrastructure. Panelists will discuss resources and innovations available to help protect the water utilities from cyber crimes, as well as real world lessons learned from experience with cyberattacks.

As demand for artificial intelligence grows, so is the need for large-scale data centers. Serving this load will require vast resources and planning. Large loads can require extensive transmission and system upgrades which could take years to develop, and whose cost may be borne by all customers. Supporters of co-locating data centers with existing nuclear power plants claim this approach will make grid upgrade costs easier to allocate to these new loads. However, co-location would also remove existing reliable zero-carbon generation from serving customers on the broader grid. As such, is co-location with nuclear generation the answer to spur rapid growth in zero-carbon data centers? Or should other approaches be considered?

Regardless of how policymakers and grid operators opt to proceed, all stakeholders can agree that this transformational development must be done in a manner that ensures a reliable and affordable electric system for all customers.

This panel will bring together experts to explore potential the benefits and challenges of co-locating data centers with nuclear power plants. This is a complicated subject with plenty of room for differing opinions in uncharted energy waters!

Copper networks are costly to maintain and can't provide competitive broadband speeds, but reators don't wnt swaths of rural and low-income households to lose access to 911 and voice services.  As broadband expands across te country, has the time come to declare plain old telephone service dead?  AT&T has announced plans to decommission its copper network across its footprint (with the exception of California) by 2029.  Other companies are expected to follow suit.  As users move from POTS to services provided over broadband, how can states ensure that consumer protections remain in place and that both voice and data sservices remain available to all?

There are over 1,600 community solar projects across 41 states plus DC, contributing 6.5 GW of energy to the grid.  Minnesota has implemented a community solar mandate and incentives, including requiring 30% of the capacity to be reserved for low to moderate income households.  What are different community solar program design options?  How can regulators support equitable access to these programs?  How can CSG programs be combined with bill assistance, such as through recent policy changes to LIHEAP?  How should regulators encourage or require bill savings for participants?

The 6th Circuit decision has limited the FCC's ability to set policies for and oversee broadband access service (BIAS).  In recent years, legislators and regulators in a growing number of states have explored and enacted laws and policies addressing issues like netwrk neutrality. consumer privacy, universal service, digital discrimination, and VoIP regulation, just to name a few.  Will the 6th Circuit decision accelerte this process?  How will the states respond?  Panelists will disciss tjese trends, offer their predictions for what might come next, and explore the impact of this new regulator dynamic on consumers.

There is a growing demand for biogas across the country. This panel will feature presentations from leading experts in the field with a focus on the role that biogas will play in the clean energy future. Panelists will discuss what biogas is and how it supports energy supply and gas infrastructure agility, including the role of biogas in the production of hydrogen, e-fuels, and renewable natural gas. Panelists will also offer insights on policies driving biogas production like organics diversion and “clean-firm” electricity, and the impact on regulators and utilities.

Our nation’s drinking water infrastructure system is made up of 2.2 million miles of underground pipes that deliver safe, reliable water to millions of people. Unfortunately, the system is aging and in need of replacement.  Add to this the recent mandates by EPA for water utilities to install PFAS remediation and address lead and copper pipes, and the result is that many water utilities will be undertaking massive infrastructure projects in 2025.  However, executing these projects is not always easy.  Utilities are under timelines to comply with EPA regulations, however, permitting for these projects can present a challenge.  Securing funding, whether through private capital or through grants, can also be difficult. Panelists will discuss the challenges they face in siting infrastructure projects and potential solutions to ensure these necessary projects see the light of day.  

Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) are heavily dependent on access to capital markets to make the necessary investments to satisfy their obligation to serve. Trends in the power sector such as AI and data center growth, infrastructure expansion, electrification of transit fleets, and increased risk from natural disasters continue to put pressure on the cost of capital threatening affordability and overall operations. Trends outside of the power sector like interest rate fluctuations, changes in macro-economic conditions or even regulatory changes at agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission can have a downstream impact on the flow of capital. 

 Though the information may appear dull to some, regulators should be keenly aware of how these broader trends impact the finances of the utilities they regulate. Breaking down information silos and combatting the perception that regulators are wary of talking to investment analysts is a key tenet of this conversation. 

 This panel will identify the principal participants in the capital markets and how their roles influence the cost of and access to capital by electric utilities. Experts will share insights on the capital market outlook, given the need for utilities to access capital to fund their capital expenditure plans. Additionally, panelists will highlight ways to improve collaboration, partnership, and information sharing among regulators and investors.

Former state regulators, now members of Congress, will share their unique insights with the Winter Policy Summit.  As former members of NARUC, these legislators have all sat in the chairs of our current members, and they know the pressures state regulators face.  They will share their perspectives on prospects for new legislation in the 119^th Congress, their priorities for 2025, and their thoughts on emerging public policies that affect consumers, state commissions and regulated industries.

The NARUC Board of Director Meeting is open to all registrants.

Registration link for the Wednesday Threat Brief is here:
 -> REGISTRATION LINK <-

One Day Read-In Classified Threat Brief. Must Pre-register.
Registration is required. Open to commissioners and staff only, with priority to members of the Critical Infrastructure Committee. Attendance is limited.
Threat brief on Wednesday, February 26, during the Winter Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. The brief will be conducted by DOE, FBI, and will be presented at the Department of Energy headquarters. We will provide transportation to DOE and return; buses load after the General Session concludes. Boxed lunches will be provided.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 1:00 – 4:30 pm ET
Convened through the NARUC-NASEO Advanced Nuclear State Collaborative, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy
Open to commissioners and commission staff, State Energy Office staff, and invited guests
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/GrBgB3UCKQ
Following the passage of the ADVANCE Act in July 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is implementing reforms toward the efficient regulation of advanced nuclear reactors. This workshop will engage state public utility commissions and NRC leadership and staff to learn about the Commission’s regulatory modernization initiatives, share information about NRC licensing timelines for activities, identify strategies to enhance the economic and safety regulation of advanced reactors, and discuss opportunities for collaboration between the NRC and states.