PowerLines is a national nonprofit organization that aims to modernize the utility regulatory system for American energy consumers to lower utility bills and grow the economy. It focuses on state public utilities commissions (PUCs), which play a critical role in determining how much people pay for utility bills, how utilities invest in different types of energy, and where new energy projects are built. These 200 commissioners oversee more than $200 billion in utility spending each year and have significant influence over the future of our energy system.
Rising utility bills is quickly becoming a national economic and political issue. In 2025, utilities requested a record-setting $31 billion in rate increases, double the previous record, while 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills. Meanwhile, the U.S. grid is experiencing the fastest rise in electricity demand in decades with the growth of AI data centers and manufacturing. Utility bills have become a defining national economic and political issue.
Recognized on the 2025 “TIME100 Next” list, PowerLines is rapidly becoming a go-to source and leader in informing the national discussion of this issue and has already shaped the conversation in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Politico, Bloomberg, CBS News, NPR, Marketplace, Financial Times, TIME, Vox, The Daily Mail, and MIT Technology Review.
To support this mission, PowerLines is seeking motivated, detail-oriented Summer 2026 interns to contribute meaningfully to active policy, partnership, and communications workstreams. Interns will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of energy policy, consumer issues, and nonprofit strategy.
Requirements
Internship Responsibilities
The exact set of responsibilities and portfolio of projects will be tailored to the specific intern's interests, skills, and experience. Below is a representative sample of potential projects:
Policy & Research
Partnerships & Coalition Development
Communications & Organizational Support
Role Requirements
The ideal intern is curious, organized, and eager to contribute to a growing national organization working at the intersection of policy and consumer impact.
Core Qualifications:
How To Apply: