Findlay Times

A recent hearing led by Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, addressed the current state of regional grid reliability. The hearing, titled "Keeping the Lights On: Examining the State of Regional Grid Reliability," included testimony from several key figures in the energy sector.

Participants included Manu Asthana, President and CEO of PJM Interconnection, LLC; Jennifer Curran, Senior Vice President for Planning and Operations at Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO); Richard J. Dewey, President and CEO of New York Independent System Operator (NYISO); Elliot Mainzer, President and CEO of California Independent System Operator (CASIO); Lanny Nickell, COO of Southwest Power Pool (SPP); Gordon van Welie, President and CEO of Independent System Operator New England (ISONE); and Pablo Vegas, President and CEO of Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT).

During the session, all witnesses agreed that there is a need for increased energy production in the United States to meet rising demands. Congressman Latta emphasized this point by stating: “Today’s grid operators made it clear that America needs more energy to be produced to keep up with our growing needs not just for consumers, but for the many small businesses, manufacturers, agriculture industry, and medical facilities that employ them."

Latta further noted concerns over retiring electric-generating facilities amid emerging technologies that heighten energy requirements. He stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure power demand is met securely while maintaining reliability across the electric industry.

For more details on Latta's opening remarks or his questions directed at today's witnesses, additional resources are available online.