Heather Payne Awarded Morrison Prize

Professor Heather Payne recently won the 11th annual Morrison Prize for her article, “Reliance and Reliability.”  

The Morrison Prize recognizes the most impactful sustainability-focused law journal article published in North America during the previous year. It is hosted and managed by the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. 

“Winning the Morrison Prize is an incredible honor,” Payne said. “I am grateful for the recognition of the fundamental principle of this work: that consumers must be centered in reliability discussions. I am truly delighted to be among those who have been recognized with this award, and my thanks to Arizona State University’s Program on Law and Sustainability for this distinction.” 

In “Reliance and Reliability,” published in the UC Irvine Law Review, Payne explores how current measures of reliability are utility-centric and often overlook consumers’ realities and experiences. She argues that putting consumers at the center of reliability planning will help shape regulatory priorities as electricity systems evolve.  

“I hope the short-term impact of my research is to continue to shine a light into dark corners – to help illuminate how our energy system is organized and how it is not necessarily working in the best interest of most individuals or the environment, and then propose practical solutions for how it can function more efficiently and with better outcomes,” said Payne. “For the longer term, I strive for thought leadership that will be available for policy makers when windows open – enabling the transformation of our energy system.” 

Payne is the Carter C. Kissell Professor of Law at Moritz College of Law. A former chemical engineer and corporate executive, she has extensive experience and expertise in energy law, environmental law, and evolving regulatory policy. Read more about Professor Payne here.