Agenda
Saturday
Staff Subcommittee on Telecommunications
(Closed 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.)
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Renaissance East
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. |
Closed Session 8:30 - 8:45 Call to Order 8:45 – 9:15 State Roundup Summary 9:15 – 9:45 Lifeline Update 9:45 - 10:15 Department of Homeland Security Update 10:15 – 10:30 Future Meeting Planning |
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Networking Break |
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Truth in Billing The FCC has issued a Public Notice proposing to extend the Truth-In-Billing (TIB) requirements to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers either one-way or two-way. The FCC also proposes to require carriers to separate government-mandated charges from other charges on consumers’ telephone bills. The Panelists will address what the FCC is proposing, what this means to consumers, and what public interest issues may arise in connection with the issues under consideration in this proceeding. Moderator: Cary Hinton, DC PUC Panelists: David C. Wallden, Esq., Managing Partner, Kairos Partners Johnathan Marashlian, Esq., Communications Law Group NASUCA, Invited |
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch (on own) |
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. |
Rural Development Opportunity Fund: What the Bidding States Might Want to Think About The FCC just adopted final rules that will govern the Rural Development Opportunity Fund (RuDOF) auction. The auction is almost certain to occur this year. This means that bidders from multiple states could be in direct competition with bidders from other states for the limited support. The panelists will discuss the issues from their auction experience that bidding states might want to consider and think about to make their bids more successful. This supplements the Commissioners’ efforts to expand the states’ efforts knowledge about RuDOF. Moderator: Daniel Klein, ID PUC Panelists: Joe Gillan, Gillan Associates Carol Mattey, Mattey Consulting Johann Clendenin, Commissioner & NARUC Member NASUCA, Invited |
2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Networking Break |
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Resolutions & Emerging Issues in Telco Under Staff Consideration |
Subcommittee on Education and Research
(Portions of this meeting are closed.)
12:00–3:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 2
12:00 p.m. |
Closed Executive Session |
1:30 p.m. |
Welcome and Introductions Hon. Sarah Freeman, Subcommittee Chair, Indiana |
1:35 p.m. |
Approval of Minutes |
1:40 p.m. |
ICER and Other Matters Erin Hammel, Director, International Programs, NARUC |
1:50 p.m. |
Update on Subcommittee Projects
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2:00 p.m. |
Update on Staff Subcommittee Projects
Patti Lucarelli, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Education and Research, Rhode Island |
2:10 p.m. |
NARUC Center for Partnership and Innovation Update Danielle Byrnett, Director of Center for Partnership and Innovation, NARUC |
2:20 p.m. |
NRRI Update Carl Pechman, Executive Director |
2:40 p.m. |
New Business |
Executive Committee
(Closed Meeting)
3:00–5:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 3
Sunday
Registration Open
8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. • Foyer
Winter Wake-up Breakfast
8:30–9:30 a.m. • Foyer
Steel-cut oatmeal bar, seasonal sliced fruit, breakfast breads, orange juice, cranberry juice, coffee, decaf and tea.
Staff Subcommittee on Telecommunications
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. • Renaissance East
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. |
The Future of Fiber The Emergence of 5G underscores the need for the capacity to transport huge volumes of traffic. There have also been calls to “future proof” the voice and broadband networks, including the ability to respond to natural & manmade disasters. Current federal policy such as Auction 903 and the Rural Development Opportunity Fund Program include fiber. Fiber continues to lurk in the background as the solution to these challenges, an issue heightened by recent studies suggesting that the cost to deploy fiber may be less than the billions stated in the National Broadband Plan of 2009. The panelists will explore the role of fiber and the technological, economic, and policy challenges it faces going forward Moderator: Joe Witmer, PA PUC Panelists: Angie Kronenberg, Chief Advocate & General Counsel, INCOMPAS Kevin De Louise, VP Engineering & Operations, Crown Castle Lisa Youngers, Fiber Broadband Association Johann Clendenin, Commissioner & NARUC Member Teresa Ferguson, State of Colorado NASUCA, Invited |
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. |
Networking Break |
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Section 214: What's Up with That? The States have seen a recent uptick in the number and scope of Section 214 Abandonment applications. The panelists will discuss how the Section 214 process works, the impact of Section 214 determinations, the relationship with the pending UNE proceeding, and what this means to states. Moderator: Angel Stenmark, Mississippi PSC Panelists: Angie Kronenberg, Chief Advocate & General Counsel, INCOMPAS Randy Clarke, Vice-President, Federal Regulatory Affairs, CenturyLink Johnathan Marashlian Esq., Managing Partner, Marashlian & Donahue, PLLC, The CommLaw Group Sana Sheikh, Esq., Sr. Counsel, Granite Telecommunications NASUCA, Invited |
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch (on own) |
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Resolutions: Final Disposition & Emerging Issues Under Staff Consideration |
Staff Subcommittee on Energy Resources and the Environment
9:00–11:45 a.m. • Ballroom North / Ballroom South
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. |
Affordable Energy Efficiency Programs: How to Design Programs to Get the Most Customer Participation Joint with the Staff Subcommittees on Consumers and the Public Interest and Rate Design Energy efficiency programs are designed to help lower a customer’s energy bills. But often low-income customers who could benefit the most can’t afford to participate due to the high upfront costs of EE measures or are unable to access financing, or both. This is often true even if rebates or other financial incentives are offered. This panel will discuss what Commissions and utilities are doing to bridge the energy efficiency program financing gap. It will highlight results of Pennsylvania’s recent energy affordability study and universal service program review to better demonstrate how to design and implement effective energy assistance programs. It will also dive into possible rate structures, partnerships with Community Action Agencies and other nonprofit entities, and utility programs offering on-bill financing (OBF) or tariff-based financing (TBF) (e.g., Pay-As-You-Save (PAYS®)). The session will also review Arkansas’s Consistent Weatherization Approach, which is providing EE services, without an out-of-pocket payment, to thousands of customers each year, many of whom are low-income. Moderator: Tom Stanton, Principal Researcher for Energy and Environment, NRRI Panelists: Joseph Magee, Energy Policy Manager, Pennsylvania PUC Wally Nixon, Commissioners' Legal Advisor, Arkansas PSC Meg Power, Senior Advisor, Community Action Partnership |
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. |
State Approaches to Electric Vehicle Proceedings With the increase in electric vehicle adoption in many areas of the country—and projections for even faster growth—many Commissions have been tasked with weighing proposals and decisions related to EVs. As of December, at least 31 states plus DC have seen EV-related filings, with the number growing each year. In this session, organized by the recently launched NARUC Electric Vehicles Working Group, we will hear from three Commissions who have recently completed EV proceedings on topics including charging infrastructure proposals, rates to encourage off-peak charging, and charger rebate programs. Staff from Maryland, Michigan, and Minnesota will each share a case study of their proceeding(s) and highlight how they scoped the issues, how they approached pilot proposals, what decisions their commissions eventually made, and the rationales for those decisions. Moderator: Hon. Maria Bocanegra, Illinois, NARUC EV Working Group Chair Panelists: Amanda Best, Senior Commission Advisor, Maryland Public Service Commission Joey Chen, Senior Advisor to the Chairman, Maryland Public Service Commission Al Freeman, Commissioner Advisor, Michigan Public Service Commission Hanna Terwilliger, Economic Analyst, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission |
Staff Subcommittee on Rate Design
9:00–11:45 a.m. • Ballroom North
9:00 - 10:15 |
Affordable Energy Efficiency Programs: How to Design Programs to Get the Most Customer Participation Joint with the Staff Subcommittees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Consumers and the Public Interest Energy efficiency programs are designed to help lower a customer’s energy bills. But often low-income customers, who could benefit the most from energy efficiency programs, can’t afford to participate due to the high upfront costs of EE measures or are unable to access financing, or both. This is often true even if rebates or other financial incentives are offered. This panel will discuss what Commissions and utilities are doing to bridge the energy efficiency program financing gap. It will also dive into possible rate structures, partnerships with Community Action Agencies and other nonprofit entities, and utility program offering on-bill financing (OBF) or tariff-based financing (TBF) (e.g., Pay-As-You-Save (PAYS®)). The session also highlights results of Pennsylvania’s recent energy affordability study and universal service program review to better demonstrate how to design and implement effective energy assistance programs and reviews Arkansas’s Consistent Weatherization Approach, which is providing EE services, without an out-of-pocket payment, to thousands of customers each year, many of whom are low-income. Moderator: Tom Stanton, Principal Researcher, Energy and Environment, NRRI Panelists: Joseph Magee, Energy Policy Manager, Pennsylvania PUC Wally Nixon, Commissioners' Legal Advisor, Arkansas PSC Meg Power, Community Action Partnership |
10:15 - 10:30 | Break |
10:30 - 11:45 |
Dividing the Pie: New Concepts in Electric Cost Allocation A lot has changed since the 1992 NARUC electric cost allocation manual was first published. Wind, solar, and storage are now additions to the list of utility resources, and customers are supplying power and grid services from solar, storage, demand response and other distributed energy resources. With the advancement of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), there is also more data available. The recently released, RAP Manual, Electric Cost Allocation for a New Era provides a guide through methods that can more accurately incorporate today’s resources and data into the electric cost allocation framework. This panel will explore the cost allocation handbook and how it can be utilized in future utility rate case proceedings. Moderator: Jamie Barber, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Manager, Georgia Public Service Commission and Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Rate Design Panelists: Rick Gilliam, Program Director, DG Regulatory Policy, Vote Solar Jim Lazar, Senior Advisor, Regulatory Assistance Project Augie Ros, Ph.D., Principal, The Brattle Group |
Staff Subcommittee on Consumers and the Public Interest
9:00–11:45 a.m. • Ballroom North / Meeting Room 3
9:00-10:15 a.m. |
Affordable Energy Efficiency Programs: How to Design Programs to Get the Most Customer Participation Joint Session with the Staff Subcommittees on Rate Design and on Energy Resources & the Environment (Ballroom North) Energy efficiency programs are designed to help lower a customer’s energy bills. But often low-income customers, who could benefit the most from energy efficiency programs, can’t afford to participate due to the high upfront costs of EE measures or are unable to access financing, or both. This is often true even if rebates or other financial incentives are offered. This panel will discuss what Commissions and utilities are doing to bridge the energy efficiency program financing gap. It will also dive into possible rate structures, partnerships with Community Action Agencies and other nonprofit-entities, and utility programs offering on-bill financing (OBF) or tariff-based financing (TBF) (e.g., Pay-As-You-Save (PAYS®)). The session also highlights results of Pennsylvania’s recent energy affordability study and universal service program review to better demonstrate how to design and implement effective energy assistance programs and reviews Arkansas’s Consistent Weatherization Approach, which is providing EE services, without an out-of-pocket payment, to thousands of customers each year, many of whom are low-income. Moderator: Tom Stanton, Principal Researcher, Energy and Environment, NRRI Panelists: Joseph Magee, Energy Policy Manager, Pennsylvania PUC Wally Nixon, Commissioners' Legal Advisor, Arkansas PSC Meg Power, PhD, Senior Advisor, Community Action Partnership |
10:15-10:30 a.m. | Networking Break |
10:30-11:45 a.m. | Closed Session (Meeting Room 3) |
Staff Subcommittee on Critical Infrastructure
10:00–11:45 a.m. • Meeting Room 16 (Closed Meeting)
Subcommittee on Supplier and Workforce Diversity
10:30–11:45 a.m. • Congressional Ballroom
10:30 AM |
Business Meeting
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10:45 AM |
Labor & Workforce Diversity The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 750,000 active members and retirees across North American, who are specialized in various fields such as utilities, construction, telecommunications, manufacturing, and railroads. To address issues important to its minority members and develop the next generation of trade workers, IBEW offers caucuses, like the RENEW/NextGen Caucus, Women’s Caucus, and Minority Caucus, to facilitate support, resources, and solutions to these causes. Additionally, local union chapters are also focused in fostering workforce diversity throughout the country and similarly recognize the need create opportunities to train the next generation with much focus on inner-city residents. With the need and demand of infrastructure modernization, which requires the skill of the trades, a great potential exists for labor unions, such as the IBEW, to fill the workforce gaps across the utility. Accordingly, it is critical for industry leaders to understand how unions and interested parties can work together to build a diverse and inclusive workforce now and in the future. Speaker: Donnie Colston, Director, Utility Department, IBEW |
11:00 AM |
Certification & Women-Owned Businesses The need for supplier diversity is expanding across all the utility sectors. This call-to-action should avail greater business opportunities for new entrants as well as existing participants. Evaluating the requirements to be considered a diverse supplier and the benefits and barriers of operating as a minority-owned business will identify the necessary changes the industry needs to implement in order to continue moving the needle on diversity and inclusion. This panel will highlight the perspective of two women-owned business on the certification process and business development as diverse suppliers. Speakers:
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11:30 AM |
Open-Mic |
11:40 AM |
Closing Remarks |
Networking Break
10:00–10:30 a.m. • Foyer
Washington Action
(Closed Meeting)
10:15–11:45 a.m. • Meeting Room 4
New Commissioner Forum and Luncheon
(New Commissioners Only)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 12–14
Committee on International Relations
1:00–5:00 p.m. • Congressional Ballroom, Ballroom South, Ballroom North
1:00-1:05 p.m. |
Welcome and approval of resolution Hon. David Morton - British Columbia, Co-Vice Chair, International Relations Committee |
1:05-1:50 p.m. |
Joint Session with Committee on Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity in the Eurasia and the Black Sea Region: The USAID-NARUC Partnership For the countries of Europe and Eurasia, cyber attacks are not just a threat, but a reality that came into sharp relief with a 2015 attack that brought down a portion of Ukraine's electric grid. To help forestall future attacks, the US Agency for International Development has partnered with NARUC to create the Europe and Eurasia Energy Sector Cybersecurity Initiative, which is helping to build resilience and expertise within energy regulators in the Black Sea region and beyond. In this session, USAID staff and NARUC participants will discuss the work of the initiative and the progress that ir has made. Moderator: Hon. Gladys Brown Dutrieuille, Pennsylvania Panelists: Hon. Dan Scripps, Michigan Steve Burns, Chief, Energy and Infrastructure, Europe and Eurasia, US Agency for International Development |
1:50 - 2:30 p.m. |
Special Session with Department of Energy Featured participants include: Karen Evans, Assistant Secretary, DOE Bruce Walker, Assistant Secretary, DOE |
2:30-2:45 p.m. |
Networking break - move to Ballroom South |
2:45-3:45 p.m. |
Joint Session with Staff Subcommittee on Electric Reliability and Staff Subcommittee on Electricity Electric Reliability and Public Health There is an obvious connection between electricity and public health: everything from wastewater treatment plants to incubators in neonatal intensive care units are dependent on a reliable source of electricity. Is the best and most cost-effective way to provide that power in areas that face both economic and public health challenges the creation of a centralized grid, micro-grids, or generation on an even smaller scale? Professor Abigail Mechtenberg’s research on the nexus between power reliability and health outcomes can help answer that question. In this presentation, she will discuss her work and present some of the creative solutions that are being developed to address the need for reliable electricity for health facilities in developing economies. Moderator: Hon. David Danner, Washington Panelist: Prof. Abigail Mechtenberg, Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame |
3:45-4:00 p.m. |
Networking break - move to Ballroom North |
4:00-5:00 p.m. |
Joint session with Committee on Consumers and the Public Interest Communicating Effectively About Rates Effective communication about ratemaking and rates is an essential element in establishing the credibility of a utility regulatory agency. In recent years, rate communication has been a central aspect of NARUC’s work with utility regulators in emerging economies, including countries which are establishing cost-based rates for the first time. This work has included the development of a best practices manual for international regulators. Hisham Choueki of NARUC’s international staff, author of the manual, will discuss how it was developed and some of the issues it is intended to address. His presentation will be followed by a discussion with commissioners and staff who have participated in regulatory exchanges that have focused on public outreach and rate communications. Moderator: Hon. Odogwu Obi Linton, Maryland Panelists: Hon. Maida Coleman, Missouri Hisham Choueki, Ph.D., P.E., NARUC International Department Andrew Melnykovych, Director of Communications, Kentucky PSC |
Committee on Critical Infrastructure
1:00–4:30 p.m. • Congressional Ballroom
1:00 - 1:45 p.m. |
Joint Committee meeting with the Committee on International Relations |
1:00 - 1:05 p.m. |
Welcome and approval of resolution Hon. David Morton - British Columbia, Co-Vice Chair, International Relations Committee |
1:05 - 1:45 p.m. |
Cybersecurity in the Eurasia and the Black Sea Region: The USAID-NARUC Partnership For the countries of Europe and Eurasia, cyber attacks are not just a threat, but a reality that came into sharp relief with a 2015 attack that brought down a portion of Ukraine's electric grid. To help forestall future attacks, the US Agency for International Development has partnered with NARUC to create the Europe and Eurasia Energy Sector Cybersecurity Initiative, which is helping to build resilience and expertise within energy regulators in the Black Sea region and beyond. In this session, USAID staff and NARUC participants will discuss the work of the initiative and the progress that ir has made. Moderators: Hon. David Morton, British Columbia, Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille Panelists: Hon. Dan Scripps, Michigan Steve Burns, Chief, Energy and Infrastructure, Europe and Eurasia, US Agency for International Development |
1:45 - 4:20 p.m. |
Federal Partnership Update |
1:45 - 2:45 p.m. |
Special Session with Department of Energy Featured participants include: Karen Evans, Assistant Secretary, DOE Bruce Walker, Assistant Secretary, DOE |
2:45 - 3:00 p.m. |
Networking Break |
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. |
Steven Harris, Deputy Assistant Director, DHS/CISA |
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. |
Joe McClelland, Director, Office of Energy Infrastructure Security, FERC |
4:00 - 4:20 p.m. |
Scott Aaronson, Vice President, Security and Preparedness, Edison Electric Institute |
Committee on Consumers and the Public Interest
1:30–5:00 p.m. • Ballroom North
4:00-5:00 p.m. |
Regulators Role in Communications with a Focus on Tariff Issues Joint with the Committee on International Relations Effective communication about ratemaking and rates is an essential element in establishing the credibility of a utility regulatory agency. In recent years, rate communication has been a central aspect of NARUC’s work with utility regulators in emerging economies, including countries which are establishing cost-based rates for the first time. This work has included the development of a best practices manual for international regulators. Hisham Choueki of NARUC’s international staff, author of the manual, will discuss how it was developed and some of the issues it is intended to address. His presentation will be followed by a discussion with commissioners and staff who have participated in regulatory exchanges that have focused on public outreach and rate communications. Moderator: Hon. Odogwu Obi Linton, Maryland Panelists: Hon. Maida Coleman, Missouri Hisham Choueki, Ph.D., P.E., NARUC International Department Andrew Melnykovych, Director of Communications, Kentucky PSC |
Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety
(Closed Meeting)
1:30–3:30 p.m. • Meeting Room 5
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Staff Subcommittee on Clean Coal
1:15 – 2:30 p.m. • Ballroom South
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Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Reflections on the Past Decade and Outlook into the 2020s 2019 saw multiple leaps forward in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies capable of decreasing emissions from fossil-fueled power generation and industrial processes. This discussion will focus on:
Moderator: James Branscomb, Senior Technical Engineer, Wyoming Public Service Commission Panelists: Lee Beck, Senior Advocacy and Communications Advisor, Global CCS Institute Lynn Brickett, Carbon Capture Program Manager, Office of Fossil Energy, U.S. Department of Energy Jan Mares, Senior Advisor, Resources for the Future |
Staff Subcommittee on Electric Reliability and Resilience
1:45–5:00 p.m. • Congressional Ballroom/ Ballroom South
1:45 - 2:30 p.m.
2:45-3:45 p.m. |
Special Session with Department of Energy (Congressional Ballroom) Featured participants include: Karen Evans, Assistant Secretary, DOE Bruce Walker, Assistant Secretary, DOE
Electric Reliability and Public Health (Ballroom South) Joint session co-sponsored by the Committee on International Relations, Staff Subcommittee on Electricity, and Staff Subcommittee on Electric Reliability and Resilience There is an obvious connection between electricity and public health: everything from wastewater treatment plants to incubators in neonatal intensive care units is dependent on a reliable source of electricity. Is the best and most cost-effective way to provide that power in areas that face both economic and public health challenges the creation of a centralized grid, micro-grids or generation on an even smaller scale? Professor Abigail Mechtenberg’s research on the nexus between power reliability and health outcomes can help answer that question. In this presentation, she will discuss her work and present some of the creative solutions that are being developed to address the need for reliable electricity for health facilities in developing economies. Moderator: Hon. Dave Danner, Washington Panelist: Prof. Abigail Mechtenberg, Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame |
4:00-5:00 p.m. |
Adoption of IEEE 1547-2018 and Interconnection Procedures Joint session co-sponsored by the Staff Subcommittees on Electricity and Electric Reliability and Resilience As more distributed energy resources (DERs), like solar and storage, interconnect with the utility distribution grids, it is important that both the DERs and the grids are reliable. IEEE 1547 is a foundational, technology neutral standard for the interconnection and interoperability of DERs that, when adopted at the State level, provides commissions and utilities with the framework and tools to ensure reliable interconnection and operation of DERs in distribution systems. This session will address the technical considerations and best practices for updating DER interconnection procedures. Moderator: Michelle Rosier, DER Specialist, MN PUC Panelists: Jay Liu, Sr. Lead Engineer, Infrastructure Coordination, PJM Michael Ingram, Chief Engineer, Sensing and Predictive Analytics, NREL Ryan Quint, Senior Manager, Advanced System Analytics and Modeling, NERC |
Staff Subcommittee on Electricity
1:45–5:00 p.m. • Congressional Ballroom/Ballroom South
1:45 - 2:30 p.m.
2:45-3:45 p.m. |
Special Session with Department of Energy (Congressional Ballroom) Featured participants include: Karen Evans, Assistant Secretary, DOE Bruce Walker, Assistant Secretary, DOE
Electric Reliability and Public Health (Ballroom South) Joint session co-sponsored by the Committee on International Relations, Staff Subcommittee on Electricity, and Staff Subcommittee on Electric Reliability and Resilience There is an obvious connection between electricity and public health: everything from wastewater treatment plants to incubators in neonatal intensive care units are dependent on a reliable source of electricity. Is the best and most cost-effective way to provide that power in areas that face both economic and public health challenges the creation of a centralized grid, micro-grids, or generation on an even smaller scale? Professor Abigail Mechtenberg’s research on the nexus between power reliability and health outcomes can help answer that question. In this presentation, she will discuss her work and present some of the creative solutions that are being developed to address the need for reliable electricity for health facilities in developing economies. Moderator: Hon. Dave Danner, Washington Panelist: Prof. Abigail Mechtenberg, Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame |
4:00-5:00 p.m. |
Adoption of IEEE 1547-2018 and Interconnection Procedures Joint session co-sponsored by the Staff Subcommittees on Electricity and Electric Reliability and Resilience As more distributed energy resources (DERs), like solar and storage, interconnect with the utility distribution grids, it is important that both the DERs and the grids are reliable. IEEE 1547 is a foundational, technology neutral standard for the interconnection and interoperability of DERs that, when adopted at the State level, provides commissions and utilities with the framework and tools to ensure reliable interconnection and operation of DERs in distribution systems. This session will address the technical considerations and best practices for updating DER interconnection procedures. Moderator: Michelle Rosier, DER Specialist, MN PUC Panelists: Jay Liu, Sr. Lead Engineer, Infrastructure Coordination, PJM Michael Ingram, Chief Engineer, Sensing and Predictive Analytics, NREL Ryan Quint, Senior Manager, Advanced System Analytics and Modeling, NERC |
Staff Subcommittee on Gas
1:30–4:30 p.m. • Ballroom Central
1:45 - 2:00 |
Regulatory Updates Commissioners, Staff and the Audience are encouraged to share relevant updates from their states/regions Moderator: Andreas Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas |
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2:00 - 2:40 |
Sustainable Energy in America Factbook Briefing Representatives from the Business Council for Sustainable Energy will offer a preliminary look of the BCSE-BNEF 2020 edition of the "Sustainable Energy in America Factbook." The Factbook, produced annually, for the Business Council for Sustainable Energy by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, provides up-to-date, accurate market information about the broad range of industries — energy efficiency, natural gas and renewable energy— that are contributing to the country’s move towards cleaner energy production and more efficient energy usage. Facilitator: Lisa Gorsuch, Emergency Preparedness Manager, Public Utility Commission of Oregon Presenters: Ruth McCormick, Director, Federal and State Affairs Business Council for Sustainable Energy Dan LeFevers, Gas Technology Institute Richard Meyer, American Gas Association Patrick Serfass, American Biogas Council |
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2:40 - 3:10 |
Technology Session Whether it has to do with safety or the efficient use of our resources, technology groups continue with their efforts to improve today's commercially available solutions, thus assuring safer, more efficient and lower cost delivery of the services consumers want. In this session we will hear about methane capture technologies as well as GTI's Natural Gas Heat Pump roadmap. Moderator: Kiera Zitelman, Senior Manager, NARUC Center for Partnerships & Innovation Speakers: Mishal Thadani, Director of Market Development and Policy, Urbint Dan LeFevers, Director, State & Consumer Programs, GTI Mike McMahon, Product Manager, Aclara |
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3:10 - 3:25 |
REPAIR The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) agency is in the process of launching a 3-year, $38 million program, appropriately named REPAIR, to develop low-cost alternatives for replacing cast iron and bare steel gas distribution mains. A representative of the DOE's ARPA-E will present the program's objectives. Facilitator: Andreas Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas Presenter: Jack Lewnard, Program Director, ARPA-E |
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3:25 - 3:50 |
Dynamic Delivery; America's Evolving Oil and Natural Gas Transportation Infrastructure The National Petroleum Council recently posted the draft report on the oil and natural gas transportation infrastructure. The audience will be provided with a summary and major conclusions of the over 600 page report. Facilitator: Andreas Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas Presenter: James A. Slutz, Director of Study Operations, National Petroleum Council |
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3:50 - 5:00 |
Natural Gas Bans This session is a continuation of the discussion on natural gas bans that took place in San Antonio, TX -- during the Annual Meeting. As more towns are considering imposing natural gas bans on new construction, consumers, the industry and regulators are expected to deal with a new reality. Do gas bans violate consumers' rights? What is the financial impact on consumers? At a time when regions continue to rely on coal and oil for power generation, do such bans make sense? The session is intended to encourage a discussion following brief presentations. Moderators: Andreas Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas Lisa Gorsuch, Vice-Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas Participants: Angela O'Connor, Commissioner Emeritus, Angela O' Connor, Inc. Judith Schwartz, President and Founder, To the Point Bill Malcolm, Senior Legislative Representative, State Advocacy and Strategy Integration, AARP Zach Kravitz, Director, Rates & Regulatory Affairs, Northwest Natural Dan Lapato, Senior Director, State Affairs, American Gas Association
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Staff Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety
(Closed Meeting)
1:30–5:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 5
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Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues
(Closed Meeting)
2:00–3:30 p.m. • Meeting Room 2
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Staff Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues
(Closed Meeting)
2:00–3:30 p.m. • Meeting Room 2
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Networking Break
2:30–3:00 p.m. • Foyer
Staff Subcommittee on Executive Management
(For Commission Staff Only)
3:00–5:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 16
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Staff Subcommittee on Information Services
(For Commission Staff Only)
3:00–5:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 4
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Staff Subcommittee on Water
3:00–5:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 4 Closed Meeting
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Networking Break
3:30–4:00 p.m. • Foyer
Welcome Reception
(Tickets Required)
5:00–6:30 p.m. • Renaissance Ballroom
Monday
OPSI Breakfast Meeting
(Invitees Only)
7:00–8:45 a.m. • Congressional
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Winter Wake-Up Breakfast
8:00–9:00 a.m. • Foyer
Steel-cut oatmeal bar, seasonal sliced fruit, breakfast breads, orange juice, cranberry juice, coffee, decaf and tea.
Registration Open
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Foyer
General Session
9:00–10:15 a.m. • Ballroom Central
Welcome Remarks: Hon. Brandon Presley, MS
Update from the Hill:
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security
Networking Break
10:15–10:45 a.m. • Foyer
Committee on Electricity
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Ballroom Central
10:45-11:45 a.m. |
The Future of the U.S. Coal Fleet: Retrofit, Retire, or Change the Business Model? This session will cover the near-term outlook for closing coal plants; the factors that utilities, commissions, and state and local leaders weigh in deciding to close aging plants; retrofit options that can defer plant closures while maintaining energy reliability and regional economic benefits of energy production; and new market opportunities for the coal fleet. Moderator: Hon. Jeremy Oden, Alabama Panelists: Dr. Dave Goldtooth, Superintendent of Central Consolidated School District, New Mexico Don Gaston, President and CEO, Prairie State Generating Company, LLC Michelle Bloodworth, CEO, America’s Power Nate Duckett, Mayor, Farmington, New Mexico Dr. Peter Balash, Senior Economist, National Energy Technology Lab |
1:30-2:30 p.m. |
What’s Next for PJM’s Capacity Market: Market Implications and Effect on State Policies in the Wake of FERC’s Expanded MOPR Decision. As states increasingly promote renewable energy and zero or low-carbon emissions resources, FERC’s directive to PJM to expand its price floor to all resources in the capacity market caught many by surprise. Can competitive markets continue to deliver value if a growing number of state-subsidized resources seek to participate in the RPM? Moreover, the panel will discuss what can be done to advance and accommodate state policies favoring emissions reduction and to ensure that clean and renewable energy targets are met. Moderator: Hon. Jason Stanek, Maryland Panelists: Travis Kavulla, NRG Energy Asim Haque, Executive Director, PJM Christine Tezak, Managing Director, Clearview Energy Partner Mason Emnett, Vice President, Exelon Corporation |
2:45-3:45 p.m. |
Retired with New Ownership: What Happens to Closed Nuclear Plants that are Purchased by New Companies? As nuclear plants are retiring around the country, companies are purchasing these assets from the utilities and companies that own them. This panel will examine what goes into this process and the related issues of waste safety and financial safeguards for ratepayers. Moderator: Hon. Tim Echols, Georgia Panelists: Juliann Edwards, VP Business Development, EnergySolutions Hon. Sarah Hofmann, Vermont Ted Smith, Senior Project Manager, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
4:00-5:00 p.m. |
Electricity Committee Business Meeting: Featuring - Hon. Bernard McNamee, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Jim Robb, the President and CEO of NERC, will provide a presentation on GridEx 2019, a grid security exercise. Resolution Discussion |
Subcommittee on Clean Coal and Carbon Managment
10:45–11:45 a.m. • Ballroom Central
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. |
The Future of the U.S. Coal Fleet: Retrofit, Retire, or Change the Business Model? This session will cover the near-term outlook for closing coal plants; the factors that utilities, commissions, and state and local leaders weigh in deciding to close aging plants; retrofit options that can defer plant closures while maintaining energy reliability and regional economic benefits of energy production; and new market opportunities for the coal fleet. Moderator: Hon. Jeremy Oden, Alabama Panelists: Dr. Dave Goldtooth, Superintendent of Central Consolidated School District, New Mexico Don Gaston, President and CEO, Prairie State Generating Company, LLC Michelle Bloodworth, CEO, America’s Power Nate Duckett, Mayor, Farmington, New Mexico Dr. Peter Balash, Senior Economist, National Energy Technology Lab |
Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment
10:45 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. • Ballroom North South
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. |
Business Meeting
|
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (Congressional Ballroom) |
The Evolution of Gas DSM and Energy Efficiency to Keep Up With a Changing World Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Gas The natural gas market is experiencing a relatively long period of relatively stable, and low, retail prices. Concurrently, it is also experiencing increasing disruption, as it moves from being perceived as a "bridge fuel" to more targeted focus on increased carbon reduction efforts, and feeling potential adverse impacts of expanding electrification efforts. Within this changing world, how does gas DSM and energy efficiency need to evolve? Does measurement and verification need to improve? What has worked around the country to help ensure prices do not spike on rate payers and how do we ensure there is also adequate supply as DSM and energy efficiency are more firmly implanted to be able to deliver for current and new customers. Moderators: Hon. Harold Gray, Delaware Hon. Dianne Solomon, New Jersey Panelists: Hon. Robert Hayden, Massachusetts Erick Ford, Executive Director, New Jersey Energy Coalition Paula Gant, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Commercialization, GTI Greg Leventis, Program Manager, Electricity Markets and Policy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory |
2:45 - 3:45 p.m. |
What If We Build It and They Don't Come This panel will challenge regulators, advocates and industry reps to identify and discuss concerns associated with amplified electrification, from potential impacts upon consumers to existential threats to utilities. Panelists will strive to detail the new entrants into the market and their vision for more open and competitive markets, to provide a voice of caution, and to represent the consumer's wants and needs. Moderator: Hon. Jeff Ackermann, Colorado Panelists: Christopher Budzynski, Director, Utility Strategy for Exelon Utilities Bill LeBlanc, Chief Instigation Agent, eSource Marc Monbouquette, Regulatory and Government Affairs Manager, Enel X e-Mobility |
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Commissions Know Economics, But Do We Know Economic Development? If your commission is expanding decision making criteria to incorporate economic effects or explicitly to achieve certain economic development goals, you are not alone. More states are asking or telling Commissions to consider the economic impacts of resource plan decisions, policies that promote specific emerging markets, and the potential roles of utilities in helping to achieve diverse labor and community impact objectives. This hour features a Commissioner round table discussion about these ideas and what different states are directing their regulators to do to incorporate economic development criteria in utility regulatory decisions. Moderator: Tom Stanton, Principal Researcher for Energy and Environment, NRRI Panelists: Hon. Abigail Anthony, Rhode Island Hon. Tim Echols, Georgia Hon. David Ober, Indiana Hon. Mary Throne, Wyoming |
Committee on Gas
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Congressional Ballroom
10:45 - 11:45 am |
The Future of Gas in a Carbon-Constrained World 2.0 Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Gas and Consumers and the Public Interest Following a 2019 annual meeting panel on natural gas’s role in a rapidly decarbonizing economy, this panel will explore intersections between climate policies and energy production. With the Natural Gas Supply Association coming out in favor of carbon pricing in electricity markets and American Petroleum Institute’s new climate initiatives, what are the potential impacts on the path forward? For example, what does this mean for carbon pricing on gas-fired (and other types of) generation? What is the gas sector doing to align with state greenhouse gas reduction goals? What may be the role for gas utilities in the energy mix in 2050? Will meeting future GHG goals under various scenarios require more or less geologic natural gas than is currently produced? Relatedly, will meeting goals require shifting the uses of geologic natural gas and / or using gas in new ways? Moderators: Hon. Diane X. Burman, New York Cheryl LaFleur, Former Commissioner & Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Panelists: Jason Klein, VP, Energy Transition Strategy, Shell Oil Company Sarah Ladislaw, Senior Vice President & Director, CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program Humayun Tai, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Co. Andy Carrasco, Director, Regional Public Affairs, Southern California Gas Company |
1:30 - 2:30 pm |
The Evolution of Gas DSM and Energy Efficiency to Keep Up With a Changing World Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Gas and Energy Resources and the Environment The natural gas market is experiencing a relatively long period of relatively stable, and low, retail prices. Concurrently, it is also experiencing increasing disruption, as it moves from being perceived as a "bridge fuel" to more targeted focus on increased carbon reduction efforts and feeling potential adverse impacts of expanding electrification efforts. Within this changing world, how does gas DSM and energy efficiency need to evolve? Does measurement and verification need to improve? What has worked around the country to help ensure prices do not spike on rate payers and how do we ensure there is also adequate supply as DSM and energy efficiency are more firmly implanted to be able to deliver for current and new customers. Moderators: Hon. Harold Gray, Delaware Hon. Dianne Solomon, New Jersey Panelists: Paula Gant, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Commercialization, GTI Greg Leventis, Program Manager, Electricity Markets and Policy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Erick Ford, Executive Director, New Jersey Energy Coalition Hon. Robert Hayden, Massachusetts |
2:45 - 3:45 pm |
Workforce Development Best Practices in Pipeline Safety The fundamental tasks assigned to utility regulators have remained unchanged for decades. Least cost, safe and reliable delivery of utility services is what regulators are expected to ensure and promote. In light of several events in recent years, the panel will discuss “Best Practices” for both regulators and natural gas LDCs as they relate to safety. Relying on the lessons learnt, the panelists will address the question of “what is adequate staffing” as well as the training of PUC inspectors, LDC employees and third-party contractors in, among others, pipeline inspections, communications and preparedness. Moderators: Hon. Jay Balasbas, Washington Hon. Robert Hayden, Massachusetts Panelists: Shane Early, General Counsel, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Massoud Tahamtani, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA Christina Sames, Vice President, Operations & Engineering, American Gas Association Kevin Speicher, Chief, Pipeline Safety and Reliability, New York Department of Public Service |
4:00 - 5:00 pm |
Gas and Cybersecurity—What do State Regulators Need to Know? Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Gas, Critical Infrastructure, and Telecommunications This panel would discuss critical information that state regulators need to know in the natural gas utility space. This is a follow up from the NARUC November 2019 resolution on criticality of utilities operating in the 6 GHz spectrum band. We will explore what the next steps are, and how we all can be more engaged, as appropriate, in addressing cybersecurity issues in the natural gas space. Moderators: Hon. Sarah Freeman, Indiana Hon. Bob Pickett, Alaska Panelists: Sharla Artz, Senior Vice President of Government & External Affairs, Utilities Technology Council Zoe Cadore, Policy Advisor, American Petroleum Institute Brian Finch, Partner, Pillsbury Law Suedeen Kelly, Partner, Jenner & Block and Regulatory Counsel, Protect Our Power |
Committee on Telecommunications
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Renaissance East / Congressional Ballroom
10:45 - 11:45 am |
Spectrum Tutorial 101 While state commissioners don’t deal directly with spectrum issues, those same issues are becoming a more prominent part of discussion and emphasis in the telecom space. This session’s discussion is meant to be a brief tutorial on how spectrum is used and licensed, the current issues in the spectrum space including who needs what kinds of spectrum in the future, and how different kinds of spectrum will fill urban vs rural 5G needs. Moderator: Hon. Chris Nelson, South Dakota Panelist: Adam Krinsky, Partner, Wilkinson Barker Knauer |
1:45 - 2:45 pm |
Making Technology Accessible to All Joint session co-sponsored by Committees on Telecommunications, Consumers and the Public Interest People with disabilities are almost three times less likely to use the internet than those without disabilities, according to research studies, and 48 million people in the U.S. have physical or mobility disabilities that exclude them from being able to use much of the technology, television, and internet services available today. We’ll explore what policymakers, advocates and industry are doing, and can do, to change those statistics and find innovative ways to remove barriers and bridge the digital divide for Americans with disabilities, by making technology, television, and the internet as accessible and affordable as possible to all. Moderator: Hon. John Clendenin, US Virgin Islands Panelists: Diane Burstein, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau’s Disability Rights Office, Federal Communications Commission Joel Moffatt, Customer Experience Lead, Comcast Debra Berlyn, President, Consumer Policy Solutions |
3:00 - 4:00 pm |
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund? The FCC just adopted rules that will govern the Rural Development Opportunity Fund (RuDOF) auction. Panelist will discuss the auction process and the opportunities for states. Moderator: Hon. Crystal Rhoades, Nebraska Panelists: Michael Janson - Director of the RuDOF Task Force, Federal Communications Commission Mike Saperstein, Vice President, Law and Policy, USTelecom Chuck Keller, Partner, Wilkinson Barker Knauer Mike Romano, Senior Vice President of Industry Affairs and Business Development, NTCA |
4:00 - 5:00 pm |
Gas and Cybersecurity—What do State Regulators Need to Know? Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Gas, Critical Infrastructure, and Telecommunications This panel would discuss critical information that state regulators need to know in the natural gas utility space. This is a follow up from the NARUC November 2019 resolution on criticality of utilities operating in the 6 GHz spectrum band. We will explore what the next steps are, and how we all can be more engaged, as appropriate, in addressing cybersecurity issues in the natural gas space. Moderators: Hon. Sarah Freeman, Indiana Hon. Bob Pickett, Alaska Panelists: Sharla Artz, Utilities Technology Council Suedeen Kelly, Regulatory Counsel, Protect our Power Zoe Cadore, Policy Advisor, API Brian Finch, Partner, Pillsbury Law |
Committee on Water
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Mount Vernon
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. |
Business Meeting |
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. |
How to Keep Technology Flowing – Making Life Easy for Water Utility Customers Moderator: Hon. Maria Bocanegra, Illinois Panelists: Deron Austin, Director, Water Management Solutions, Mueller Suzanne Chiavari, Director of American Water Engineering and Resiliency Debbie Dewey, President, MO American Water Justin Ladner, President, IL American Water |
2:45 - 3:15 p.m. |
How to Keep Technology Flowing - Making Life Easy for Water Utility Customers (Part 2) |
3:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
Fireside Chat with NYT Bestselling Author, Seth Siegel David Stanton, CEO – Utility Holdings, SUEZ North America, will sit down with New York Times bestselling author, Seth Siegel to discuss his new book, Troubled Water: What’s Wrong With What We Drink. This must-read book is full of shocking stories of contaminated water found throughout the country and the everyday heroes who have successfully forced changes in the quality and safety of our drinking water. Troubled Water also addresses the positive role that many private water utilities play in this story, and what America must do to reverse decades of neglect of the country’s water infrastructure. Mr. Siegel is a campaigner for change in water policy in the U.S. and around the world and has been recognized for his thought leadership and advocacy on water scarcity and quality concerns. He has spoken about water issues before hundreds of audiences on four continents, and in more than 60 U.S. cities. The discussion between Mr. Stanton and Mr. Siegel is not just for those who follow water issues. This panel should be of interest to anyone who drinks water and cares about the future of water infrastructure in this country. |
Committee on Consumers and the Public Interest
For time and location, see the App.
10:45 - 11:45 am (Congressional Ballroom) |
The Future of Gas in a Carbon-Constrained World 2.0 Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Gas and Consumers and the Public Interest Following a 2019 annual meeting panel on natural gas’s role in a rapidly decarbonizing economy, this panel will explore intersections between climate policies and energy production. With the Natural Gas Supply Association coming out in favor of carbon pricing in electricity markets and American Petroleum Institute’s new climate initiatives, what are the potential impacts on the path forward? For example, what does this mean for carbon pricing on gas-fired (and other types of) generation? What is the gas sector doing to align with state greenhouse gas reduction goals? What may be the role for gas utilities in the energy mix in 2050? Will meeting future GHG goals under various scenarios require more or less geologic natural gas than is currently produced? Relatedly, will meeting goals require shifting the uses of geologic natural gas and / or using gas in new ways? Moderators: Hon. Diane X. Burman, New York Hon. Valerie Means, Minnesota Panelists: Sarah Ladislaw, Senior Vice President & Director, CSIS Energy & National Security Program Humayun Tai, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Co. Representative from Shell Energy North America (invited) |
1:45 - 2:45 pm |
Making Technology Accessible to All Joint with the Committee on Telecommunications People with disabilities are almost three times less likely to use the internet than those without disabilities, according to research studies, and 48 million people in the U.S. have physical or mobility disabilities that exclude them from being able to use much of the technology, television, and internet services available today. We’ll explore what policymakers, advocates and industry are doing, and can do, to change those statistics and find innovative ways to remove barriers and bridge the digital divide for Americans with disabilities, by making technology, television, and the internet as accessible and affordable as possible to all. Moderator: Hon. John Clendenin, Virgin Islands Panelists: Debra Berlyn, President, Consumer Policy Solutions and Project GOAL Diane Burstein, Deputy Bureau Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office Joel Moffatt, CPACC, Principal Product Manager and CX Lead, Comcast Accessibility Team Clark Rachfal, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, American Council of the Blind (ACB) |
Staff Subcommittee on Law
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 3
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Committee/Subcommittee Chairs Meeting and Luncheon
(Invitees Only)
11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. • Meeting Room 16
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NRRI RTI: Regulatory Training Initiative
There is no fee to attend.
Separate registration required.
11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. • Meeting Room 12 - 14
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT – THE REGULATORY TRAINING INITIATIVE (RTI)
Come share food and thought and learn how the NRRI RTI benefits Commissions and Stakeholders! Monday, February 10, from 11:45 to 1:15 in meeting rooms 12-14. There is no charge for lunch, but pre-registration is required and space is limited! Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRRIRTILuncheon2020 [surveymonkey.com] |
Networking Break
2:30–2:45 p.m. • Foyer
Committee on Critical Infrastructure
2:45–3:45 p.m. • Renaissance East
4:00 - 5:00 pm (Congressional Ballroom) |
Gas and Cybersecurity—What do State Regulators Need to Know? Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Gas, Critical Infrastructure, and Telecommunications This panel would discuss critical information that state regulators need to know in the natural gas utility space. This is a follow up from the NARUC November 2019 resolution on criticality of utilities operating in the 6 GHz spectrum band. We will explore what the next steps are, and how we all can be more engaged, as appropriate, in addressing cybersecurity issues in the natural gas space. Moderators: Hon. Sarah Freeman, Indiana Hon. Bob Pickett, Alaska Panelists: Sharla Artz, Senior Vice President of Government & External Affairs, Utilities Technology Council Zoe Cadore, Policy Advisor, American Petroleum Institute Brian Finch, Partner, Pillsbury Law Suedeen Kelly, Partner, Jenner & Block and Regulatory Counsel, Protect Our Power |
Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues
2:45–3:45 p.m. • Ballroom North
|
Retired with New Ownership: What Happens to Closed Nuclear Plants that are Purchased by New Companies? As nuclear plants are retiring around the country, companies are purchasing these assets from the utilities and companies that own them. This panel will examine what goes into this process and the related issues of waste safety and financial safeguards for ratepayers. Moderator: Hon. Tim Echols, Georgia Panelists: Juliann Edwards, VP Business Development, EnergySolutions Hon. Sarah Hofmann, Vermont Ted Smith, Senior Project Manager, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
Networking Break
3:45–4:00 p.m. • Foyer
Commission Staff Power Hour
(Commission Staff / Red Tags Only)
5:15-6:15 p.m. • Renaissance West B
MACRUC
(Invitees Only)
5:15–6:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 3
NECPUC
(Invitees Only)
5:15–6:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 9
MARC
(Invitees Only)
5:15–6:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 10
SEARUC
(Invitees Only)
5:15–6:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 4
Western
(Invitees Only)
5:15–6:00 p.m. • Meeting Room 2
Tuesday
Winter Wake-Up Breakfast
8:00–9:00 a.m. • Foyer
Steel-cut oatmeal bar, seasonal sliced fruit, breakfast breads, orange juice, cranberry juice, coffee, decaf and tea.
Registration Open
8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. • Foyer
General Session
9:00-10:15 a.m. • Grand Ballroom
Join us for an action packed general session!
Kicking off Tuesday: Hon. Jason Stanek, Maryland.
Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) will present the first annual Ray Baum Memorial Leadership Award.
This annual NARUC award was initiated to honor the memory of Ray Baum, who passed away in 2018. Ray was a long-time member of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners, the go-to Staffer on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a nationally recognized expert on utility law. This award is given to a Staff member of the NARUC Staff Subcommittee on Telecommunications that best reflects his initiative and drive towards public service.
Why the Census Makes Sense to Regulators
This year the U.S. Census will take place on April 1. In December 2019, the Census released 5-year estimates from its American Community Survey (ACS). The Census population and ACS data are important for regulators, industry, and consumers. Funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program relies on this information and the survey data addresses computer and Internet use, access to phone service, and home heating.
This session will examine the connection between Census data and access to utility services and funding; review current funding levels based on the data; review the questions relevant to regulators and stakeholders; learn how regulators and industry can support outreach efforts to ensure a complete count; and discuss new technology tools and challenges associated with efforts to collect much of the Census data online.
Featured Remarks
Ali Ahmad, Associate Director, Communications Directorate, U.S. Census Bureau
Moderator
Hon. Maida Coleman, Missouri, Chair, Consumers and the Public Interest
Panelists
- Hon. Obi Linton, Maryland
- Ali Ahmad, Associate Director, Communications Directorate, U.S. Census Bureau
- Jackie Roberts, Consumer Advocate, WV & NASUCA President
- Katrina Metzler, Executive Director, National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition
- Derrick A Dickens, Sr. Vice President & Chief Customer Officer, Pepco Holdings, Inc.
Networking Break
10:15–10:45 a.m. • Foyer
Committee on Consumers and the Public Interest
(Joint Meetings)
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Room TBD
10:45 - 11:45 am |
|
1:30 - 2:30 pm | |
2:45 - 3:45 pm | |
4:00 - 4:15 pm (Ballroom Central) |
Opening Remarks for the Joint Session on Energy Affordability Hon. Neil Chatterjee, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
4:15 - 5:15 pm (Ballroom Central) |
A New Approach to Energy Affordability Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Consumers and the Public Interest, Electricity, Energy Resources and the Environment, and Gas This panel will examine the depth of energy affordability challenges in a way that showcases opportunities for regulators to drive a more successful approach. Low- and moderate-income customers and vulnerable populations pay a much higher portion of their income for energy than other customers and experience barriers when trying to access energy. This will continue or worsen under the clean energy future if regulators do not approach the challenges of clean energy and affordability in concert. A typical approach to energy efficiency and other distributed energy resources involves offsetting infrastructure costs with program and participant costs. This trade-off may not necessarily benefit low-income customers, particularly if their program participation rates are disproportionately low. This panel will discuss how regulators, consumer advocates, and utilities can ensure that low- and moderate-income customers receive value from a clean energy future and do not get left behind. Moderators: Hon. Greer Johnson Gillis, District of Columbia David Springe, Executive Director, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates Panelists: Hon. Abigail Anthony, Rhode Island Judith Schwartz, President and Founder, To the Point Elizabeth Stein, Senior Manager and Senior Attorney, Environmental Defense Fund Ted Trabue, Managing Director, District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility David Velazquez, President and CEO, Pepco Holdings |
Committee on Electricity
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Ballroom Central
10:45 - 11:45 am
|
Electric Reliability and Capacity: What’s the Role of Resource Adequacy for Keeping the Lights On? Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Electricity Utilities must have sufficient resource capacity to reliably meet the aggregate electric power (demand) and energy requirements of electric customers at the times of highest demand and in almost every system condition. Electric reliability involves the balancing of supply and demand, which means that both demand and supply can be considered as reliability management tools. While capacity entails both static output (MW) and ramping or flexible capability (rate of change in MW over time), resource adequacy is a measure of the probability that the utility or region has the capability to meet customer requirements. This panel will provide a basic overview of capacity and resource adequacy, and how the changes in a region’s resource mix and demand capabilities affects capacity and resource adequacy needs. This panel will also review how different regions and markets in the U.S. identify and consider capacity and resource adequacy for reliability planning. Moderator: Hon. Charlotte Mitchell, North Carolina Panelists: Arne Olson, Senior Partner, Energy and Environmental Economics Glen Snider, Director IRP and Analytics, Duke Energy Marcus Hawkins, Executive Director, Organization of MISO States Nick Wintermantel, Principle, Astrape Consulting, LLC Warren Lasher, Senior Director, System Planning, ERCOT |
1:30 - 2:30 pm
|
The Next Perfect Storm: Corporate and State Clean/Low-/No-Carbon Goals Moving Forward at the Same Time as Existing Generation Facilities Are Retiring. Can the Grid Deliver? Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Electricity Consumers and corporations are demanding cleaner energy to power their new electric vehicles and newly converted electric household devices. Companies, states, and municipal governments have publicly stated and adopted clean energy and sustainability goals. All of these are changing the face of energy supply and demand. Different types of resources will be needed, peaks can be shaved, and demand will look different. As this is occurring, many baseload generators have retired. However, the remaining and planned generation sources meeting these clean, low/no carbon goals are not always near the demand. New transmission investments are at the intersection of meeting these goals – can our grid deliver?
Moderators: Hon. Talina Mathews, Kentucky Hon. Kimberly O'Guinn, Arkansas Panelists: Bryn Baker, Director of Policy Innovation, REBA Hon. Carrie Zalewski, Illinois Claire Moeller, President and COO, MISO Hon. Jordan White, Utah Linda Apsey, President and CEO, ITC Stu Bresler, Senior VP of Market Services, PJM |
2:45 - 3:45 pm
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In Demand: Regulatory Considerations for Load Flexibility Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Electricity Historically, utilities offered demand response programs that do not require frequent changes in loads. Customer-sited solar has largely been supported by net metering programs. Now, utility offerings are adapting to more flexible balancing of demand and supply to support enhanced grid reliability, electrification of transportation and other loads, and higher penetrations of wind and solar. Load flexibility — the capability of distributed energy resources (DERs) to adjust demand profiles across different timescales — uses a wide array of programs and technologies, including time-varying rates, energy efficiency and other DERs. This panel will describe key regulatory barriers and solutions to engaging load flexibility in continued support of affordable, reliable electric service. Moderator: Hon. Matt Schuerger, Minnesota Panelists: Natalie Mims-Frick, Energy Efficiency Programs Manager, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Phil Markham, Smart Buildings R&D Manager, Southern Company Ryan Hledik, Principal, Brattle Group |
4:00 - 4:15 pm
|
Opening Remarks for the Joint Session on Energy Affordability Hon. Neil Chatterjee, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
4:15 - 5:15 pm
|
A New Approach to Energy Affordability Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Consumers and the Public Interest, Electricity, Energy Resources and the Environment, and Gas This panel will examine the depth of energy affordability challenges in a way that showcases opportunities for regulators to drive a more successful approach. Low- and moderate-income customers and vulnerable populations pay a much higher portion of their income for energy than other customers and experience barriers when trying to access energy. This will continue or worsen under the clean energy future if regulators do not approach the challenges of clean energy and affordability in concert. A typical approach to energy efficiency and other distributed energy resources involves offsetting infrastructure costs with program and participant costs. This trade-off may not necessarily benefit low-income customers, particularly if their program participation rates are disproportionately low. This panel will discuss how regulators, consumer advocates, and utilities can ensure that low- and moderate-income customers receive value from a clean energy future and do not get left behind. Moderators: Hon. Greer Johnson Gillis, District of Columbia David Springe, Executive Director, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates Panelists: Hon. Abigail Anthony, Rhode Island David Velazquez, President and CEO, Pepco Holdings Elizabeth Stein, Senior Manager and Senior Attorney, Environmental Defense Fund Judith Schwartz, President and Founder, To the Point Ted Trabue, Managing Director, District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility |
Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment
10:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • Ballroom South
10:45 - 11:45 am (Ballroom Central) |
Electric Reliability and Capacity: What’s the Role of Resource Adequacy for Keeping the Lights On? Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Electricity Utilities must have sufficient resource capacity to reliably meet the aggregate electric power (demand) and energy requirements of electric customers at the times of highest demand and in almost every system condition. Electric reliability involves the balancing of supply and demand, which means that both demand and supply can be considered as reliability management tools. While capacity entails both static output (MW) and ramping or flexible capability (rate of change in MW over time), resource adequacy is a measure of the probability that the utility or region has the capability to meet customer requirements. This panel will provide a basic overview of capacity and resource adequacy, and how the changes in a region’s resource mix and demand capabilities affects capacity and resource adequacy needs. This panel will also review how different regions and markets in the U.S. identify and consider capacity and resource adequacy for reliability planning. Moderator: Hon. Charlotte Mitchell, North Carolina Panelists: Marcus Hawkins, Executive Director, Organization of MISO States (OMS) Warren Lasher, Senior Director, System Planning, ERCOT Arne Olson, Senior Partner, Energy and Environmental Economics (E3) Glen Snider, Director IRP and Analytics, Duke Energy Nick Wintermantel, Principle, Astrape Consulting, LLC |
1:30 - 2:30 pm (Ballroom Central) |
The Next Perfect Storm: Corporate and State Clean/Low-/No-Carbon Goals Moving Forward at the Same Time as Existing Generation Facilities Are Retiring. Can the Grid Deliver? Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Electricity Consumers and corporations are demanding cleaner energy to power their new electric vehicles and newly converted electric household devices. Companies, states, and municipal governments have publicly stated and adopted clean energy and sustainability goals. All of these are changing the face of energy supply and demand. Different types of resources will be needed, peaks can be shaved, and demand will look different. As this is occurring, many baseload generators have retired. However, the remaining and planned generation sources meeting these clean, low/no carbon goals are not always near the demand. New transmission investments are at the intersection of meeting these goals – can our grid deliver?
Moderators: Hon. Talina Mathews, Kentucky Hon. Kimberly O'Guinn, Arkansas Panelists: Hon. Jordan White, Utah Hon. Carrie Zalewski, Illinois Linda Apsey, President and CEO, ITC Bryn Baker, Director of Policy Innovation, REBA Stu Bresler, Senior VP of Market Services, PJM Claire Moeller, President and COO, MISO |
2:45 - 3:45 pm (Ballroom Central) |
In Demand: Regulatory Considerations for Load Flexibility Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Energy Resources and the Environment and Electricity Historically, utilities offered demand response programs that do not require frequent changes in loads. Customer-sited solar has largely been supported by net metering programs. Now, utility offerings are adapting to more flexible balancing of demand and supply to support enhanced grid reliability, electrification of transportation and other loads, and higher penetrations of wind and solar. Load flexibility — the capability of distributed energy resources (DERs) to adjust demand profiles across different timescales — uses a wide array of programs and technologies, including time-varying rates, energy efficiency and other DERs. This panel will describe key regulatory barriers and solutions to engaging load flexibility in continued support of affordable, reliable electric service. Moderator: Hon. Matt Schuerger, Minnesota Panelists: Ryan Hledik, Principal, Brattle Group Phil Markham, Smart Buildings R&D Manager, Southern Company Natalie Mims-Frick, Energy Efficiency Programs Manager, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory |
4:00 - 4:15 pm (Ballroom Central) |
Opening Remarks for the Joint Session on Energy Affordability Hon. Neil Chatterjee, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
4:15 - 5:15 pm (Ballroom Central) |
A New Approach to Energy Affordability Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Consumers and the Public Interest, Electricity, Energy Resources and the Environment, and Gas This panel will examine the depth of energy affordability challenges in a way that showcases opportunities for regulators to drive a more successful approach. Low- and moderate-income customers and vulnerable populations pay a much higher portion of their income for energy than other customers and experience barriers when trying to access energy. This will continue or worsen under the clean energy future if regulators do not approach the challenges of clean energy and affordability in concert. A typical approach to energy efficiency and other distributed energy resources involves offsetting infrastructure costs with program and participant costs. This trade-off may not necessarily benefit low-income customers, particularly if their program participation rates are disproportionately low. This panel will discuss how regulators, consumer advocates, and utilities can ensure that low- and moderate-income customers receive value from a clean energy future and do not get left behind. Moderators: Hon. Greer Johnson Gillis, District of Columbia David Springe, Executive Director, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates Panelists: Hon. Abigail Anthony, Rhode Island Judith Schwartz, President and Founder, To the Point Elizabeth Stein, Senior Manager and Senior Attorney, Environmental Defense Fund Ted Trabue, Managing Director, District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility David Velazquez, President and CEO, Pepco Holdings |
Committee on Gas
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Congressional Ballroom
10:45 - 11:45 am |
Electric and Gas Coordination and Resilience This discussion will broadly focus on the natural gas and resiliency needs of electric generators and opportunities for innovation to achieve increased efficiency and sustainability. Panelists will highlight areas of collaboration between the gas and electric industries. Moderators: Hon. Diane X. Burman, New York Anthony T. Clark, Commissioner Emeritus, Senior Advisor, Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP Panelists: Nancy Bagot, Senior Vice President, Electric Power Supply Association Stan Brownell, VP Business Development, Natural Gas & LNG, Argus Anne George, Vice President, External Affairs and Corporate Communication, ISO New England Arshad Mansoor, President, Electric Power Research Institute Matthew J. Picardi, Vice President, Shell Energy North America (U.S.), L.P. |
1:30 - 2:30 pm |
Business Meeting Federal Regulatory Infrastructure Leadership Roundtable Moderators: Committee on Gas leadership team Panelists: Shawn Bennett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oil and Natural Gas, U.S. Department of Energy Kristy Hartman, Program Director, National Conference of State Legislatures Dorian Mead, Energy Reform & Reconstruction Advisor, U.S. Agency for International Development Amy Shank, Director of Pipeline Safety and Asset Integrity, Williams Resolutions and Committee Matters |
2:45 - 3:45 pm |
Mexico Regulatory Reforms Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Gas and International Relations The United States currently provides the bulk of Mexico's natural gas supply. This panel will discuss the energy policies of the Andrés Manuel López Obrador administration and how these policies may affect the cross-border trade with the U.S. Moderators: Hon. Ethan Kimbrel, Illinois Colette Honorable, Commissioner Emeritus, Partner, Reed Smith LLP Panelists: Duncan Wood, PhD, Director, Wilson Center Mexico Institute Jose Maria Lujambio, Partner, Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton Eduardo Prud'homme, Independent Energy Analyst and Contributor to Natural Gas Intel |
4:00 - 4:15 pm (Ballroom Central) |
Opening Remarks for the Joint Session on Energy Affordability Hon. Neil Chatterjee, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
4:15 - 5:15 pm (Ballroom Central) |
A New Approach to Energy Affordability Joint session co-sponsored by the Committees on Consumers and the Public Interest, Electricity, Energy Resources and the Environment, and Gas This panel will examine the depth of energy affordability challenges in a way that showcases opportunities for regulators to drive a more successful approach. Low- and moderate-income customers and vulnerable populations pay a much higher portion of their income for energy than other customers and experience barriers when trying to access energy. This will continue or worsen under the clean energy future if regulators do not approach the challenges of clean energy and affordability in concert. A typical approach to energy efficiency and other distributed energy resources involves offsetting infrastructure costs with program and participant costs. This trade-off may not necessarily benefit low-income customers, particularly if their program participation rates are disproportionately low. This panel will discuss how regulators, consumer advocates, and utilities can ensure that low- and moderate-income customers receive value from a clean energy future and do not get left behind. Moderators: Hon. Greer Johnson Gillis, District of Columbia David Springe, Executive Director, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates Panelists: Hon. Abigail Anthony, Rhode Island Judith Schwartz, President and Founder, To the Point Elizabeth Stein, Senior Manager and Senior Attorney, Environmental Defense Fund Ted Trabue, Managing Director, District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility David Velazquez, President and CEO, Pepco Holdings |
Committee on Telecommunications
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Renaissance East
10:45 - 11:45 am |
Lifeline Program Updates from USAC The federal Lifeline program continues to undergo tremendous change due to several FCC orders. These changes have shaped the direction of engagement between the states and USAC’s Lifeline division on several key issues. Additionally, the Lifeline Division launched the Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier in all 56 states and territories at the end of 2019, and is shifting its focus from implementation to continuous improvement based on consumer, state, tribal and industry engagement and feedback. USAC’s Lifeline division leadership would like to present key performance metrics, progress updates and implementation goals with the Telecommunications Committee members. Similar to last year, this session would provide valuable insights to both commissioners and USAC about how best to improve the integrity and delivery of this important program. Moderator: Hon. Upendra Chivukula, New Jersey Panelist: Michelle Garber, Vice President, Lifeline Division, Universal Service Administration Company |
1:45 - 2:15 pm | Business Meeting |
2:30 - 3:45 pm |
Digital Right to Privacy In the constantly evolving world of digital privacy, policy makers are debating the nature of digital identity and consumers right to control the personal information internet companies collect about them. This panel will review some of the major state and federal privacy bills being debated, discuss the issues that those proposals raise for both industry and consumers, and talk about what outcomes from these discussions our panelists expect. Moderator: Hon. Michael Caron, Connecticut Panelists: Alan Butler, EPIC General Counsel Joseph Wender, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Sen. Edward Markey Jordan Crenshaw, Policy Counsel, US Chamber of Commerce |
4:00 - 5:00 pm |
Real Time Text Capable Telephony? Real Time Text (RTT) is here. State planning and oversight for how RTT will impact Relay and NG 9-1-1 services is needed as RTT becomes more mainstream and to ensure that consumers who are Deaf, hard of hearing and Deaf-Blind continue to have the ability to utilize the telecommunications network in the most efficient manner possible. This panel discussion provides the perspective of a consumer, a wireless carrier, a relay and 911 services provider. Learn more about how RTT is impacting telecommunications networks and consumers with a specific emphasis on relay and 911 users. Moderator: Hon. Tim Schram, Nebraska Panelists: Seth Marks, Vice President of Engineering, Hamilton Innovations Beth Slough, Director of Account Management/Compliance Manager, Hamilton Relay Drew Morin, Director for Federal Cybersecurity Technology and Engineering Programs, T-Mobile David Bahar, Director, Telecommunications Access Maryland |
Committee on Water
10:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • Mount Vernon
10:45-11:45am |
ALGAE: It'll Grow on You and Everything Else Although algae blooms are commonly perceived to be most prominent in temperate climates such as Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, they can occur in colder environments and were pervasive across America in 2019. A harmful algal bloom (HAB) and its toxins can affect water bodies for recreation, agriculture, drinking or eating contaminated fish or shellfish. The severity of illness and symptoms can vary depending on the type of exposure and the type of HAB toxin. How do the complex quality and quantity, purification, process upsets and plant discharge issues help or hinder the economic operation of facilities? Is point-source discharge restrictions for phosphorus an answer?
Moderator: Hon. Mary-Anna Holden, NJ Panelists: John Albert, Chief Research Officer, The Water Research Foundation Cheryl Norton, President, New Jersey; Sr. VP, Eastern Division at American Water Carol T. Walczyk, Director, Water Quality and Compliance, SUEZ
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1:30-5:00 p.m. | Joint Sessions with the Committee on Electricity (click for more information) |
1:30-4:30p.m. |
NARUC Water Committee Tour of DC Water’s Blue Plains Biofuel Facility
The NARUC Committee on Water will be touring DC Water’s Blue Plains biofuel facility on Tuesday, Feb. 11th from 1:30-4:30pm.
For more information about the Blue Plains facility, visit: https://www.dcwater.com/blue-plains
Please bring a state-issued ID, and wear close-toed shoes. Attendees will need to pre-register for this event, space is limited and will be first-come first-serve. Due to the secure nature of this facility, the tour time may be adjusted. If this happens, you will be notified in advance.
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Commissioner Emeritus Lunch
11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. • Penn Quarter (off lobby)
Commissioner Business Lunch
11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. • Renaissance West B
The Commissioner Only Business Luncheon features remarks and Q & A with FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee.
Networking Break
2:30–2:45 p.m. • Foyer
Networking Break
3:45–4:00 p.m. • Foyer
Wednesday
NRRI Board of Directors Meeting (Closed)
7:30–9:00 a.m. • Meeting Room 2
Winter Wake-Up Breakfast
8:00–9:00 a.m. • Foyer
Steel-cut oatmeal bar, seasonal sliced fruit, breakfast breads, orange juice, cranberry juice, coffee, decaf and tea.
Registration Open
9:00–11:45 a.m. • Foyer
General Session
9:30–11:45 a.m.
9:30–11:45 a.m. • Ballroom Central
Serving the Underserved
This session will discuss what commissions and utilities can and are doing to Serve the Underserved. Attendees will hear:
- How regulation and private industry innovation can help enable improved for-hire transportation service for historically underserved communities.
- How the water industry has voluntarily implemented programs to help customers with their bills. Commissions will learn about these industry best practices.
- About policies and programs commissions and natural gas utilities can utilize to expand/upgrade infrastructure and improve energy usage in underserve communities.
- About energy efficiency programs designed to help low and fixed income households.
- How energy companies are ensuring access to programs and options for renewable energy and electric transportation
- About a pilot program in the District of Columbia for LMI and senior customers that eliminates
- The role Co-ops have played in serving the underserved for nearly 100 years.
- About Co-op programs bringing broadband to the areas when no other providers would.
Moderator: Hon. Brandon Presley, NARUC President, MS
Participants:
- Malcom Glenn, Head of Global Policy, Accessibility and Underserved Communities,UBER
- Jeff Guldner, CEO, APS
- Karen Harbert, President and CEO, American Gas Association
- Jim Matheson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
Pragmatic Planning for a Major Disaster
During a major disaster utility services may go down for days. What can/should commissions be doing? What can/should utilities be doing? What is the role of federal agencies? This distinguished panel will discuss the challenges faced by state and federal policy makers and utility executives confronted with days of no utility services. Commissions and utility stakeholders will learn about proactive planning measures when disasters strike.
Attendees will learn
- What should state commissions do now to prepare for major disasters?
- What should NARUC do now?
- What should state commissions/providers/stakeholders do now?
- What should water, electricity, and telecommunications utility/providers do now to prepare for major disasters?
Moderator: Hon. Julie Brown, Florida
Speakers:
- Hon. Paul Kjellander, ID, NARUC 1st Vice President
- Hon. Genevieve Shiroma, California
- Scott Aaronson,Vice President of Security and Preparedness, EEI
- Mike Mares, Vice President, California Water Service
- Rachelle B. Chong, Attorney, Commissioner Emeritus: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and California Public Utilities Commission
- Joseph "Joe" R. Viens, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Charter Communications
Networking Break
10:15–10:30 a.m. • Foyer
NARUC Board of Directors Meeting
11:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m. • Congressional Ballroom
Enhancing Microgrid Deployment Across the States: A NARUC-NASEO Microgrid State Working Group Roundtable (invitation only)
12:45 - 5:30 p.m. • Renaissance Ballroom
PBR State Working Group Closed MegaModel Training
1:00–5:00 p.m. • Renaissance West
Any NARUC member is welcome to attend. This MegaModel Training is designed for the Performance-Based Regulation State Working Group. Please contact KWorthington@naruc.org to save your seat.