What will it take to keep Washington powered over the next 20 years? In this episode, Paul Jewell sits down with Kurt Beckett, Chair of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), to explore the growing challenges facing the state’s electric grid, from aging transmission infrastructure and wildfire risks to rising demand driven by electrification, AI, and data centers. They unpack why new transmission lines take decades to plan and build, what “resource adequacy” really means, and why energy planning is quickly becoming a local government issue. It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about the infrastructure, policies, and partnerships needed to keep the lights on in Washington’s future.
Recorded: August 3, 2026
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*County Connection* is the official podcast of the Washington State Association of Counties—where we dive into the legislative issues shaping the future of our communities. From budgets to public safety, infrastructure to elections, we’ll break down what’s happening in Olympia and how it impacts counties across the Evergreen State. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us as we amplify the voice of Washington’s 39 counties.
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