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Senate executive committee reviews four Public Service Commission nominees; debate centers on PJM, grid supply and energy mix
Summary
The committee heard four nominees to the Delaware Public Service Commission and questioned them on grid reliability, PJM governance, the role of new large loads, small modular reactors and energy storage; nominations were circulated and no confirmation votes were taken.
The Senate Executive Committee considered four gubernatorial nominees to the Delaware Public Service Commission, hearing opening remarks and policy-related exchanges that focused on electricity supply in the PJM regional transmission organization, potential generation options and consumer protections.
Anthony J. DiPrima, a former executive director of Energize Delaware and Dover city manager, told the committee the PJM market is not delivering sufficient generation and said regulators should consider a portfolio approach that includes renewables, energy efficiency, storage and potentially nuclear. “The market system that was put in place and operated by the PJM is simply not working by evidence,” DiPrima said, and cautioned that small modular reactors today appear more expensive than large plants but may become more economical over successive generations of deployment.
Regina ("Gina") Iori, introduced as a long-time consumer advocate and former deputy attorney general for commission staff, said she would prioritize consumer interests if confirmed, stressing the commission’s duty to require utilities to prove that investments and expenses were prudently incurred.
Michael T. Richard, who described regulatory experience in other states and with the Organization of PJM States, spoke about the challenge of large new loads and how costs can be allocated through tariffs and customer classes to avoid shifting costs to residential customers. Richard referenced prior regional work, including collaborative efforts between Delaware and Maryland on a contested PJM capacity-auction issue that he said involved about $183,000,000.
Robert C. Wheatley, a long-time Sussex County planning and zoning chair and business owner, emphasized listening, objective review of facts and fiscal responsibility. Committee members praised his local experience and said they expected to circulate his nomination for further consideration.
No confirmation votes were taken in the session. The committee circulated paperwork for the PSC nominees and deferred a planned piece of legislation to a later meeting. Senator Pinkney moved to adjourn and, with a second from Senator Pettyjohn and no objection, the committee adjourned.
What happens next: Each nomination was circulated in committee for further consideration; the committee did not record confirmation votes during this meeting.
