The White House has expressed support for state governors seeking changes in the PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization responsible for managing electricity in several states. Despite this backing, some energy regulatory experts are skeptical about the potential impact of the collaboration between the federal government and state leaders.
Kent Chandler, resident senior fellow in energy and environmental policy at the R Street Institute and former chairman of the Kentucky Public Service Commission, commented on the situation. “The principles are suggestions to PJM, and the RTO is under no obligation to accept them,” Chandler said.
Chandler also pointed out that while governors may voice their opinions, they lack direct authority over their state public utility commissions (PUCs) or control over regional transmission organizations like PJM. He explained, “The reality is that the governors have little hard power in this area. They don’t set energy policy, don’t direct PUCs, and have no role in governance in the RTO. Their primary tool is the bully pulpit, so they decide to upgrade their stage to the biggest pulpit in the world — the White House.”
