“Winter/Spring” Spotlight - Suedeen Kelly

1. What originally attracted you to the energy industry?

The energy industry fascinates me because of its complexity. It involves science, engineering, economics, policy, politics, law and regulation. The industry is also very important on a macro-level (the world) and on the micro-level (reaches each individual person). Energy has endless diversity when it comes to interest groups – producers, consumers, transporters, distributors, operators, environmentalist, technology vendors and traders.

2. What sector of the industry are you most passionate about? Have your passions and views of the industry changed over the years?

I cannot name just one. I am passionate about the electric industry, the natural gas industry and clean technology (Smart Grid, storage, under water transmission) because they are all facing enormous change which brings with it enormous challenge.

3. What was the most challenging and or rewarding project you worked on as Commissioner of FERC and why?

The most challenging was the evolution of Commission policy around the Mobile-Sierra doctrine because it’s legal complexity and the competing interest they were/are all part of it.

The most rewarding projects were those that actually resulted in the creation of new market structures and energy infrastructure (pipelines, transmission lines and hydro facilities.)

4. Congratulations on your recent appointment to a three-year term as a Smart Grid Advisory Committee member with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. What will be your first priority and what influenced your initial involvement?

My priority as an advisory committee member is to consider whether and how the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology should change over time in connection with the goal of interoperability of the Smart Grid.

5. What do you predict to be the hottest topic for this year’s Women in Power event?

There are so many hot topics in the energy industry that it is hard to pick just one. My top include: Clean Energy Legislation being considered in Congress; the impact of proposed EPA regulations on the energy industry; the FERC NOPR on transmission planning; cost allocation and the right of first refusal; and recent unexpected energy tragedies.