Even with the current raft of economic problems, the U.S. utility infrastructure can be upgraded with the help of progressive regulatory practices on the state level.

With utility infrastructure aging rapidly, reliability of service is threatened. Yet the economy is hurting, unemployment is accelerating, environmental mandates are rising, and the investment portfolios of both seniors and soon-to-retire boomers have fallen dramatically. Everyone agrees change is needed. The question is: how?

In every one of these respects, state regulators have the power to effect change. In fact, the policy-setting authority of the states is not only an essential complement to federal energy policy, it is a critical building block for economic recovery.

Just as global demand for energy is steadily increasing, so too, are the recognized costs of power generation. A recent report about the possibility of creating a low-emissions future by Australia's Treasury noted that electricity production currently accounts for 34 percent of the nation's net greenhouse gas emissions, and that it was the fastest-growing contributor to greenhouse gas emissions over the period from 1990 to 2006 [1].

Around the world, utilities are under pressure. Citizens demand energy and water that don't undermine environmental quality. Regulators seek action on smart grids and smart metering initiatives that add intelligence to infrastructure. Customers seek choice and convenience - but without additional costs.

Around the globe, utilities are re-examining every aspect of their business.

Electric vehicles have come a long way in a short time, marked by energy efficiency gains that could drive changes in business and technology models.

The electric vehicle first made its appearance about a century ago, but it is only in recent years - months, to be more precise - that it has achieved breakthrough status as, quite possibly, the single-most important technological development having a positive impact on society today.

Consumers are taking more control of their energy usage.

Thanks to new technologies and the spirit of independence and empowerment fostered by the digital age, consumers are taking on broader and more active roles in an increasing number of industries. Not only are consumers increasingly vocal and decisive about what they will or will not buy, they are in many cases becoming designers, producers, marketers and distributors of the products they once simply purchased.

Utilities have neither the financial nor the human resources to do everything at once.

The next 10 to 15 years will see major changes - what future historians might even call upheavals - in the way electricity is distributed to businesses and households throughout the United States. The exact nature of these changes and their long-term effect on the security and economic well-being of this country are difficult to predict. However, a consensus already exists among those working within the industry - as well as with politicians and regulators, economists, environmentalists and (increasingly) the general public - that these fundamental changes are inevitable.

As the world moves toward a sustainable energy future, ongoing international cooperation will be key in deploying efficient and secure technologies.

The United States Energy Association (USEA) is a private, nongovernmental organization that functions as the U.S. member committee of the World Energy Council (WEC), the foremost international organization focused on the production and utilization of energy. With members in more than 100 countries, the mission of the WEC, and correspondingly the USEA, has been to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all people.