Advanced Energy Perspectives

While much attention is focused on key Congressional races as we head into Election Day, the outcomes of contests for governor and state legislative seats could be just as consequential for the clean energy industry—if not more so. To ensure state policies help advanced energy and transportation make the necessary strides needed for the U.S. to reach net zero, AEE met with more than 130 candidates in key races to emphasize the value of clean energy.

With 2022 more than halfway through, AEE returns with the latest edition of its biennial top utility regulatory trends roundup. Utility regulatory commissions across the country have been off to a busy start, navigating supply chain hurdles, inflationary pressures, extreme weather events, and the accelerated adoption of clean energy technologies. With PowerSuite, AEE’s policy tracking platform, we cut through the noise to provide insights on the trends shaping utility regulation this year and in years to come.

Note: some links in this post reference PUC filings and other documents in AEE's software platform, PowerSuite. Click here and sign up for a free trial. PowerSuite – policy tracking by policy professionals.

Images compiled from separate virtual meetings with candidates. Clockwise from top left: Audrey Lee, Microsoft; Harry Godfrey, AEE; Jennifer Carroll Foy, candidate for Governor; Ebo Entsuah, AEE; Terry McAuliffe, candidate for Governor; Delegate Jay Jones, candidate for Attorney General; Senator Jennifer McClellan, candidate for Governor; Delegate Jason Miyares, candidate for AG; Attorney General Mark Herring, center. 

Advanced energy and transportation have made tremendous strides in Virginia over the past four years. The Grid Transformation and Security Act (GTSA), Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), and Clean Cars Act are some notable examples, and there are plenty of smaller wins as well. This success was built upon early and frequent engagement with Gov. Northam’s Administration and lawmakers at the General Assembly, beginning with business roundtables AEE held with gubernatorial candidates four years ago. Now, with Gov. Northam ineligible for re-election this fall because of Virginia’s single-term limit on its chief executive, we are doing it all again, focusing on candidates for both Governor and Attorney General.

Here at AEE, we are dedicated to advancing policies that expand market opportunities for advanced energy technologies around the nation. Central to that mission is helping state legislators learn about the latest advanced energy developments and policy needs within their states. On April 5, we hosted a virtual meeting attended by approximately 30 legislators and staff members from the Illinois General Assembly. AEE’s Daniel Bloom was joined by industry leaders from Apex Clean Energy, Borrego, CPower, EVgo, Rivian, and Schneider Electric to discuss how advanced energy resources can grow and transform the Illinois economy, and what policies are needed to achieve that end.

Every four years, Americans turn their eyes to Florida as a crucial swing state in presidential elections. Here at AEE, we also pay attention to the election cycle in the Sunshine State, but this year our eyes are on the state legislature. Two years ago, AEE met with gubernatorial contenders from both parties – including the eventual winner, Gov. Ron DeSantis – to tell them about the opportunity of advanced energy for Florida. This year, AEE spent the heat of a Florida summer holding virtual meetings between member companies and candidates running for the state legislature to show how advanced energy can create jobs for the Florida economy, bring consumers more options – whether for solar power or electric vehicles – and lower the cost of energy for businesses and households.