On GridPulse, the Grid Forward podcast, Virginia Commissioner Jehmal Hudson, who is a vice president of NARUC, laid out the huge role state commissioners play in modernizing the grid while balancing goals for economic growth and energy affordability. His responses to questions from Grid Forward's Bryce Yonker were detailed and precise, so this episode is really work a listen!
Let me share a couple of perspectives from this experienced energy leader.
On how state commissioners should balance grid modernization and affordability:
Disciplined planning through better forecasting, scenario analysis and stress testing.
Risk allocation, especially for large loads so existing customers aren't holding the bag for stranded upgrades.
Pacing and prioritization. Not every upgrade has the same value.
On why grid enhancing technologies (GETs) are compelling to regulators:
Speed. Reconductoring and GET deployment can often move faster than greenfield lines.
Cost discipline. Customers benefit from avoided or deferred capital costs. A
Public acceptance. Up grading an existing corridor is often less contentious than building a new one.
You can read detailed excerpts from the episode on the Grid Forward website, or listen to this GridPulse episode on your podcast app.