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Senators hearing public input urge grid modernization, address interconnection costs and generation choices
Summary
A Senate Energy and Natural Resources listening session sought feedback on the next state energy strategy, focusing on grid resilience, interconnection rules, distributed generation and affordability. Lawmakers pressed for clearer models on who pays for upgrades and discussed allowing utilities to own generation in-state.
Members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a public listening session to gather input on the next iteration of the state energy strategy, department staff told the committee. The session focused on grid modernization, interconnection rules and cost allocation, generation diversity and energy-efficiency programs; staff said written public comments will remain open through September 2.
Senator Art proposed exploring whether utilities should be allowed to own or directly develop generation in the state, saying, "I'm seriously looking at, allowing the utilities to, have known generation in the state." He asked the committee for feedback on feasibility and potential downsides to loosening the current separation between utility ownership and generation.
Senator Waters urged the strategy to emphasize resilience and pragmatic, state-level actions, saying, "I think…
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