Prudence is a regulatory concept used to evaluate whether utility decisions are reasonable and necessary to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective service to customers. While this analysis is typically associated with the mundane procurement of poles and wires, geopolitical tensions and national security concerns can create additional risks and uncertainties for the supply and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Under these circumstances what degree of reasonable foresight or mitigation is required, and by whom, to prudently manage vulnerable utility supply chains?
