Public Utility Commissions (PUCs), responsible for the energy transition, face a shortage of progressive commissioners, either elected or appointed by Governors. About 80% of them are chosen by the state's governor or legislature, and 20% are elected. Utilities' influence on PUCs prioritizes fossil fuel interests, hindering clean energy and fairness. They lobby against climate and equity policies and sway elections in favor of utility-friendly candidates (Stokes 2020). Additionally, PUC commissioners lack diversity, worsening energy inequities for people of color and women. Powerlines seeks to break this cycle by supporting progressive candidates, raising voter awareness, and mitigating private utility influence.
We urgently need more PUC commissioners who champion climate and equity. To achieve this, campaigns can influence governors and state legislatures to appoint such commissioners and encourage like-minded candidates to run and win PUC elections. These elections offer high returns-on-investment for climate and equity, with candidates raising an average of only $[] per election over the last decade. Closing the voter dropoff gap between Democratic and Republican PUC candidates can greatly enhance the competitiveness of climate and equity champions. This strategy has proven successful, as seen in North Carolina and the 2022 Louisiana PSC race where climate justice priorities were advanced.
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Through data-driven research, PowerLines will identify key appointments and elections with the greatest impact. PowerLines will then work with electoral and advocacy partners to push for the appointment and election of climate and equity champions to PUCs.
Allocate more financial resources to PUC races and fundraising efforts, which is critical to catalyzing positive change that yields favorable climate outcomes.
Engage with governors, advocating for the appointment of climate and equity champions to PUCs through organized coalitions.
Actively recruit qualified candidates for PUC races, ensuring a strong pool of individuals committed to the cause.
Facilitate ongoing training for PUC commissioners and staff, equipping them with resources and effective strategies.
Our goal through this strategy works because putting more money into PUC campaigns can help improve climate outcomes. PUC races don't cost much compared to the impact they can have, making it a smart investment. Not many people are paying attention to these issues right now, so raising awareness about important things like water quality and linking them to everyday concerns like energy bills can get more people involved. This strategy focuses on races where success is more probable, especially those that can change commissions from red to blue.
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2023 Powerlines
