Reflections from Aspen.

Two weeks ago, I arrived in Aspen, Colorado for the first time. The approach and landing by commuter plane were equal parts breathtaking and bumpy. I thought, "this is gorgeous, this is why I do this work." But I wasn't in Aspen for the view -- I was there for an Aspen Initiative hosted Transmission Forum.

A view of the Rocky Mountains on approach to Aspen, Colorado. Taken by Alexina Jackson in February 2025.

And what an opportunity the Forum was for learning and collaboration with experienced and sharp minds! After 12-hours of structured workshopping and many conversations at meals and in hallways, I honed-in on three topics that I would like to see advance in 2025.

The first topic is an integrated top-down plan of an optimized U.S. grid system, which would provide a roadmap for collaboration and execution on a regional and local basis. The objective is a shared vision for a secure, diversified, and flexible grid system about which the ecosystem is excited and willing to execute.

Key to such a plan is the ability to model an idealized future-state grid that is pragmatically optimized to account for (1) the grid investment we have today, (2) our ability to generate and allocate capital over time and space, and (3) the potential for cultural and political drag on change and compromise. An integrated vision would enable system participants to coordinate efforts and execute in a localized way that is agile and consistent with the shared objective. A shared plan that is executable in a delegated manner may strike a balance between capital efficiency and the strong regional, state, and utility culture of the U.S.

The second Aspen-inspired topic is a deliberate workshopping of the benefits we expect from the grid and a corresponding system of incentives. To ensure a clean link between incentives and achievement of benefits, workshop participants should define specific outcomes that advance the benefits and associated practical and measurable results.

Acknowledging that there is good thinking already on modern regulatory incentives and grid benefits, the key value of this type of workshopping exercise is to carefully focus on incremental logic steps and goals. This approach permits open and innovative solutions, challenges shorthand beliefs, and forces clear communication that enables participants to close gaps in their views. The results of this workshop should also help advance the integrated top-down plan discussed above and provide tools to build the collaborative environment needed for the third topic below.

The third topic area is a framework for exploration and appropriate encouragement of collaboration between regulated and competitive actors without losing the platform benefits or regulatory protections for the regulated utility structure. Three additional objectives reside at the center of this framework: (1) improve the pace at which we achieve modernization of the electrical grid; (2) maximize affordability of the grid transformation; and (3) bring the customer and its needs to the center of the conversation as we build the customer's next-generation grid.

Ok, so what now? How to get started on these big topics?

Well, I'm happy to take the next first step but certainly cannot fully develop these topics on my own. I have started a rough draft treatment of each topic and will share some thinking on each through individual posts. In short, I will provide a draft to react to. But what will really help push this thinking forward is a coalition of the willing.

Connect with me through my website if you would like to work together to take one of these ideas to action?

Alexina Jackson, managing member of Seven Green Strategy

The Aspen Initiative campus in the morning sun. Taken by Alexina Jackson in February 2025.