Most Americans have never heard of their state’s public utility commission—yet these low-profile regulatory bodies control over $200 billion in annual utility spending and directly influence the price you pay for electricity and gas. In this episode of Energy Changemakers, host Elisa Wood sits down with Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines, a national nonprofit pushing for smarter, more consumer-centered utility regulation.
Together, they unpack the eye-opening findings of PowerLines’ latest national survey with Ipsos, revealing a rare bipartisan consensus: Americans across political lines feel powerless about their utility costs—and most don’t know where to turn for solutions. Charles explains why this regulatory opacity persists, what it means for energy affordability and the economy, and how PowerLines is working to modernize an outdated system for a more inclusive, transparent, and effective energy future.
If you’ve ever looked at your utility bill and wondered, Why is this so high—and who decides this anyway?, this episode will give you the clarity (and motivation) to learn more.
What You’ll Learn:
Why state utility commissions wield more power over your wallet than you think
The real drivers behind rising electricity and gas bills (hint: it’s not what you expect)
How regulatory systems can evolve to center consumer voices
The uphill battle of participating in public utility commission meetings—and what needs to change
Why both policy insiders and everyday Americans need to care about this issue now
Opportunities to engage with Power Lines and push for a more equitable grid
Charles Hua is the founder and executive director of PowerLines, a nonprofit organization working to make the utility regulatory system more accountable, equitable, and responsive to American consumers. With experience at the U.S. Department of Energy and Berkeley National Lab, Charles brings deep policy expertise and a practical mission: ensuring that the energy system works for everyone – not just insiders.
📧 Contact Charles: charles@powerlines.org
Resources & Links:
Learn more about state Public Utility Commissions: NARUC (National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners)
Join the Energy Changemakers community: EnergyChangemakers.com