Human-Focused Approaches to Energy Policy and 2020 As a Year of Resilience
By: Paula Gant
Tags: Diversity And Inclusion, Energy Transition, Resilience, Energy System

With Catalyst, we are cultivating conversations with leaders we see as having an outsized impact on energy systems transitions through very intentional approaches. As we close out this year, I had the privilege of visiting with New York Public Service Commissioner Diane X. Burman and hearing her thoughts on the vital need for human-focused approaches to policy and practical actions, and how that played out for her and her colleagues in the extraordinary year of 2020. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Question from Paula: 2020 has been an extraordinary year in which the global pandemic has starkly revealed how interconnected we are as human beings — and how powerful institutions can be in rising to challenges. These sorts of moments require us to ask new questions. What new questions have you asked this year?

Answer from Commissioner Burman: I think every day about the impact of COVID on people and what I can do in my role as an energy regulator. At first it seemed insurmountable, but I leaned into what I have learned as a regulator in responding to disasters. Every crisis event — 9/11, Superstorm Sandy, the 2003 Blackout — feels unique and chaotic. Leadership requires recognizing this complexity and figuring out solutions that meet a particular moment and the needs of the people involved.

COVID-19 reinforced how essential and personal energy is, as well as the inequities in access. We need to think very carefully about how we adopt forward-looking energy policies that are equitable, sustainable, reliable, and affordable — for all consumers.

Q: What do we need to ask of institutions and policies to ensure they serve the ends of human progress?

A: Regulatory excellence originates with the integrity of an institution, the people that are motivated by its mission, and a commitment to transparency and continual learning. Policymakers must safeguard the public’s trust and be deliberate about creating spaces for public input and processes designed around human-focused objectives.

True leaders ensure that an institution’s culture is enabling authentic compassion and embracing diverse perspectives. Even if diversity numbers are increasing on paper, the question is whether that diversity is long-lasting and truly inclusive. A truly inclusive culture encourages varied perspectives that drive innovative, effective, sustainable solutions.

Q: How should we think about the U.S. role in international energy cooperation and facilitating regulatory processes in other countries that can deliver the prosperity and safety that our energy systems have delivered for us?

A: In the 2003 Blackout, I was a young mother who left work early to pick up each of my two kids and get them home without lights on or the ability to communicate with my husband. It brought back flashbacks of 9/11, and I remember once I got home and thought I was safe, I was distraught over how much frozen breast milk spoiled with our power out for so long. I literally cried over spilled milk. That moment helped illustrate how important access to reliable energy is for our very basic quality of life and sense of security.

And yet, many countries experience much more significant energy poverty. Participating in international energy programs keeps front of mind that we need to help improve access to energy both here in the United States and abroad. Inadequate energy access is a key barrier to economic growth, healthcare, education, robust markets, and telecommunications.

We must invest in the continued development of energy infrastructure improvements — new and existing — in a way that positively and collaboratively shapes our collective future, because energy access is core to economic prosperity and human well-being to the world over.

Q: My word for 2020 is extraordinary. What is your word?

A: Resilience. We are resilient — not only with our grid but within ourselves. That resiliency will get us through challenges that feel unsurmountable and help us make progress toward cleaner, affordable, reliable, and accessible energy for all.