This morning, I join fellow alumni of “Camp NARUC” at Michigan State’s Institute of Public Utilities in prayer after learning of the terrible shootings on campus last night.
Give blood!
The Red Cross urgently needs blood donations. Please make an appointment to give if yo can. Visit the Red Cross website to find a donation center near you. My attorney friends can also join me, @jjpringlesc, and others in the SC Lawyers group on the #RedCrossBloodApp to make a collective impact. https://redcrossblood.app.link/jointeam/39776
The Energy Blues
Came across this gem the other day. Enjoy.
Emily Felt Has Joined DOE
We know Emily Felt as the super-smart Director of Strategy & Intelligence for Duke Energy. She participated in countless hearings, planning meetings, and other forums and always had something interesting to say. Now, Emily has a new gig. She is a Senior Consultant to the DOE, where she will be working on the team that is charged with distributing $250 billion in federal loan guarantees to promote lower/no emission investments. Congratulations to Emily and the DOE!
NCPUC Releases Carbon Plan
On December 30, 2022, the NC PUC released its plan to meet the state’s legislatively established carbon reduction goals of 70% from 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 for Duke Energy. Read SACE’s summary of the plan here.
Let’s give these words a rest in 2023
My annual list of words and expressions to retire in the new year:
Gifting – what is wrong with “giving”?
Umami – Soon Mcdonald’s will tout its special sauce as umami.
Pivot – can’t we just change?
Special sauce – only belongs on a Big Mac
Literally – it never is
Toolbox – should only refer to a box of screwdrivers, wrenches, and such
G.O.A.T.-how about just “the best”?
“Take it offline”– are you going to use carrier pigeons?
Gaslighting – honestly, people are just paranoid
Brainstorming – sounds like a hangover to me
“It is what it is”– Descartes did not say this (o.k. maybe Sartre)
“Reach out”– call, email, or communicate will do
What would you add?
Cops bust illegal cabs in Georgetown

Georgetown Police are cracking down on illegal taxi cabs. ABC News 4 reports two individuals were caught in a dragnet and charged with operating unlicensed taxis. Developing…
Electric Cooperatives Learning to Manage the Impact of EVs on the Grid

The Herald reported on a new program implemented by York Electric Cooperative and others to help measure and manage the impact of EV charging on the grid:
“Optiwatt is an app that electric vehicle drivers use to manage charging. It automates charge times to reduce costs and strain on area power grids. The California-based company started in 2020 and now manages more than 60,000 vehicles across North America. Optiwatt works with about 500 vehicles in South Carolina, and about 100 in the greater Charlotte region.”
Ukraine Giving Opportunities

Russia’s targeting of the electrical grid in Ukraine as winter approaches is designed to inflict suffering on civilians. If you would like to support Ukrainians with a charitable contribution, the Charity Navigator website is a great place to learn about your options.
Availability During the World Cup Group Stage
The World Cup Group Stage begins this week of November 21, 2022, and the United States is playing in Group B Accordingly, I will be out of the office with limited access to cell phone service and email on the following dates and times:
- Monday, November 21st from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – USA v. Wales
- Friday, November 25th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – England v. USA
- Tuesday, November 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Iran v. USA
Thank you for your understanding.