Opinion
The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders
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IRA tax credits spur construction, manufacturing in red and blue states
Repealing the Inflation Reduction Act could slow our ability to build more power generation and increase the risk of rolling blackouts and higher energy costs.
Emmanuel Martin-Lauzer • May 29, 2025 -
Permission granted by Ethan Howland
Making energy affordable again: The role of cities, states and utilities in enhancing the energy safety net
Even as the U.S. pursues an energy agenda centered on achieving affordability through abundance, utilities and local governments have tools to help families navigate energy insecurities.
Diana Hernández and Vivek Shastry • May 28, 2025 -
FernandoAH via Getty Images
AI and microgrids: Moving toward seamless, resilient energy solutions
By continuously analyzing current and projected energy production and demand, AI can optimize energy flows to ensure that power is distributed efficiently and at the lowest possible cost.
Brad Meissner • May 28, 2025 -
The Desert Photo via Getty Images
The Vistra fires and the truth about lithium-ion batteries
A technology exists to mass-produce safer lithium-ion batteries that can prevent disastrous battery fires, at potentially lower cost.
Karl Littau • May 27, 2025 -
Harnessing HVDC transmission as a transformative force in modern grid design
As grid modernization accelerates, high-voltage direct current transmission will be a cornerstone in the transition to a cleaner, smarter and more resilient power system.
Anees Jeddy • May 21, 2025 -
GCShutter via Getty Images
America’s climate brain drain is real — and it’s just getting started
While Washington debates the existence of climate change, countries like Germany, South Korea and the Netherlands are vigorously funding battery innovation, green hydrogen and next-gen energy storage.
Joe Curtatone • May 20, 2025 -
lyash01 via Getty Images
Is your electric bill too high? Thank LNG exports.
Allowing more gas to be sold overseas gives a windfall to corporate executives who profit from exports as well as from the higher prices they cause here at home by creating scarcity in the market.
Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré (Ret.) • May 19, 2025 -
"Diablo Canyon Family Open House" by Tracey Adams is licensed under CC BY 2.0
America’s AI future hinges on nuclear energy
Artificial intelligence makes nuclear safer, more efficient and affordable, while nuclear provides the energy AI needs to thrive.
Trey Lauderdale and Craig Piercy • May 16, 2025 -
Eloi_Omella via Getty Images
Resetting net zero: What next?
Governments, businesses and investors should seek to maintain long-term investment in competitive technologies while taking a proactive approach to sectors most vulnerable to the current slowdown.
Adrian Del Maestro • May 15, 2025 -
ehabaref via Getty Images
Thousands of energy experts are leaving federal government. Here’s where they should go.
State PUCs desperately need skilled energy professionals to advance economic development, energy affordability and national security goals.
Charles Hua, Abe Silverman and Ted Thomas • May 14, 2025 -
Loradao via Getty Images
The AI energy emergency that wasn’t
The Army Corps of Engineers’ use of an emergency regulation to fast-track permitting for almost 700 projects may backfire because of legal delays and reversals.
Dan Farber • May 13, 2025 -
Phil Augustavo via Getty Images
America’s moment to secure its critical mineral future
As Congress works through reconciliation, we have a historic opportunity to reassert American industrial strength, safeguard national security and power a cleaner, technologically competitive future.
Heather Reams • May 12, 2025 -
aydinmutlu via Getty Images
Why surging demand and grid transformation will define the utility sector in 2025
The utilities that succeed will be the ones that can manage today’s operational stress while preparing for tomorrow’s energy ecosystem.
Kyle Jones • May 9, 2025 -
imagedepotpro via Getty Images
Navigating 4 key trends and challenges shaping the power industry
2025 will be pivotal in how utilities handle workforce shortages, the energy transition and a range of grid reliability and resilience issues.
Matt Carrara • May 7, 2025 -
BRANDONJ74 via Getty Images
The time has come for competitive transmission in Texas
Opening the transmission sector to competition means leveraging the power of the market to deliver the most reliable grid at the lowest reasonable cost.
Matt Welch • May 6, 2025 -
Courtesy of SK Innovation
At-risk IRA tax credits drive industrial-scale infrastructure in red and blue states
The Inflation Reduction Act is a bipartisan success story, but if these tax credits disappear, so will plans for future factories, jobs and the chance to reclaim our industrial leadership.
Joby Bernstein and Claire Petersen • May 5, 2025 -
Courtesy of Sunrun
Puerto Rico’s rooftop solar boom is strengthening grid resilience — why is a federal board trying to stop it?
With thousands of new smart-enabled solar homes joining the grid each month, Puerto Rico is building a distributed, responsive network that can help manage grid fluctuations in real time.
PJ Wilson • May 1, 2025 -
xphotoz via Getty Images
Why customer engagement is the key to VPP success
What if one of the most powerful tools for strengthening the grid is already in customers’ garages, basements, driveways and businesses?
Hannah Bascom • April 30, 2025 -
TexPhoto via Getty Images
Transmission at a crossroads: Policy must reflect today’s infrastructure needs
State and federal “rights-of-first-refusal” would re-establish certainty by relying on local transmission owners to promptly move ahead with needed power line projects.
Devin McMackin • April 29, 2025 -
Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
Trump’s battery tariffs threaten utility-scale storage and US grid reliability
The tariffs will not only affect procurement costs but could force utilities to turn back to natural gas capacity in the short term — undermining emissions goals and customer affordability strategies.
Brandon N. Owens • April 28, 2025 -
martin_33 via Getty Images
Carbon capture technology is ready. Permitting needs to catch up.
Ending the carbon dioxide injection well permit application backlog would unleash investment in America, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and strengthening America’s global competitiveness.
Anna Littlefield • April 24, 2025 -
Gerville via Getty Images
How AI data centers can support grid reliability in Texas and across the US
An Enhanced Reliability Interconnection framework would prioritize connections to the grid for large loads that improve reliability through flexibility and behind-the-meter generation.
Gideon Powell and Josh T. Smith • April 22, 2025 -
Funfunphoto via Getty Images
From crisis to opportunity: Rebuilding cities with safer energy
By investing in alternative battery technologies now, cities can prepare for looming energy challenges, work toward decarbonization goals and safely enhance urban resilience.
Mukesh Chatter • April 21, 2025 -
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Small data centers, big impact: How demand response can fuel the energy transition
Smaller data centers and other commercial and industrial sources can play a key role in stabilizing the grid by participating in demand response programs and implementing battery storage solutions.
Rachel Permut • April 18, 2025 -
Gerville via Getty Images
The US is facing unprecedented load growth. Here’s how we ensure resource adequacy.
Adding sufficient resources fast enough to reliably meet the growth will require an array of demand- and supply-side resources as well as stronger transmission interconnection planning.
Samuel Newell • April 17, 2025
