WRI Video Library 49d ago

Local governments face increasing challenges meeting their community’s clean energy goals while supporting affordable and reliable electricity. Now more than ever, it is important for local governments to engage in the decision-making that establishes how our energy systems will look in the future. Among the challenges faced across the U.S. are significant forecasted load growth, an aging electric grid, an unclear and ever-changing federal policy landscape, and an inconsistent patchwork of state policies and electric utility regulations. State electric utility regulators are fundamental to the decision-making process that determines electricity prices, generation sources, and grid upgrades. Local governments have an opportunity to engage with their state electric utility regulators to shape the future of energy policy in their region, ensuring an equitable clean energy transition. In this session, which is the first in a series on local governments and energy-system engagement, we share current and upcoming trends for local governments to be aware of and strategies for getting involved. Our speakers also explore the key roles of local governments in engaging with regulators and utilities to protect ratepayers from burdensome rate increases while bolstering access to clean energy. Featuring: Heather Bolick, Chief Sustainability & Resiliency Officer, City of Charlotte, NC Kathleen O'Neil, Energy Program Manager, City of Boise, ID Bill Eger, Founder & Principal, ETHOS Sustainability Lacey Shaver, Director, U.S. City Clean Energy Transitions, WRI Polsky Energy Center More Resources: Slide deck: https://bit.ly/3Pcaf79 Article - How policymakers, including those at the state and local level, can help manage growing electricity demand in the US: https://bit.ly/4dk8P2p Webinar recording - Transmission issues and engagement opportunities for local governments: https://bit.ly/4nmkGBv Stay in the loop + be the first to hear about future installments: https://bit.ly/42nqpNX Learn more about WRI’s work helping states, cities, corporations and other large buyers accelerate the transition to a clean energy future: https://bit.ly/4wlSvXH