State utility regulators are not simply reacting to energy challenges; they’re leading the way forward. In states with large Hispanic populations, regulators are shaping how communities will be powered for years to come. Their work focuses on keeping energy affordable, reliable, and fair for Hispanic families and small businesses who often pay more for energy.
That was the focus of a recent NHEC webinar titled “Beyond the Mandate: How State Regulators Are Shaping America’s Energy Future.” The panel featured Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson of Arizona, Chairman Mike LaRosa of Florida, and Chairman Gabriel Aguilera of New Mexico, leaders from three heavily Hispanic states.
As Commissioner Marquez Peterson said during the conversation, “Permitting reform at the state and federal level is absolutely needed, but we also need to be balancing the needs of the communities that are going to be impacted as we tackle how these processes may change.” State regulators directly serve communities impacted by energy bills, proactively fighting for their future.
Taking Preemptive Action with a Growing Demand
Commissioners in Hispanic states cannot simply react to energy challenges; they must proactively set up communities to power their futures. The conversation NHEC held focused on how these commissioners are doing just that, and how they plan to meet growing energy demands. This is an important topic for Hispanic families who tend to pay over 20% more on energy than other Americans.
Hispanic states like Florida, Arizona, and New Mexico face unique challenges from the desert heat to hurricanes, making energy reliability an important issue among regulators. These three states are taking preemptive steps to invest in all energy sources to meet the rise in energy demand, as well as prepare for extreme weather or emergency events.
These commissioners are also taking important steps to ensure that the voices of their state are heard. Chairman Gabriel Aguilera stated during the webinar, “Seeking out different viewpoints, talking to people, and listening to them is what helps us make balanced and informed decisions.” By actively engaging with communities and prioritizing local input, these regulators are making energy decisions that truly reflect the needs of Hispanic families.
Hispanic Representation in Energy
Even with these strong voices, only six out of 196 utility commissioners in the U.S. are Hispanic. That is only 3%, despite Hispanics making up 20% of the population. If energy policy is going to meet the needs of Hispanic families, we need more Hispanic leadership at the table.
