States Get Ready for Fed Grid Spend

A federal infusion of $80 billion in infrastructure spending is
generating new levels of innovation and cooperation when it comes
to maintaining and upgrading the electrical grid. In this episode
of Grid Talk, we hear from Dianne Solomon who is a commissioner
on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). She also is
a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners and currently serves as Chair of the Committee on
Critical Infrastructure.


This gives her a unique perspective on how federal dollars will
be spent across the states.


“There’s no 50-state agreement on how and where the grid needs to
be improved, in what fashion. It really is based upon where you
are located and where you stand is sort of where you sit in terms
of what you…each state determines what the needs are for their
area. But the one thing that all commissioners can agree upon is
their charge as commissioners and that’s to ensure safe, reliable
service at reasonable rates.” 


Solomon also talks about the role of innovation in shaping the
grid of the future. 


“There is a tremendous amount of innovation being supported in
the utility space at both the federal and state level. The
Committee of Critical Infrastructure that I chair has a great
working relationship with the Department of Energy and that’s
always helpful. The states’ initiatives with the federal
government is going to be very important in moving these
innovations forward.” 


Commissioner Solomon was confirmed to serve as Commissioner of
the Board of Public Utilities in 2013.  She was re-confirmed
in 2017. Prior to her appointment to the NJBPU she served as
Commissioner of the South Jersey Transportation Authority, which
is responsible for operating the Atlantic City Expressway,
Atlantic City Airport, and shuttle service in and around South
Jersey.


Commissioner Solomon is a graduate of Rider University with a
degree in Political Science.