In our inaugural "Future-Proofing Energy Insights" webinar, HData co-founder and CEO Hudson Hollister got together with Frank Lacey, founder of Electric Advisors Consulting. A seasoned leader in energy regulation and strategy, Frank shared stories, insights, and a wealth of knowledge about the often-complex world of rate cases.
Here's a quick rundown of what we learned.
Rate Cases: The Good, the Bad, and the "Please Share Your Data"
Frank gave us a standout example of a good rate case: the 2018 Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E) case.
What made it remarkable? BG&E put everything on the table—data, rate models, you name it. This level of transparency gave regulators and intervenors the chance to analyze and model potential outcomes ahead of the case itself which cut through typical roadblocks. It was a rare example of openness that demonstrated the potential for agreements to be expedited when everyone is working from the same data.
Not all rate cases are so cooperative, though. Frank recalled that most times, data crucial to rate cases remains behind closed doors. This forces regulators to slog through mountains of documents (hundreds if not thousands of pages) to uncover the truth. When data isn’t readily shared, it’s like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. And that costs everyone time and energy.
What Makes an Intervenor *Really* Helpful?
Hudson posed the question about the role of intervenors: When is their input especially valuable?
Frank’s answer was clear—it's not enough to advocate for broad ideas like "more renewables." Everyone's on board with that. The real game-changers are intervenors who come to the table with well-thought-out, actionable plans that address both the goals and constraints of the utility. It’s about solutions, not just ideals.
Rate Case Core Challenges: Same Problem, New Era
Some challenges in rate cases have stood the test of time.
As Frank pointed out, load growth is one of those recurring issues. Back in the 1950s, rising demand came from everyone installing air conditioners. Today, we’re seeing similar concerns from the rapid expansion of data centers, electrification, and EV charging infrastructure. The problem hasn’t changed, but the specifics have.
On top of that, new infrastructure needs are creating fresh dilemmas. Take EV charging stations along highways—what used to be a single gas station might now need hundreds of electric charging points. The question is, who pays for that? Who builds it? Who owns it? Maryland tried giving utilities ownership of EV stations but quickly found that the costs weren’t benefiting either the utility or the ratepayers. These are the tough decisions regulators are facing in this new energy landscape.
AI-Powered Tools and the Future of Rate Cases
On the subject of artificial intelligence (AI), everyone agrees: It’s changing the game, and we’re excited to be a part of that transformation.
Frank highlighted how AI tools, like HData, can take tasks that once took days and get them done in seconds. While the core rate case process remains, AI speeds up collaboration and simplifies complex analyses, making settlement timelines shorter and more efficient. The future is here, and it's powered by data.
In terms of these Future-Proofing Energy Insights webinars, we’re just getting started! Stay tuned for more insights in future webinars, and catch the replay of this one if you missed it. There’s plenty more where this came from.