A Career of Public Service: Michael Colvin's Experience with Energy and Environmental Policy

Strategic Insights -

Michael Colvin has spent the last two decades dedicating his career to energy and environmental policy, working in various capacities within the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other organizations. Colvin's impressive background spans multiple roles, including senior analyst, policy advisor, and director. His work has focused on topics such as wholesale energy markets, electric energy storage, heavy-duty electric vehicles, and natural gas infrastructure pricing.

Key Takeaways:

  • **Leadership Roles:** Colvin has held various leadership positions, including Director of the California Energy Program at the Environmental Defense Fund (2018-present), Senior Manager of California Energy Policy (2019-present), and Senior Analyst at the CPUC's Policy and Planning Division (2008-2018).
  • **Climate Change and Environmental Performance Metrics:** Colvin designed climate change and environmental performance metrics for Investor-Owned Utilities, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the industry.
  • **Electric Infrastructure Undergrounding:** He drafted an Order Instituting Rulemaking on electric infrastructure undergrounding, working to mitigate the environmental impacts of above-ground power lines.
  • **Expert Witness Testimony:** As a state expert witness on Qualifying Facilities in Federal Court, Colvin provided critical information on behalf of the CPUC, helping shape the regulatory landscape for energy development.
  • **Energy Efficiency and Rate Assistance:** Colvin's work in the Low Income Energy Efficiency and Rate Assistance Programs led to rate assistance of over $1.1 billion for over 1.5 million Californians, with energy efficiency programs saving the average household over $70 annually.
  • **Water/Energy Nexus:** He drafted a proposed decision on "matinee rates" for commercial customers to shift energy usage, reducing water consumption during historic droughts.
  • **San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station:** Colvin drafted an assigned commissioner ruling on the framework for post-settlement actions relating to the station.
  • **Emergency Response Management:** As Chief of Staff in the Safety and Enforcement Division, he drafted the CPUC's emergency response management plan, ensuring preparedness for critical situations.
  • **Utility Risk Assessment:** Under his supervision, a multi-disciplinary team developed and implemented the first risk assessments for California energy utilities, integrating independent risk assessments into the General Rate Case.

Statistics:

  • $1.1 billion: rate assistance provided to over 1.5 million Californians through Low Income Energy Efficiency and Rate Assistance Programs.
  • Over 1.5 million: number of low-income Californians receiving rate assistance through the Low Income Energy Efficiency and Rate Assistance Programs.
  • $70: average annual savings on utility bills for the average household through energy efficiency programs.
  • 4,000 MW: efficient generation transitioned into a state program through Colvin's work on Qualifying Facilities/Combined Heat and Power matters.
  • $0.75-$1.50: monthly customer bill savings for all customers from reduced return on equity in the Energy and Large Water Utility Cost of Capital proceedings.

Sources:

  • Request to the California Public Utilities Commission, dated February 2023.
  • Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org).
  • California Public Utilities Commission (cpuc.ca.gov).
  • University of California, Berkeley (ucberkeley.edu).
  • California Climate Change Center, UC Berkeley (CaliforniaClimateCenter.org).