CEO Column

Cambridge University Dictionary defines “Reality Check” as an occasion that causes you to consider the facts about a situation instead of your opinion, ideas, or beliefs.

Last month I wrote about the rolling blackouts across the southern U.S. and how renewable generation would not solve the problem of shrinking reliable electric reserves. With continuing pushes from environmentalists and liberal politicians to shut down reliable fossil fuel generation and replace it with intermittent renewable generation, we can expect increasing power shortages and power grid blackouts in the future.

My article last August discussed the need for a definitive plan if there is any hope of reducing carbon emissions from electric power plants.  A forced, unplanned, uncoordinated movement to meet net-zero carbon emissions by any date will certainly result in unreliable electric service and higher costs for electric consumers.

The older readers here will remember Paul Harvey. Most probably remember him well. For many years he hosted a daily radio program that addressed the issues of the day, and he also had a daily segment called, “The Rest of the Story.”

Visions, plans and dreams are easy. We all have them. You have heard, “Follow your dreams,” “What is your vision?” and “Do you have a plan?” Visions, plans and dreams have given civilization so many advances and conveniences. However, few visions, plans or dreams become reality.

Anchors keep boats from drifting with the winds or currents. We also have anchors in our lives that have nothing to do with boats. They hold us in place as we grow older and our lives change.

Electric vehicles (EVs), and the emergence of new charging technologies, will increase demand on electric providers nationwide. Unprepared providers might struggle to manage higher loads, leading to higher electric costs and stressed infrastructure.

We’ve always heard, “You need a plan to get anything done.” That is taught in all business schools and recognized by people who don’t manage anything other than their own lives. My favorite quote about “plans” is from the noted philosopher and past World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Mike Tyson: “Everybody has a plan until they get hit in the mouth.”

Our friend, Jim Sullivan–and he was a friend to everyone who knew him– left us on May 4th of this year. Jim lived a full life. He was a football star, playing at Ole Miss. He was a successful businessman in the family furniture business. He was President of the Alabama Public Service Commission for 25 years. In that role he established a logical formula for utility service that is still used today. He served as President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and guided that organization for a number of years. He was an adviser to many energy companies and a leader in the electric industry.