ADVOCACY
POWER PLAYERS: Why Lobbying Is Essential for the OnSite Power Generation Industry
By Frank McCarthy Founder and Principal, MAC
In the fast-paced world of energy policy, one truth stands out: It’s hard to see eye-to-eye if you never meet face-to-face. As members of the Electrical Generat- ing Systems Association (EGSA), you provide critical onsite and distributed power solutions that keep businesses running, communities resilient, and the grid reliable. Yet in Washington and state capitals and county legis- latures, decisions that shape your in- dustry’s future are made every day— often by policymakers juggling dozens of complex issues. Without proactive engagement, your voice risks being drowned out by louder interests or misunderstandings. Lobbying is not a luxury; it is a strategic necessity for protecting and growing your sector. Lobbying, at its core, is about educa- tion, relationship-building, and advo- cacy. It is how industries ensure that policies reflect real-world expertise rather than assumptions. For EGSA members, including manufacturers, distributors, engineers, and service providers of generators, turbines, microgrids, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems, effective lob- bying translates directly into market opportunities, regulatory clarity, and a level playing field. In an era of surging electricity demand from data centers, AI infrastructure, and electrification, silence is not neutral; it cedes the narrative to opponents and leaves policymakers without the full picture. Generating Influence: Why Lobbying Matters Policymakers are generalists by de- sign. A typical member of Congress or state legislator serves on multi- ple committees and confronts issues ranging from healthcare and taxes to national security and infrastructure.
often more quickly and flexibly than traditional utility-scale projects. Policymakers need your expertise precisely because they are gener- alists. You can explain the technical advantages of reciprocating engines for backup and prime power, the role of microgrids in resilience, or how CHP improves efficiency and lowers emissions. When bills address per- mitting reform, interconnection stan- dards, or incentives for distributed energy, informed advocacy ensures provisions recognize the full value of onsite solutions rather than defaulting to one-size-fits-all approaches. Consider recent federal activity. Bi- partisan bills like the Ratepayer Pro- tection Act and the GRID Act em- phasize that large loads, such as data centers, should bear the costs of their infrastructure needs rather than shifting burdens to residential rate- payers. These align closely with EGSA priorities by encouraging “bring your own generation” models. Proactive engagement helps shape such leg- islation to include technology-neutral language that supports diverse onsite options. Your companies are more than ven- dors; you are community partners. EGSA members operate manufac- turing facilities that provide stable, well-paying jobs in diverse regions. You supply life-saving power to hospi- tals, data centers that drive economic growth, and backup systems for crit- ical infrastructure. Lobbying allows you to tell these stories directly. Powering Local Prosperity: Jobs and Vital Power Site visits and district meetings are powerful tools. When a lawmaker tours a facility and sees skilled work-
They rely on constituents, experts, and advocates to fill knowledge gaps. When industry leaders engage, they provide data-driven insights, technical explanations, and practical examples that inform better decisions. Effective lobbying builds long-term re- lationships. It is not transactional one- off meetings, but consistent, respect- ful dialogue. Face-to-face interactions, like Capitol Hill meetings or facility tours, humanize your businesses. Lawmakers remember the company that employs their neighbors, pow- ers local hospitals during outages, or equips emergency services. These relationships create trust, making it more likely that your perspectives are sought when bills are drafted or amendments considered. Lobbying also amplifies economic sto- rytelling. Your industry is a vital engine of American manufacturing and inno- vation. You create high-skilled jobs, support supply chains, and deliver resilient power solutions that utilities alone cannot always provide quickly. By highlighting these contributions, you demonstrate that supporting on- site generation is not special-interest pleading but rather smart public policy that strengthens communities and national energy security. The EGSA Imperative: Expertise in a Complex Energy Landscape For EGSA, lobbying is particularly urgent given the rapid evolution of energy markets. Data centers and large-scale AI facilities are driving unprecedented electricity demand. Projections show this growth strain- ing grids nationwide, creating both challenges and opportunities. Onsite power generation can bridge gaps with fast-deployed, reliable capacity—
26 | Summer 2026 POWERLINE
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker