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About the Episode:

SunCast Host Nico Johnson dives into the complex world of Public Utility Commissioners with Carrie Zalewski, former chair of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Drawing on her expertise as a regulator, energy attorney, and engineer, Carrie provides a unique perspective on the intricate work of energy regulation and reminds us all that some vectors of power do, indeed, yield greater impact than others. The more you know, the better prepared you are to help on the front lines.

Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) tackle a broad spectrum of vital issues each day, ranging from influencing public utilities' spending to supporting clean energy initiatives and crafting plans for effective storage and transmission. Carrie's experience extends beyond the ICC, as she has adjudicated complex environmental cases at the Illinois Pollution Control Board, contributing to critical rulemaking while striving to strike a balance between Illinois businesses, residents, and environmental preservation.

This conversation unveils the intricacies of energy regulation and illuminates how engaging with state regulators can make an outsized difference in the clean energy revolution and our progress in this energy transition.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) exist in every state in the United States and in various forms worldwide to regulate the rates & services of utilities in their jurisdiction, many of which are legal monopolies. PUCs are responsible for balancing the interests of utilities and consumers to ensure affordable and reliable water, electricity, gas, communications and other public infrastructuret services.

  2. Public Utilities control access of next-gen technology to the grid, and thus wield incredible power to promote or delay technological advances. PUCs control the spending and earnings of these utilities by holding the purse strings. They grant permission for utility projects, determine net metering amounts, design beneficial electrification plans, vote on storage plans, and tackle issues including renewables, community solar, demand response, storage and transmission. Thus, PUCs have incredible influence on whether or not, and how quickly, clean energy technologies can scale.

  3. PUC chairs in IL (and many other states) are appointed by the governor or nominated by the legislature and undergo a rigorous vetting and confirmation process. PUC size typically ranges from three to seven commissioners and is set by statute. Did you know that a quorum of Commissioners can never meet privately, as this would constitute an official meeting and must be done in public!

  4. Illinois is a retail access state, meaning customers can use the default utility or alternative retail electric suppliers (AREs) for their electricity supply. The Illinois Public Utility Commission regulates the distribution and other aspects of the electricity system in retail access states, while in vertically integrated states, they also regulate generation and sometimes transmission lines.

  5. Getting plugged into NARUC is potentially the most leverage you can achieve because that’s where all the decision makers gather. But in all cases, stay engaged with your local PUC and your industry trade organization, and exercise your civic rights & duty to work with the regulators to effect rule-making (or urge them in new directions, as the case may require!) that will directly and indirectly impact your business and community.

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.