The chief executive of America’s largest public power company sees everything, including cutting greenhouse gases to address climate change, through the lens of affordability.

Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, said the perspective is to the power company’s benefit because it allows the most greenhouse gas cuts without its customers breaking the bank. It’s a framing that draws criticism from environmental and clean energy advocates who say the Tennessee Valley Authority should be looking at all ways to slash its emissions to meet customer demand.