Energy Capacity, Consensus & Keeping the Lights On: A Conversation with Asim Haque
In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Mike sit down with Asim Haque, Senior Vice President at PJM Interconnection and former Chair of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. Asim shares his winding path into the energy sector, from real estate litigation to one of the most influential roles in the country’s power grid. The conversation explores how PJM navigates a complex web of state interests, grid reliability, and market pressures in a time of rising demand and clean energy transition. From the recent Pennsylvania capacity settlement to stakeholder frustrations, Asim offers clarity on the challenges PJM faces and the role markets play in shaping our energy future.
Guest bio: Asim Haque PJM is a distinguished leader in the field of energy policy and government regulation, with a career spanning over 15 years. His passion for public service, coupled with his expertise in energy policy, has led to significant contributions in shaping energy regulations and policies.
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[00:03:04] Asim shares how a legal career unexpectedly led to energy regulation.
[00:06:40] The unusual interview that landed Asim a role at the Ohio PUC.
[00:08:50] Comparing commissioner and chair roles — and the politics behind the policy.
[00:10:27] Major regulatory moments: Clean Power Plan, grid modernization, and market transitions.
[00:11:55] Inside Asim's day-to-day at PJM and how his role has expanded.
[00:14:54] PJM’s growing visibility and engagement with state governments.
[00:16:53] The value of PJM’s regulatory diversity — and how it can be a strength.
[00:18:23] Asim on maintaining one consistent message across all 13 states.
[00:20:49] Breakdown of the Pennsylvania complaint and PJM’s capacity market settlement.
[00:24:07] Why PJM introduced a capacity price floor — and how it affects reliability.
[00:26:17] PJM’s stance on market design via settlement and independent action.
[00:28:53] Why the focus must now shift to energy market reforms.
[00:30:25] Addressing fears that future policy will follow the “file a complaint” model.
[00:31:24] A call for urgency and focus in PJM’s stakeholder process.
[00:34:52] Why market signals matter — and what happens if they’re ignored.
[00:37:34] Facing rapid demand growth and declining supply across the grid.
[00:39:00] Asim outlines short-term, mid-term, and long-term solutions.
[00:41:35] The role of big tech and innovation in solving demand challenges.
[00:43:24] Why markets need to do their job — and what’s at stake if they can’t.
[00:44:27] State vs. federal tensions and how FERC might respond to recent settlements.
[00:45:48] A lighter moment: parenting, sports, and balancing work-life chaos.
[00:56:12] Asim reflects on aging, perspective, and what matters most.
[00:58:00] The team shares current TV obsessions and grid irony: powering the binge.
[01:00:13] Asim sees energy as foundational to broader innovations like AI and medicine.
[01:01:03] Why data centers could actually become part of the grid solution.
[01:03:55] Looking ahead: Asim’s optimistic vision for PJM in 2035.
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Noha Sidhom
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