In addition to the more specific suggestions I made earlier, I think it is important that the state of Virginia take a comprehensive approach to the design of the energy system. Indeed, the state has formed a number of energy and climate committees and should have lots of input on this problem. Basically, it is important to recognize that for the first time in a century, Virginia and all other jurisdictions are moving to new sources of energy and new ways of distributing and monitoring energy. The main driver for these changes is anthropogenic climate change, which necessitates reducing the use of carbon based sources of energy. This almost certainly means the widespread use of solar energy, wind and wave energy, which by its nature is distributed. Distributed energy has the advantages of being more secure, and in the case of Solar, closer to the load, and utilizing rooftops of existing buildings. The current energy model is based around centralized generation and the monopoly utility. This creates a tension between the current vested economic and political interests and what would produce the optimum design from an engineering, environmental and national security perspective. It is hard to imagine a 21st century system using wooden poles and catenary draped wires marring the viewscape. It is more likely that the new system will be composed of many microgrids connected by major transmission trunks. Building codes will require high energy efficiency and designed-in solar, not only on the roof, but also in the windows, parking lots, etc. Solar shingles will become the norm. Electric vehicles are likely to be part of the grid supply as well as demand. Cooperation between the central untility and distributed generation will be required. In short, the vested interests of the century old utility system should not dictate design. This means that the legislature and SCC must fulfill their governing role and design this system to be optimum for the environment, security, and economy. The monopoly granted utilities will need to be modified. The people and government must be in control of this restructuring, not the utility company.