The energy world is reshuffling its power players. In today’s GridBrief: a former Marine turned regulator shakes up Louisiana’s energy commission, Google quietly ramps up its hydro bets, and Oregon’s latest microgrid project signals a tactical shift in how states are preparing for climate and capacity stress. We unpack the personalities, policies, and infrastructure pivots shaping the grid’s next chapter.

Profile – David LaCerte Tapped for FERC Seat

David LaCerte, currently serving as principal White House liaison at the Office of Personnel Management, has been nominated by President Trump to fill the vacant Republican seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory CommissionA veteran of the first Trump administration, LaCerte also contributed to Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint to “deconstruct the Administrative State”.

• Has prior energy-adjacent experience as special counsel at Baker Botts and acting managing director at the Chemical Safety Board

• If confirmed, he will complete the term of former Commissioner Willie Phillips, expiring June 30, 2026.

• His addition, alongside Laura Swett, would shift FERC to a 3–2 Republican majority

Why this matters: LaCerte’s ascent signals a push to fast-track fossil fuel projects and fossil-aligned regulatory priorities. His lack of deep energy policy background raises concern among watchdogs about politicization and ideological tilting at FERC .

Google to Buy Up to 3 GW of Hydropower from Brookfield

Google has struck a landmark 20-year hydro framework agreement with Brookfield Renewable to secure up to 3 GW of U.S. hydropower. This $3 billion deal will begin with 670 MW sourced from the Holtwood and Safe Harbor dams in Pennsylvania’s PJM region.

• Supports Google’s push for 24/7 carbon-free operations amid rapid data center expansion.

• Represents the largest corporate hydropower PPA to date, signaling a shift toward firm, dispatchable renewables.

• Builds momentum as PJM’s tight supply conditions, driven in part by AI demand, highlight the need for reliable generation.

Why this matters: It underscores hyperscaler willingness to invest in grid resilience and signals corporate responsibility in clean energy procurement—critical as policymakers contemplate extending hydropower tax credits through 2036 .

Oregon’s Microgrid Bills—Decentralization with Caveats

Oregon’s legislative session delivered two forward-thinking microgrid laws—HB 2065 and HB 2066—enabling community-owned and private microgrids with relaxed land-use regulations and third-party interconnection options. It marks a significant push against utility monopolies, enabling resilience through local control and private-utility partnerships.

Main Points:

• Opens opportunities for non-utility microgrids to compete and foster innovation.

• Grants flexibility for local governments to establish “microgrid zones” to pilot new configurations.

• However, the Power Commission retains veto authority—raising fears of cronyism, bureaucratic layers, and dependency on state or federal subsidies.

Why this matters: This libertarian-leaning decentralization aligns with broader grid freedom trends, but the ultimate impact depends on regulatory rigor and guardrails against favoritism or over-regulation.

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Conversation Starters

• OilPrice.com – The Oil Boom No One Wants to Talk About
  Multiple producers—from the UAE to Guyana—are ramping up output amid net-zero pledges. A reminder that global fossil trends still shape supply and geopolitics.

• C3 News Magazine (Nick Loris) – What is Energy Dominance and How Do We Get More of It?
  A deep political perspective on Trump’s National Energy Dominance agenda, exploring reforms in permitting, NEPA, and market structures to secure economic, security, and environmental gains.

• Time – A Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough May Be Closer Than You Think
  A visit to Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ “Tokamak Hall” spotlights rapid strides in superconducting magnets that could bring commercial fusion online this decade—setting the stage for radical grid transformation.

Good Bet, Bad Bet

Good Bet: Brookfield Renewable
Brookfield stands to gain handsomely from the Google deal and broader demand for firm clean power. With over 21 GW of renewables and a 69 GW project pipeline, its expertise in dispatchable hydropower positions it as a core player in the energy transition.

Bad Bet: Utilities Balkanizing Under Microgrid Pressure
Traditional utilities resistant to microgrid adoption may face costly upgrades or sales losses. Those unable to adapt to integrated, decentralized infrastructure risk stranded assets and eroding market share—especially in states pushing forward with microgrid frameworks like Oregon.

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