Would deploying energy storage and/or other innovative technology alter business models and the utility of the future? We are experiencing significant changes in energy supply due to a number of factors, including the increased availability of renewables, demand-side and storage technologies; and new environmental requirements. This lecture provides an overview of US federal regulation of public utilities, including rate revision, challenge process, and the landmark orders that shaped energy industries we have today. In addition, the lecture offers insights of why energy industries moved from traditional cost-based regulation to competitive markets in an open access environment, and how regulators encourage the use of advanced technology in new transmission projects. Advanced transmission technologies increase the capacity, efficiency, or reliability of an existing or new transmission facility while continuing to ensure that consumers have access to sustainable energy at a reasonable cost. 

Decarbonization is both a method of climate change mitigation and the process of significantly reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the atmosphere. To put it in plain terms - this will occur when we stop using fossil fuels. It seems easy enough, replace carbon-based energy with renewable and clean energy sources. This is where it gets complex. Even though the rate of global renewable capacity additions increased by almost 50% in 2023, the fastest growth rate in the past two decades, over 60% of our global energy still comes from fossil fuels – primarily oil, gas and coal. How do we ensure a smooth path to decarbonization and a reliable clean energy transition? What will be the base load in future clean energy systems? Will tripling the rate of renewable investments and implementation and doubling the rate of energy efficiency ensure we meet 50% carbon reduction targets by 2030 and net zero by 2050? Working together, we will address the complex route to decarbonization - where policy, funding and implementation come together. Learn how you can participate in this once in a generation opportunity.