Third CLG meeting of 2023 explored role of ratepayer advocates in navigating the clean energy future; video available

Audience members listen to a panel featuring ratepayer advocates from the New England states at the third Consumer Liaison Group meeting of 2023.

The third Consumer Liaison Group (CLG) meeting of 2023 offered insights into the evolution of the region’s power system and the role state ratepayer advocates will have in the clean energy transition.

A video recording and summary of the September 21 meeting are available online.

The meeting began with a community welcome from Jacob Powsner, a member of the CLG Coordinating Committee (CLGCC), followed by remarks from Leif Taranta and Julie Macuga. Both residents of Vermont, Taranta and Macuga discussed the impacts of climate change in Vermont, and environmental justice challenges in Burlington and throughout the state.

A presentation by Tiana Smith, head of electrification and sustainability at Green Mountain Power (GMP), followed the welcome. Smith provided an overview of the utility’s climate solution efforts in Vermont.

Anne George followed up on questions from attendees that included the plans to ensure reliability throughout the winter season.

Anne George, vice president and chief external affairs and communications officer at the ISO, provided an overview of results from the Operational Impact of Extreme Weather Events energy adequacy study. The study is a collaboration between the ISO and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to examine how New England’s bulk power system would fare under stressful weather and operational conditions. Preliminary results of energy assessments have been completed for 2027 winter and summer events, and for 2032 winter and summer events. George also gave updates on the 2050 Transmission Study and the ISO’s proposed 2024 operating and capital budgets.

Ratepayer advocates fielded questions from attendees.

The meeting concluded with a panel moderated by Liz Anderson, chair of the CLGCC and chief of the Energy and Telecommunications division at the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. The panel featured the New England ratepayer advocates discussing their role in the transition to a clean energy future.

Panelists included: Lou Cecere, planning engineer, Vermont Department of Public Service; William Dornbos, legal director, Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel; Ashley Gagnon, assistant attorney general, Energy and Telecommunications Division, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General; Linda D. George, administrator, Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities & Carriers; Donald M. Kreis, consumer advocate, New Hampshire Office of the Consumer Advocate; and Andrew Landry, deputy public advocate, Maine Office of the Public Advocate.

The CLG is a forum for sharing information between the ISO and electricity consumers in New England. The next meeting will be held December 6, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.