10 Feb
February 10, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) honored its 2026 Transmission Champions on Monday evening, recognizing a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers, federal regulators, and state utility commissioners for advancing practical, durable policies to strengthen the nation’s electric transmission system.
Recognized during a ceremony at the Library of Congress’ Madison Hall, this year’s honorees reflect growing momentum across every level of government to modernize the grid, improve reliability, connect new generation, and lower costs for consumers — all while keeping pace with rising electricity demand and economic growth.
“As electricity demand grows, transmission is one of the most effective tools we have to keep energy affordable and maintain reliability,” said Christina Hayes, executive director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid. “By improving planning, reducing congestion, and delivering lower-cost power to where it’s needed, transmission helps protect consumers and strengthen the economy. These champions understand that smart transmission policy is essential to long-term affordability, and they’re helping make it happen.”
2026 ACEG Transmission Champions:
- Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.)
- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa)
- David Rosner, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- Phil Bartlett, Chair, Maine Public Utilities Commission
- Joseph Sullivan, Vice Chair, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
- Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
- Davante Lewis, Commissioner, Louisiana Public Service Commission
“Amid rising costs and surging electricity demand, speeding up the deployment of transmission is among the most impactful things Congress can do to tackle this problem head on,” said Representative Sean Casten (D-IL). “I’m honored to be recognized by Americans for a Clean Energy Grid and commit to continuing to work to increase access to cleaner, cheaper energy sources.”
“Expanding and modernizing our nation’s transmission backbone is the key to unlocking affordable, reliable energy,” said Joseph Sullivan, Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. “I am honored to receive the Transmission Champion award and remain focused on advancing the planning solutions that will power our future.”
“Transmission is the backbone of an affordable, reliable electric system for Connecticut and the region — when we can move power efficiently across the region, we reduce congestion costs, expand access to lower-cost generation, and improve resiliency for CT ratepayers,” said Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “I’m proud of our efforts in Connecticut to work regionally with our New England partners to advance a transmission buildout and grid-planning approach that better reflects today’s reliability needs and tomorrow’s clean energy targets. By pushing for smarter planning, timely upgrades, and coordinated regional action, we’re helping to move the needle on the infrastructure we need to keep bills down and keep the lights on.”
“It is an honor to receive this recognition as it underscores the importance of state collaboration in building the transmission needed to interconnect low-cost resources,” said Phil Bartlett, Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission. “I am confident that in New England we can build on recent successes and continue momentum to find cost-effective solutions to reliability and resource adequacy needs that will benefit our consumers.”
“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” said Davante Lewis, Commissioner on the Louisiana Public Service Commission. “Transmission is not just about steel in the ground, it’s about whether communities have reliable, affordable power when they need it most. I’ve focused on making sure that southern grid investments strengthen resilience, protect ratepayers, and center the people who are most vulnerable when systems fail.”
Together, the 2026 honorees demonstrate that transmission leadership is not confined to Washington alone. From Congress and federal agencies to state commissions and regional planning processes, these leaders are helping modernize planning, clear bottlenecks, and build the backbone needed for a reliable, affordable, and secure energy system.
ACEG’s Transmission Champion recognition highlights leaders who:
- Advance bipartisan solutions to expand and modernize the grid
- Support coordinated, forward-looking transmission planning
- Strengthen reliability and resilience amid rapid load growth
- Deliver long-term cost savings for consumers
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About Americans for a Clean Energy Grid:
Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) is a non-profit, broad-based public interest advocacy coalition focused on the need to expand, integrate, and modernize the North American high-capacity grid. ACEG brings together a diverse coalition — including business, labor, consumer, environmental groups, and other transmission supporters — to advocate for policies that recognize the benefits of a robust transmission grid.
Media Contact:
Alex Domb, Communications Manager
alex.domb@cleanenergygrid.org | 609-529-7721
