Utilities Industry Focuses on 2022 Goals and Embraces the “Climate Decade”

The years leading up to 2030 are being called the “Climate Decade,” and the utilities industry is intensifying its efforts in the areas of decarbonization, electrification, and resilience planning. 

In the January issue of Public Utilities Fortnightly (PUF), Guidehouse experts discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the utilities industry at the start of a new year. Jan Vrins, partner and leader of Guidehouse’s Energy, Sustainability, and Infrastructure segment, along with Guidehouse partner Michelle Fay, address issues such as the future of the energy industry, grid resiliency, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal.

“We’re not going to have an energy system and a separate EV charging system; it’s going to be an integrated energy system,” said Vrins about the future of the energy industry in an article excerpt from the Dentons Smart Cities and Connected Communities Think Tank with Keystone’s Key Conversations panel discussion. “That’s why the behind the meter elements and the distribution side of our system are going to be key and we need to invest more.”

In an interview with Jim Greer, Chief Operating Officer of Oncor Electric Delivery, Fay discusses how Texas’ largest energy delivery company will be impacted by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and the strategies it will use to build a safer, smarter, and more reliable electric grid.

The January PUF issue also features an article by Guidehouse partner Hector Artze discussing utility investment and resource planning.