AUSTIN, Texas — Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioner Courtney Hjaltman has been appointed to a national advisory council focused on research and emerging issues affecting the U.S. electric power sector, giving Texas additional representation in discussions surrounding energy technology, planning and policy.
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners appointed Hjaltman to the Advisory Council to the Board of Directors of the Electric Power Research Institute. The council brings together leaders from government, business, finance, education and other stakeholder groups to provide perspectives on technological, economic and policy matters affecting the electric industry.
The appointment positions Hjaltman to contribute experience from Texas, one of the nation’s largest electricity markets, as regulators and industry leaders address evolving power demand, infrastructure requirements and emerging technologies.
Hjaltman to Bring Texas Energy Perspective to Advisory Council
Hjaltman said collaboration will play an important role as the electricity industry continues to change and policymakers work to address the needs of consumers and communities.
“As the energy landscape evolves, strong collaboration is critical to meeting the needs of consumers and communities,” said PUCT Commissioner Hjaltman. “Texas is a leader in electric planning and innovation and I am honored to serve on EPRI’s Advisory Council where I can share these ideas and contribute to the future of the electric industry.”
Her appointment provides an opportunity for the Texas regulator to participate in discussions involving research priorities and broader developments across the electricity sector.
Texas has remained a major focus of the U.S. energy industry because of the scale and complexity of its electricity system. Continued economic and population growth, alongside changing generation resources and electricity consumption patterns, has increased attention on long-term grid planning and infrastructure.
Hjaltman’s participation will allow perspectives from the Texas regulatory environment to be considered alongside those of representatives from other areas of government, industry and academia.
EPRI Advisory Council Focuses on Electric Sector Research
The Electric Power Research Institute conducts research and development related to the generation, delivery and use of electricity. Its work addresses issues facing utilities and other participants across the power sector.
Through the organization’s Advisory Council, representatives from a range of industries and institutions provide insight to EPRI’s Board of Directors about significant developments affecting electricity markets and infrastructure.
The council considers technological, economic and policy issues and also works to help ensure that EPRI’s research remains relevant and aligned with the public interest.
That role has become increasingly significant as utilities, regulators and businesses evaluate technologies that could affect electricity generation, transmission, distribution and consumption.
Research can help industry participants understand how new technologies may interact with existing infrastructure while identifying potential challenges associated with reliability, costs and implementation.
Appointment Expands Texas Participation in National Energy Discussions
The Public Utility Commission of Texas oversees important parts of the state’s utility sector, including electric, telecommunications, water and sewer utilities. Its responsibilities include regulatory oversight and issues involving infrastructure, competition and consumer interests.
Hjaltman’s appointment creates another channel for the commission to participate in broader discussions about the direction of the U.S. electric industry.
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners represents state public service commissioners responsible for regulating essential utility services. By appointing Hjaltman to the EPRI Advisory Council, the association is adding a Texas regulatory perspective to discussions surrounding electricity research and industry development.
The appointment comes as the power sector continues to evaluate how infrastructure and planning practices can respond to changing electricity demand and technological development.
For Texas, those questions are particularly significant as the state’s economy expands and electricity providers prepare for future demand from households, businesses and industrial operations.
Hjaltman’s service on the advisory council will allow her to share Texas’ experience while participating in discussions involving research, technology, economics and public policy.
Her appointment also reflects the growing interaction among state regulators, research organizations and industry stakeholders as the U.S. electricity sector works to address reliability, infrastructure development and the changing needs of consumers and communities.
