How Local Elections Decide America’s Clean Energy Future.
The North American power grid has an essential yet complex structure, spanning hundreds of jurisdictions. In the U.S., decisions about the future of this grid—whether it leans toward renewable energy or remains reliant on fossil fuels—largely rest in the hands of roughly 200 state utility commissioners, many of whom are up for election this year.
These officials may not be household names, but their influence is immense. Their decisions impact energy rates, infrastructure spending, and whether states invest in clean energy or stick with fossil fuels. Here’s why local utility commission elections matter, which states to watch, and what’s at stake.
The Quiet Power of Utility Commissions
State utility commissions, known under various names like public utilities commissions or corporation commissions, regulate energy providers by approving or denying spending and rate proposals. Although federal policymakers can set incentives for clean energy, they lack direct control over utility decisions. Instead, it’s up to state utility regulators to decide whether to support renewables, such as solar and wind, or to maintain traditional fossil fuel investments.
These commissions hold the keys to America’s clean energy future. The choices they make will determine whether the U.S. can reduce its carbon footprint in time to combat climate change. And with clean energy becoming increasingly cost-competitive, there’s potential for consumer savings—if utility regulators make the switch.
In some states, utility regulators are appointed by governors or state legislatures, but in ten states, they’re directly elected by voters. This November 5, eight states will hold elections for at least one commission seat. While these races often fly under the radar, they could be among the most consequential decisions for America’s climate and energy goals.
The States to Watch in the 2024 Utility Commission Elections
1. Arizona
Arizona’s Corporation Commission is holding an election with nine candidates competing for three open seats. This is a critical race, as the current commission has made headlines for approving new gas power plants, imposing fees for rooftop solar users, and implementing an 8% rate hike. The outcome could change the commission’s direction, potentially opening doors to more renewable-friendly policies or maintaining the current trajectory. Voters here could see a shift in how the state’s energy future unfolds based on who wins these seats.
2. Louisiana
In Louisiana, voters are choosing a successor to a moderate commissioner who opted not to run for reelection. This decision holds significant weight, as this outgoing commissioner often acted as a swing vote. One candidate has publicly supported renewable energy in interviews, while others remain cautious about pushing federal-level environmental policies like the Green New Deal. Whoever wins could redefine the commission’s stance on energy, either bolstering Louisiana’s clean energy transition or reinforcing traditional energy policies.
3. Montana
Montana’s Public Service Commission has three out of five seats up for election, and recent rate hikes have made this a closely watched race. Voters will decide whether the commission will consider climate impacts in its decisions moving forward, and they’ll have a direct say on how Montana’s energy rates and investments align with clean energy objectives. This election will reveal how satisfied—or dissatisfied—Montanans are with recent rate increases and energy policies.
4. North Dakota
One seat on North Dakota’s Public Service Commission is up for grabs, as incumbent Randel Christmann faces a challenger. The commission is currently deliberating on a proposed carbon-capture pipeline, a controversial project that has drawn intense public interest. The race could influence the commission’s direction on climate issues and carbon capture specifically, as voters decide between a candidate who has opposed the pipeline in the past and one who remains critical of its potential impacts.
5. Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, voters will select a replacement for a long-serving commissioner forced to retire due to term limits. The race has drawn considerable attention, as one candidate, with ties to the petroleum industry, has a significant fundraising advantage. The outcome will likely shape Oklahoma’s energy policy in the coming years, determining how the state navigates between fossil fuel interests and potential shifts toward clean energy.
6. South Dakota
South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission has one seat up for election. Incumbent Kristie Fiegen faces two challengers, each of whom has largely avoided public statements on the high-profile carbon-capture pipeline under the commission’s review. As South Dakota faces ongoing debate over energy infrastructure projects, this race could set the tone for how the state approaches similar initiatives in the future.
7. Nebraska
Two commissioners on Nebraska’s all-Republican Public Service Commission, Dan Watermeier and Tim Schram, are running unopposed for re-election. Given the lack of challengers, the commission’s approach to energy regulation is expected to remain consistent, with no major changes in policy direction anticipated for the immediate future.
8. Alabama
In Alabama, incumbent commissioner Twinkle Cavanaugh is running unopposed for re-election as president of the state’s Public Service Commission. She has publicly committed to conservative governance principles and has voiced her opposition to policies she considers part of a “woke agenda.” The commission’s policies could continue to favor traditional energy sources, and with no challengers, Alabama’s regulatory path is likely to remain stable.
What’s at Stake in the 2024 Utility Commission Elections?
1. Clean Energy vs. Fossil Fuels
The U.S. energy landscape is at a turning point. To mitigate the effects of climate change, clean energy advocates argue that state commissions must favor renewables over new fossil fuel projects. However, many commissions still approve natural gas infrastructure and impose fees on renewable energy options like rooftop solar. If clean energy candidates win seats, it could mean a faster transition away from fossil fuels in key states.
2. Consumer Energy Rates
Utility commission decisions directly impact consumer electricity bills. With record energy demand and inflation, keeping rates affordable is a top concern. Some states, like Montana, recently approved significant rate hikes, and other states are wrestling with how to balance investments in new infrastructure with the need for affordable rates. The outcomes of these elections could change rate structures to either favor consumers or allow higher costs to support infrastructure expansion.
3. Infrastructure for the Future
Power grid infrastructure needs significant updates to handle increased demand from sectors like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and heating. State commissions will decide whether this infrastructure expansion leans toward renewables or relies on fossil fuel technologies. Elected commissioners will face the challenge of balancing the immediate need for reliable electricity with the long-term environmental impacts of fossil fuel dependence.
Why Your Vote Matters in Local Utility Elections
Utility commission elections may seem minor compared to high-profile national races, but their impact on America’s clean energy future is significant. The decisions made by these officials will shape the energy policies and infrastructure of individual states for years to come, with direct implications for the national goal of reducing emissions and slowing climate change.
As voters head to the polls on November 5, they’ll have the chance to choose leaders who align with their energy values. From Arizona to Oklahoma, each vote in these races can set a state on a path toward either a renewable future or prolonged reliance on fossil fuels. This local decision-making process might be one of the most critical aspects of America’s energy transition—and it’s happening in ballot boxes across the country
Shaping Tomorrow Through Today’s Choices
As local elections across America approach, the stakes for our clean energy future couldn’t be higher. The leaders we choose in our cities and states set the groundwork for either accelerating the transition to renewable energy or stalling it. By supporting candidates who prioritize sustainable policies, we collectively steer our communities toward energy independence, economic resilience, and a healthier planet.
Telkes is committed to partnering with communities ready to take action. As we work toward more efficient, innovative clean energy solutions, every step of the journey is crucial. This election cycle is an opportunity for each of us to advocate for a future where clean energy is accessible, affordable, and central to our way of life.
Your vote can empower leaders to make sustainable choices that benefit our communities and future generations. So this election season, let’s choose wisely. Our local choices today set the course for a brighter, cleaner tomorrow.
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