CEO Calvin Butler Urges Equity in Energy at New York Times Climate Forward Event
On September 21, Exelon’s president and CEO, Calvin Butler, joined a panel with Edison International’s president and CEO, Pedro Pizarro, at The New York Times Climate Forward event to discuss “Greening the Grid.”
The panel was moderated by The New York Times reporter, Ivan Penn, during New York City’s Climate Week; another global convening in that city as the 78th United Nations General Assembly was also underway.
During the discussion, Butler focused on how the road to zero emissions must involve the power grid at nearly every step along the way.
“What we have to do is modernize the grid. When we talk distributive energy resources, understanding how we are going to connect and transport them across the country, and the building out of transmission systems and pipes and wires to deliver energy in a reliable and resilient way, is critical.”
Butler also emphasized to the audience the importance of equity in energy.
“Everyone here talks about the transformation, but if you don’t do it in an affordable manner that’s equitable across all of our communities, the transition of our industry will be piecemeal, and it won’t happen.”
Addressing consumer demands for renewable energy and grid modernization, Butler stated, “We have to continue to invest, because not one of our jurisdictions is asking us to do less. They’re asking us to do more, each and every day to meet this commitment.”
The “Greening the Grid” panel was one of a series of sessions during the event, which also featured global dignitaries and policymakers, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Norway’s prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Kenyan president, William Ruto. Business and industry leaders present included Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, and founder of Bloomberg LP and former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg.
To see Calvin Butler’s editorial contributions to the special edition of The New York Times, which features climate leaders from around the world, you can select the link here.