LPPC

In the first video in LPPC's FEMA Reform Video Series, President @EnergyFalcone explains the importance of maintaining @fema as a reliable federal partner during catastrophic events. While utilities can insure certain facilities, most electric system restoration costs are not commercially insurable. Mutual aid, emergency labor, debris removal, damaged poles and wires, transportation, and system-wide restoration efforts generally fall outside traditional insurance coverage. As not-for-profit public power utilities, recovery costs that FEMA does not cover fall on the communities they serve. Read more about LPPC's Principles for FEMA Reform: cdn.prod.website-files.com/69d01496278ffd…

LPPC's 34 task forces and networks are run by more than 60 member volunteers: senior leaders who chair a network on grid hardening or data centers or cybersecurity on top of doing that job at their own utility. Last week our volunteer leaders spent two days in Kenmore, Washington, taking stock of what their groups delivered in 2026 and building the 2027 work plan. Load growth from AI and data centers, electrification, and a manufacturing build-out none of the old forecasts anticipated. One priority outranked the rest in every session: keeping power reliable and affordable for the 30 million Americans our members serve. "There's a feel-good aspect of public power I never had in previous roles. We're customers of the utility we serve. Our kids go to school here." Same grid, same bills, same neighbors. #PublicPower #GridReliability

In April, LPPC President @EnergyFalcone testified before the @HouseCommerce Subcommittee on Energy to ensure public power's input was heard on several bipartisan energy bills. On July 21, Chairman Rep. @RepGuthrie led the committee in a mark-up that resulted in 6 of these bills passing with overwhelming bipartisan support. They now head to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. Across the legislative package, LPPC consistently emphasized three core principles: ⚡ Protect existing customers through cost causation by ensuring large-load customers pay the infrastructure costs they create.‍ ⚡ Support innovation without increasing costs to customers, encouraging AI and advanced grid technologies where they demonstrate net customer benefits.‍ ⚡ Promote credible load forecasts, distinguishing between committed load from probable or speculative load. Learn more: lppc.org/news/lppc-test… Pictured below from left to right: Rep. @boblatta (R-OH), senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and LPPC President Tom Falcone.

LPPC welcomes the @WhiteHouse's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which reinforces the commitments made by hyperscalers in March to ensure existing customers are not burdened with the infrastructure costs required to support AI and data center growth. LPPC President @EnergyFalcone said, “LPPC applauds the Administration’s effort to bring all stakeholders to the table to protect affordability in the face of unprecedented demand from large loads. The Ratepayer Protection Pledge was also endorsed by these LPPC members: @CSUtilities, @ElectriCitiesNC, @grda_ok, @GrantPUD, @LCRA, @MEAGPower, @NPPDnews, @OPPDCares, @SRPconnect, @santeecooper, and @SnoPUD. #datacenters #ai #ratepayerprotection #largeloads #tariffs #rateclasses #customerprotections

How do LPPC member utilities protect customers from inflation, power supply fluctuations, large loads, and other rate stressors? Learn more in our latest fact sheet on affordability: cdn.prod.website-files.com/69d01496278ffd…

⚡Member Spotlight | Recently, @SRPconnect and @AypaPower announced that the Pediment Battery Storage System, a 250MW/1,000MWh project in Mesa, Arizona was energized and is now serving customers. The Pediment BESS project has enough capacity to power up to 56,250 homes for four hours. In our latest spotlight, SRP's CEO Jim Pratt discusses how the utility is planning for unprecedented load growth. "Our peak load this last summer was 8,500+ MW. If you look out, that number goes up significantly. You're going to be in the 13,500-14,000 MW range, when in the past to get that kind of growth would have taken us 3 or 4 decades." Learn more: media.srpnet.com/srp-and-aypa-p… #publicpower #publicpoweron #bess #dispatchability

⚡Member Spotlight | @OPPDCares celebrated a major milestone on its Cass to Sarpy transmission project in late June, completing a half-mile stretch across the Platte River in Louisville. Supported by two 347-foot towers spaced 2,500 feet apart, this 23-mile transmission line is rated to withstand up to 150-175 mph winds and other severe weather conditions. It now carries 365kV and 69kV transmission lines, and a lower voltage distribution line. This project significantly improves the resiliency and reliability of OPPD's system, and supports the flow of electricity through Nebraska and the broarder regional interconnect from North Dakota to Texas. Learn more: oppdthewire.com #publicpower #publicpoweron #transmission #reliability

As not-for-profit, community-owned public power utilities, LPPC members share a single purpose: providing the most reliable electric service at the least cost to their customers. A recent study finds that LPPC member utilities offer some of the most affordable residential rates in the U.S., with a combined average rate ~19% less than the national average. Since 2010, LPPC member utilities’ residential electric rates are  ~17% less than the rate of inflation, and significantly less than the increases in all other major goods and services. Learn more in our latest fact sheet on affordability: cdn.prod.website-files.com/69d01496278ffd…

In comments filed on @WHOMB' s proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance governing federal financial assistance, LPPC supports responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and recommends targeted clarifications that help the rule work as intended for the 30+ million Americans served by its member utilities. Key recommendations include: ⚡️ An emergency exemption from E-Verify requirements for mutual aid crews during federally declared disasters, so verification rules do not slow power restoration. 🏗️ Preserving cost-reimbursement structures for early-stage grid engineering and design work that cannot be scoped in advance. 🛡️ Protecting utilities and customers from stranded costs through greater transparency and safeguards before federal awards are suspended or terminated. 📊 Confirming that new priority reviews supplement the technical evaluations that guide infrastructure funding. Public power utilities depend on predictable, practical federal policies to invest in resilient infrastructure, keep electricity affordable, and restore power quickly when disasters strike. Read LPPC's comments: cdn.prod.website-files.com/69d01496278ffd…

Member Spotlight | LPPC congratulates @NYPAenergy and @nationalgridus on completing Smart Path Connect. Together, the partners upgraded ~100 miles of 345-kV transmission, built 4 new substations and upgraded 10 existing substations, creating nearly 200 miles of continuous high-voltage transmission across northern and central New York. The project unlocks 1,000 MW of additional capacity, improves reliability, reduces congestion, and is expected to deliver approximately $438 million in annual savings for New Yorkers. Learn more about the project: nypa.gov/power/transmis… #PublicPower #PublicPowerOn #GridModernization #Transmission

@FERC is acting to support large loads and protect customers, while public power seeks the same from the @USTreasury on private use regulations. This month, FERC issued tailored show cause orders to all six RTO/ISOs (@pjminterconnect, @SPPorg, @MISO_energy, @CaliforniaISO, @NewYorkISO, @isonewengland) and their transmission owners, a clear signal it intends to codify ratepayer protections into large-load interconnection planning, consistent with the Administration and @ENERGY stated priorities and with a large number of state commissions that have done the same. The contract protections @FERC is embracing are ones public power cannot fully use. Under @USTreasury's private business use rules, public power utilities cannot sign large-load contracts beyond three years, a limit set by regulation, not statute. Long-term commitments are a core customer protection in nearly all large-load tariffs, because they put the risk on the new customer, not existing ratepayers. Our members' large-load interconnection queue already totals up to 50 GW. LPPC continues to work with Treasury to update its private business use rules so public power can build what this moment demands, while protecting the 30.5+ million customers our members serve. Learn more: lppc.org/private-use

In 2025, the U.S. experienced 23 billion-dollar disasters causing approximately $115 billion in damage. In LPPC's new @fema reform report, we examine how Congress can streamline recovery, strengthen grid resilience, and ensure the communities we serve have access to reliable federal disaster assistance. LPPC surveys found that 91% of member utilities have received FEMA public assistance funding since 2010, while the commercial insurance market does not offer meaningful coverage for restoring a transmission and distribution system under emergency conditions. That is why FEMA remains an essential federal backstop when disasters exceed local and state capacity. The nation needs a disaster recovery system that works better. With thoughtful reforms, Congress can modernize FEMA while preserving the federal partnership that communities depend on when they need it most. 📑 Read the report → : lnkd.in/gcPJnZJE @DHSgov #femareform #publicpower #publicpoweron #disasterrecovery

When the grid goes down, public power utilities are first responders, restoring electricity for 30M Americans. @fema is how that recovery gets funded. Our comments to @DHSgov lay out 7 principles for faster recovery that doesn't shift cost onto storm-hit communities. Most grid restoration isn't insurable, so the federal backstop matters. We back the bipartisan H.R. 4669 and urge Congress to strengthen it for public power. Read LPPC's comments & principles for FEMA Reform: lnkd.in/gQRgfy3v #FEMA #FEMAReform #DisasterRecovery #PublicPower #PublicPowerOn

APPA joined @Edison_Electric, @NRECANews, and @LPPCorg in submitting comments to @FCC that advance a coordinated electric industry position on enabling scalable unmanned aircraft systems deployment while protecting critical infrastructure. Details: ow.ly/sYXv50Z9Y6t

Network Update | Members of LPPC’s Communications and Marketing Network recently gathered in South Carolina to exchange best practices on public relations, strategic communications, and crisis management. Discussions focused on key industry challenges, including large load growth driven by AI and data centers, customer affordability, critical infrastructure development, and other emerging reputational risks facing public power utilities. Our hosts at @santeecooper welcomed the group with tours of the Jeffries Hydroplant, the utility’s environmental sustainability laboratory, and Old Santee Canal Park. Jimmy Staton shared insights into Santee Cooper’s financing strategy and long-term development plans for the V.C. Summer nuclear project, highlighting the reliability and affordability benefits the facility is expected to deliver to customers for decades to come. LPPC extends its appreciation to the members of the Communications and Marketing Network, Jimmy Staton, and the entire Santee Cooper Communications team for their hospitality and for providing an engaging and valuable experience for participants.

Last night, @RudyDGarza , President & CEO of @cpsenergy, incoming General Manager of @LCRA, and current LPPC Board member, was honored along with @GQenergy, President & CEO of @ComEd and former LPPC Board member, by the @TheKeystoneCtr with its prestigious 2026 Leadership Award. Policy leaders from across the country convened at the @smithsoniannpg in Washington, D.C., to recognize contributions to advancing collaborative solutions that drive innovation in economic development and critical infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life of the customers and constituents they serve. See all the honorees here: keystone.org/leadership-awa…

According to a recent survey, LPPC member utilities collectively reported ~50GW of committed, speculative, or early-stage load in their interconnection queues. 18+GW of this load accounts for AI/Data Center interconnections, which equates to over a third of all U.S. AI/Data Center capacity in the next five years. As echoed in the President's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, hyperscalers and AI companies must pay the full cost of the energy and infrastructure needed to serve them, "no matter what." LPPC member utilities are employing a variety of customer-protective mechanisms and both approved tariffs and contract-based structures across mutiple states to ensure that growth pays for growth. Learn more in LPPC's recent Large Load Projects & Tariffs report: cdn.prod.website-files.com/69d01496278ffd… #publicpower #publicpoweron #largeload #FERC @FERC @ENERGY

Member Spotlight | Recently, the @SEPAPower announced the winners of its 2026 Power Player Awards. SEPA presented CEO & General Manager Paul Lau of @SMUDUpdates with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, and @cpsenergy with the Growth Player of the Year Award.  SEPA recognized Paul's 45+ years of service at SMUD and his exceptional contributions to the energy industry, public power, and the communities he serves. His leadership and steadfast dedication to decarbonization, reliability, affordability, and customer service will continue to influence his colleagues and the industry at large for years to come. Congratulations to CPS Energy on being recognized for successfully acquiring 1,632 MW of natural gas generation to meet San Antonio's growing energy demand. By adding these dual-fuel dispatchable resources to their generation mix, CPS Energy projects saving an estimated $2 billion over the lifecycle of these plants, while avoiding inflationary costs and supply chain risks. Learn more: sepapower.org/power-player-a… #publicpower #publicpoweron #SEPA #powerplayerawards