Upton to lead three new hearings in “Powering America” series to advance electricity market reforms

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, announced three new hearings that could potentially lead to important reforms to electricity generation, distribution and consumption.

The “Powering America” series was kicked off by Upton in July to further policymakers’ understanding of complex electricity markets, which are undergoing a major transformation.

“Technological advancements and changes in the ways in which we generate, distribute and consume electricity have empowered consumers in ways not thought possible years ago,” Upton said. “I’m looking forward to examining the evolving role consumers play in electricity markets and hearing from our witnesses on the work they’re doing to meet consumer demand and preferences for the 21st century.”

The “Powering America” series explores how new technology and changing customer preferences have impacted electricity generation, distribution and consumption, as well as the resiliency of the electric grid.

The next hearing, “Powering America: Technology’s Role in Empowering Consumers,” will be held on Sept. 26. Subcommittee members will explore new technologies being developed to meet changing consumer demands and preferences at the hearing.

The second hearing, “Part Two: Defining Reliability in a Transforming Electricity Industry,” will be held on Oct. 3. The subcommittee will continue its efforts to understand how various sources of electricity generation — natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, hydropower, solar and others — impact the reliability of the electric grid.

The third hearing entitled, “Powering America: Consumer Oriented Perspectives Towards Improving Electricity Markets,” will be held on Oct. 5. That hearing will explore whether consumer advocates have helped improve the cost of electricity, and whether average customers or public-interest organizations can participate in market design processes.

“A reliable supply of electricity is vital to our nation’s security, economy and our health and well-being,” Upton said when he launched the Powering America series in July. “We must ensure the electricity system meets the demands of consumers back in Michigan and across the country now and in the years to come. This can only be achieved through a close examination of the structural, economic and technological factors influencing the nation’s evolving electricity system.”