Virginia Commissioner Jehmal Hudson discusses the re-imagined NARUC awards program and outlines the three awards to be presented at the Annual Meeting. He also describes the criteria and offers information on how members, non-members, and sponsors can participate in not only nominations, but also supporting the program.

NARUC Shark Tank Winner Jonathan Knauer, Vice President of Policy and Market Strategy at ConnectDER, discusses their meter socket adapter innovation, its value to consumers, and the role of regulators.

Commissioner Ann Rendahl, of the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission, discusses the issues surrounding wildfires and the impact on regulators, communities, and utilities. She outlines the three-part webinar series hosted by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners that she moderates and the reasons why regulators in all regions of the country need to pay attention to the wildfire issue. Aside from the direct effects experienced by those in states with wildfires, there are consequences for other states as well.

Virginia State Corporation Commission Chair Judge Jehmal Hudson, chair of the NARUC Select Committee on Regulatory and Industry Diversity, discusses equity issues with Digital Equity Research Center Founder and Director, Dr. Colin Rhinesmith.

In Part Two of our discussion on Consumers and Poverty, we chat with Commissioner Maida Coleman of the Missouri Public Service Commission, who shares insights on NARUC's Poverty Simulation: an in-person activity that helps participants experience and better understand what it's like to live in poverty. As the past chair of the Association's Committee on Consumers and the Public Interest, Commissioner Coleman also describes key consumer-focused priorities.

In this first installment of a two-part discussion, Commissioner Odogwu Obi Linton, of the Maryland Public Service Commission, discusses the NARUC Poverty Simulation. This activity helps participants better understand the challenges faced by people, such as utility customers, who must navigate a variety of often complex circumstances for daily survival. As chair of the NARUC Committee on Consumers and The Public Interest, he also provides some insights on current consumer issues.

Christina Sames, Senior Vice President, Safety, Operations, and Security, and Kimberly Denbow, Managing Director, Security & Operations provide an extensive update on current AGA activities and initiatives, including safety oversight; the Innovative Safety Practices Exchange and other safety-related initiatives; codes, standards, and publications development; and partnerships

NARUC President Paul Kjellander and Director of Meetings Michelle Malloy walk us through the planning process for the 2021 Summer Policy Summit, set expectations for attendees, and give an overview of what the past year has been like for the Association.