The One Where Rachel Goes to NARUC

This week, I’ve landed in the heart of the nation, Washington, D.C. It’s been a while since I roamed these streets, having swapped my role at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a similar one in my home state, Colorado. While the comfort of home is undeniable, I can’t ignore the tug of nostalgia for D.C.’s unique culture and vibe. I had to dash my kids’ dreams by revealing that, alas, I wouldn’t be schmoozing with the President. Instead, I’ll be immersing myself in the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) conference. Even though my attempts to sell it as the red carpet for energy professionals were met with skepticism, I remain convinced that this event is where the real power players convene (pun entirely intended).

NARUC is on a mission to enhance public utility regulation, striving to benefit the public by elevating the quality and effectiveness of these services. As the national association for state public service commissioners overseeing vital utility services, its members are tasked with ensuring dependable service at rates that are fair, just, and reasonable. The conference offers a distinctive chance for energy professionals to convene, exchange ideas, and network in close proximity to the White House, giving the term “power lunch” a whole new meaning. Despite my son dismissing it as a potential snoozefest and resuming his iPad binge, I must confess that these conferences deliver more than just technical prowess; they inject a dose of optimism into the mix.

While everyone in the industry has different goals, products, and/or objectives, we ultimately all strive to achieve some level of decarbonization while continuing to improve our energy resources and overall quality of life. With my Starbucks in hand, I found myself eavesdropping on conversations ranging from the ideal electric vehicles (EVs) for large families to strategies for optimizing consumer rebates in the solar realm. Amidst the caffeine-fueled discussions, I reconnected with former FERC colleagues, all the while weaving new connections with representatives from energy software and technology firms. Most notably, I had the privilege of tuning in to the exciting and promising goals and objectives being set by Commissions across the country.

While discussions covered various topics, a recurring theme underscored the pivotal role of involving consumers in the successful execution of decarbonization strategies. From my viewpoint, a vital method to engage customers, simultaneously curbing load and minimizing redundant infrastructure, involves crafting and implementing time-of-use (TOU) rates. Essentially, TOU rates motivate consumers to adjust their energy consumption to periods of increased renewable energy availability, reducing dependence on fossil fuels during peak demand. This pricing strategy not only prompts consumers to align their usage patterns with cost-effective periods but also enhances load balancing, overall grid stability, and reliability. Notably, TOU rates empower consumers in the decarbonization journey by fostering awareness of the environmental impact of their energy habits.

The importance of alignment among consumers, utilities, and regulators cannot be overstated. Just as wresting the iPad from my son’s hands demands a Herculean effort of gentle parenting, so does the art of balancing stakeholder needs when crafting decarbonization strategies. Fortunately, after interacting with some of the industry the past few days, I am confident that collectively we will find the right solution. expertise, I believe that GridX and others can collaborate to bring us closer to our shared goals—similar to my hope that one day my child will appreciate family time as much as YouTube shorts.