Press Release

PUC Commissioner Ralph Yanora to Lead National Conversation About the Role of Retrofit Hydropower in Electric Generation and Grid Resiliency

Published on 2/7/2023

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Panel of Utility Leaders, State & Federal Officials & Industry Experts to Explore Potential Hydro Benefits at National Utility Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

HARRISBURG – Exploring the economic and environmental benefits of hydropower in meeting future electric generation and grid management needs, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner Ralph V. Yanora will lead a panel discussion on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, as part of the annual winter policy summit of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).

As recently appointed Co-Vice Chairman of NARUC’s Committee on Water, Commissioner Yanora will be joined by leaders from Pennsylvania utilities, state and federal officials, and industry experts to discuss whether retrofitting hydropower to existing water infrastructure can help improve generation, grid management, and electric system resiliency.

“As a part of my study of Pennsylvania’s role as a global energy leader, I recently learned that Pennsylvania and our nation have developed only a fraction of its potential hydropower generation capacity at existing water infrastructure facilities which can be a source of low-cost, no carbon electric generation for the Mid-Atlantic Region,” said Commissioner Yanora. “As a commissioner, my responsibility to Pennsylvania’s electric consumers compels me to ask why we have been slow to capitalize on these assets -- and whether we could or  should do better.”

Commissioner Yanora noted that Pennsylvania is the largest exporter of electric power in PJM’s regional transmission territory, and the state’s hydropower resources contribute to generation supply and provide environmental benefits to the entire region – underscoring Pennsylvania’s keystone role in reliable, low-cost, low-carbon electric generation.   

Scheduled to join Commissioner Yanora for the panel on February 14 at 11 a.m. will be small and large hydropower developers and operators currently active in Pennsylvania -- New England Hydropower, Rye Development, and Brookfield Renewables; the director of the Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office; and representatives from Pennsylvania utilities, including Pennsylvania American Water Company and Duquesne Light Company. 

NARUC’s Committee on Water aims to increase awareness and understanding about the issues surrounding uses and reuses of water and wastewater. Through policy resolutions, panel discussions, and participation in high-level events, the Committee works closely with several agency and stakeholder groups, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Water Companies, and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.

Commissioner Yanora was recently appointed as a Co-Vice Chairman of the Committee on Water, continuing the Pennsylvania PUC’s strong tradition of nationwide leadership in utility matters.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov
• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov