The Arizona Corporation Commission welcomed attorneys and regulatory industry members from across the country as host of the 45th National Conference of Regulatory Attorneys, held May 3-6 in Scottsdale. Thomas Van Flein, General Counsel for the Arizona Corporation Commission since March 2024 and current president of the conference, led this year’s event titled “Professional Growth in the Valley of the Sun.”
The conference is significant as it brings together government utility regulatory attorneys and alumni to discuss pressing issues facing American infrastructure and energy policy. Organizers include the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and its subcommittees on law and administrative law judges.
“It has been an honor to be the President of NCRA. The sessions in Phoenix have been groundbreaking and forward looking,” said Van Flein. “It was especially notable to have critical keynote speeches anchored by Commissioner Kevin Thompson and Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson. The Commission’s support of the NCRA has been enthusiastic and powerful.”
Commissioner Kevin Thompson addressed attendees during his opening remarks, saying, “Arizona is proof that with the right legal framework, sound regulation, and disciplined infrastructure planning, scarcity can be transformed into opportunity. This is where energy, water, and the American Dream meet. But it did not happen by accident.” He continued, “Arizona is a place where growth is real and scarcity is real. But it’s also where the Commission has managed to develop an affordable and reliable grid that is safe, sustainable and nothing short of amazing.” Panels at this year’s event covered topics such as data centers’ impact on utilities, water/wastewater acquisitions, ethical obligations for regulators, small modular reactors, and public exposure to regulatory issues.
Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson said: “I was honored to speak about the ‘future of energy and the AI paradox’ to regulatory attorneys from across the country at the conference. Our states are facing the same challenge of increasing energy demand while balancing the growth of large loads like data centers. Congratulations to our ACC General Counsel and NCRA President Tom Van Flein on a successful event! “
Douglas Clark, Executive Director for ACC said: “The state of Arizona sits on the verge of a vast expansion in population and business growth. It is only fitting that the National Conference of Regulatory Attorneys would be hosted by The Arizona Corporation Office of General Council. To discuss critical issues associated with energy demand, affordability, and utility consolidation.”
Approximately 100 regulatory attorneys attended this annual gathering focused on emerging challenges in utility regulation amid rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence adoption—an issue highlighted throughout several sessions.
