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Saturday, November 10
9:00 AM-5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Telecomunications
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12:00 PM-4:00 PM    Subcommittee on Education and Research
Suite 304
12:00 PM-5:00 PM    State to State Technical Assistance for Critical Infrastructure Protection (closed meeting)
Platinum 1 & 2
2:00 PM-5:00 PM    On-Site Registration Open
Registration Foyer
 
Sunday, November 11
7:30 AM-9:00 AM    Continental Breakfast Sponsored by NRECA
Foyer
8:00 AM-5:00 PM    On-Site Registration Open
Registration Foyer
9:00 AM-12:00 PM    NARUC/FERC Collaborative on Demand Response
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9:00 AM-12:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs
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9:00 AM-2:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Telecommunications
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9:30 AM-11:00 AM    Staff Subcommittee on Critical Infrastructure
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10:00 AM-10:30 AM    Networking Break
Foyer
10:00 AM-11:30 AM    Staff Subcommittee on International Relations
Salon C
10:00 AM-12:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Water
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10:00 AM-12:30 PM    New Commissioner Forum
Suite 312
12:30 PM-4:00 PM    Committee on Critical Infrastructure
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1:00 PM-2:00 PM    Committee on International Relations
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1:00 PM-3:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Electricity
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1:00 PM-5:00 PM    Committee on Consumer Affairs
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1:00 PM-5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Executive Management
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2:00 PM-4:00 PM    Washington Action Meeting
Salon K
2:30 PM-5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Gas
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3:00 PM-3:30 PM    Networking Break
Foyer
3:00 PM-5:00 PM    Committee on Telecommunications
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3:15 PM-5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Electric Reliability
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3:30 PM-5:00 PM    Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment
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5:30 PM-6:30 PM    NARUC Commissioner/NASUCA Member Wine and Cheese Reception
Poolside
7:00 PM-10:00 PM    NARUC Board of Directors Dinner (Board Members Only)
See invitation
 
Monday, November 12
7:15 AM-8:45 AM    Board of Directors Business Breakfast Meeting
Orange 3 & 4
7:30 AM-9:00 AM    Continental Breakfast Sponsored by NRECA
Foyer
8:00 AM-6:00 PM    On-Site Registration Open
Registration Foyer
8:45 AM-11:45 AM    Committee on Electricity
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9:00 AM-10:30 AM    Staff Subcommittee on Administrative Law Judges
Desert Springs
9:00 AM-11:45 AM    Ad Hoc Committee on Utility Market Access
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9:00 AM-11:45 AM    Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment
Salon G-J
9:00 AM-11:45 AM    Committee on Gas
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9:00 AM-11:45 AM    Committee on Telecommunications
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9:00 AM-11:45 AM    Committee on Water
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9:00 AM-11:45 AM    Staff Subcommittee on Executive Management
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9:30 AM-11:45 AM    Staff Subcommittee on Law (closed session)
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10:00 AM-10:30 AM    Networking Break sponsored by AUS Consultants
Foyer
11:45 AM-1:00 PM    Commissioner and Commission Staff Luncheon
Sponsored by ITRON
Professor Andy Keeler, John Glenn School of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University, will present an overview and highlights of a National Regulatory Research Institute report on how federal climate policy is likely to affect state utility regulation, including pre-approval of compliance strategies, allocation of risks associated with new construction, and the effect of GHG regulation on ratemaking. The talk will discuss the importance of several key design parameters of a Greenhouse Gas cap-and-trade program, including allowance allocation, program administration, and cost containment mechanisms, in terms of their effects on commission decision-making and outcomes.
Note: This luncheon is for Commissioners and Staff Only
Marquis South
11:45 AM-1:00 PM    Commissioner Emeritus Luncheon
JW's Steakhouse
1:15 PM-3:00 PM    Opening Session & Election of Officers
This session will have the NARUC Election of Officers and a special address by Mr. Patrick Esser, Chairman of Cox Communications. In addition, the co-chairs of the National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency, The Hon. Marsha Smith and Mr. Jim Rogers, CEO of Duke Energy, will discuss the accomplishments of the second year of the Action Plan, preview new guidance materials, and outline a Vision to help the country achieve all cost-effective energy efficiency. The Action Plan is advancing the critical dialogue on removing barriers to energy efficiency and promoting policy and program best practices among gas and electric utilities, their regulators and partner organizations.
Marquis Center
3:00 PM-3:30 PM    Networking Break (Sponsorship Available)
Foyer
3:30 PM-5:00 PM    Concurrent Educational Sessions
3:30 PM How Should Utility Generation Planning be Conducted in a Era of Economic and Environmental Uncertainty? (Marquis Northwest)
According to many experts, the United States is entering a new baseload generation building cycle similar to that which occurred in the late 1970s and 1980s, with this need for increased generating capacity driven by factors such as population growth, continued economic growth, and the increasing electrification of society. At the same time, there is increasing concern about the impact of conventional generating technologies on the natural environment, particularly given steadily rising public concerns about the effect that Greenhouse Gas emissions have on the earth’s climate, and an emphasis on the need to consider all relevant factors during the planning process. This session will examine the ways in which baseload generation plant construction decisions can and should be made in the current environment, including the factors that should influence the decision to construct new generation of various types in different parts of the United States, the manner in which the potential for Greenhouse Gas regulation and other uncertainties should be addressed as part of the planning process, the extent to which new generating technologies and non-generation alternatives can provide a realistic alternative to conventional generating technologies, the proper approach for addressing risks arising from the possibility that changed circumstances may render a proposed facility uneconomic, the impact of pre-approval statutes and similar legislation on the planning process, and the likelihood that any of the current generation-related uncertainties will be resolved or at least minimized in the near future.
Moderators:
     The Hon. Ron Binz of Colorado
     The Hon. Patricia Acampora of New York
Participants:
     Michael Schilmoeller, Northwest Power and Conservation Council
     Steve Winn, NRG
     Doug Esamann, Duke Energy
     Rich Cowart, Regulatory Assistance Project
3:30 PM Liquidfied Natural Gas (LNG) (Marquis Northeast)
This panel will have senior-level government and private-sector experts speak on topics dealing with the global issues associated with supplying and delivering LNG, with a special focus on the Pacific Rim. In addition, a report on the latest information on LNG Safety and Security Research will be presented by Sandia National Lab officials. The subject of LNG quality and interchangeability will be discussed.
Moderator: The Hon. Robert Keating of Massachusetts
Participants:
     Mike Zenker, Barclays Capitol
     Thomas Blanchat, Sandia National Labs
     Robert Wilson, KeySpan Energy
3:30 PM More Than a Tin Can on a String: Disaster Communications In the 21st Century (Salon G & H)
What methods of communicating during disasters are in widespread use, and how can reliance on those historical copper loop technologies be enhanced through implementation of new technologies? Hear examples of how the municipal Wi-Fi system still under development in Minneapolis was configured to aid rescue workers and others with enhanced communications capabilities in the hours immediately following the I-35 bridge collapse this past August. Hear how satellite communications as well as a number of FCC-approved services (WPS, GETS, and TSP) may be crucial additions to the arsenal of tools used by utilities and regulatory bodies to enhance their response during times of critical need.
Moderator: The Hon. Lib Fleming of South Carolina
Participants:
     Tim Peterson, FCC
     Allan Isfan, Isfan Solutions (invited)
     Ryan Rodkey, TechRadium
     Michael Hickey, VP Security for Verizon and Chair, Communications Sector Coordinating Council
3:30 PM Understanding Forbearance Petitions (Salon F)
In light of a number of recent petitions filed at the Federal Communications Commission seeking forbearance from various regulations, this panel will help shed light on the forbearance process and what's at stake for regulators, companies and consumers. It will examine the increasing use of forbearance petitions by incumbent carriers in order to seek relief from various responsibilities they assumed under the 1996 Act, such as unbundling obligations for loop and transport per Section 251, and other requirements imposed by either Congress or the FCC. Some the areas to be explored include:
  • Is the methodology for examining competition used by the FCC, especially in the Qwest Omaha and ACS Anchorage cases, sufficient to address the inter- and intra-modal competition?
  • Are there other methodologies that would be more appropriate?
  • Are the approaches sufficiently granular to measure competition in a way that reflects the concerns of competitive carriers and potential end-use consumers in those MSAs?
Several States already have laws or regulations that allow State commissions to relieve the ILECs from legacy regulations as they encounter new competitions from cable and wireless industries, such as alternative regulation (AFOR) or competitive classification statutes. If a State commission has already acted, is it appropriate for the FCC to address similar issues at the federal level on interstate services and render a decision on similar areas of competition? What was the legislative intent of Section 10 on forbearance when it was enacted in the 1996 Act, what were meant by the specific standards in the statute, and did they intend to produce the current large number of petitions that we are now seeing?
Moderator: The Hon. Phil Jones of Washington
Participants:
     Craig J. Brown, Qwest Services Corp.
     Randolph J. May, President, The Free State Foundation
     Genevieve Morelli, Kelley Drye and Warren
     William Haas, McLeodUSA
     Chris White, New Jersey Division of Ratepayer Advocate
     Doug Garrett, Cox Communications
3:30 PM What is the Role of Federalism in the Context of Greenhouse Gas Regulation? (Salon E)
Several States, either individually or collectively, have started addressing issues relating to the regulation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Although the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the Northeast is probably the best known of these programs, it is not the only State and regional effort intended to begin the process of reducing GHG emissions. The States involved in these efforts have made the fundamental policy decision that the need to address GHG emissions is urgent enough that they have taken action to limit such emissions without federal legislation or regulatory activity. However, the emergence of these initiatives raises a number of important issues, including the extent to which any efforts should be made to eliminate or minimize differences between such programs to facilitate uniformity or the achievement of other goals, what lessons can be learned from the experience with existing GHG regulatory efforts in the development of additional programs, how State and regional programs should be treated in the event that federal GHG regulation becomes a reality, and, the extent, if any, to which such State and regional efforts should be allowed to continue if GHG emissions become subject to regulation at the federal level.
Moderator: The Hon. Mark Sidran of Washington
Participants:
     The Hon. Jeanne Fox of New Jersey
     Cathy Woollums, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company
     Andrea Coon, Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS)
     Nancy Ryan, California Public Utilities Commission
5:30 PM-7:30 PM    President’s Reception supported in part by Comverge and Arcadian Networks
Platinum 1-5
 
Tuesday, November 13
7:00 AM-8:00 AM    MACRUC Breakfast
Desert Springs
7:00 AM-8:00 AM    MARC Breakfast
Los Angeles
7:00 AM-8:00 AM    NECPUC Breakfast
Newport Beach
7:00 AM-8:00 AM    SEARUC Breakfast
La Jolla
7:00 AM-8:00 AM    Western Breakfast
San Diego
7:30 AM-9:00 AM    Continental Breakfast Sponsored by NRECA
Foyer
8:00 AM-5:00 PM    On-Site Registration Open
Registration Foyer
8:30 AM-10:30 AM    General Session
This session will feature FERC Chairman, The Hon. Joseph Kelliher, Mr. Jeff Sterba, Chairman, President and CEO of PNM Resources and EEI Chairman and, Mr. Dan Hesse, Chairman and CEO, Embarq.
Marquis Center
10:30 AM-11:00 AM    Networking Break sponsored by Wolters Kluwer: CCH/Aspen Publishers
Foyer
11:00 AM-12:15 PM    Committee on Consumer Affairs
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11:00 AM-12:15 PM    Concurrent Educational Sessions
11:00 AM Getting Smart with Meters: Are Consumers Ready for Dynamic Pricing? (Marquis Northwest)
Utility deployment of advanced-metering infrastructure (AMI) offers many potential benefits, from operational efficiencies to reduced market prices. Achieving AMI's full potential may require implementation of dynamic-pricing strategies where retail consumers can see the value of adjusting their demand when market prices are high. How can dynamic rates be designed to encourage effective customer demand response without unduly burdening consumers?
Moderator: The Hon. Rick Morgan of the District of Columbia
Participants:
     The Hon. Bob Lieberman of Illinois
     Ahmad Faruqui, The Brattle Group
     Roger Levy, Levy Associates
     Janine Migden-Ostrander, Ohio Consumer Advocate
11:00 AM Hacker's Chess in Cyber-Space: Protecting the Final Frontier...Checkmate? (Orange 1-2)
This session will examine the role of cyber-security as it relates to the energy, telecommunications and water sectors. How concerned should regulators and utilities be about SCADA hacker threats? What federal resources are being devoted to improving cyber-security issues, particularly regarding the utility sectors? What steps can Commissions take to encourage regulated utilities to identify and mitigate cyber-security vulnerabilities? This session will examine actions regulators and utilities can take to help secure our nation's vital utility infrastructure.
Moderator: The Hon. Jim Sullivan of Alabama
Participants:
     Joe Weiss, Applied Control Systems
     Seth Bromberger, Pacific Gas and Electric
     Rita A. Wells, Critical Infrastructure Assurance, Idaho National Laboratory
     Donald Roberts, Director-Energy Management Systems for Southern Company Transmission
11:00 AM The Evolving Roles and Responsibilities of Gas Utilities In Today's Markets- Giving Customers More Choices, Options, and Opportunities (Salon E)
Tools for providing gas supply are available to utility commissions and gas utilities have evolved over the last decade. Examples include successful customer choice programs in Ohio and Georgia--each developed in a unique manner but have resulted with streamline choice programs. Dominion successfully instituted the first phase of exiting the merchant function in 2006-2007 when the load for over 300,000 residential customers was bid out in a series of tranches. Additionally, low-income customers are served in Ohio through a "PIPP" percent of income plan, wherein customers are protected from the high cost of natural gas. This panel will discuss various options that benefit customers by giving them competitive options while relieving LDCs of a degree of financial risk.
Moderator: The Hon. Don Mason of Ohio
Participants:
      Hank Linginfelter, AGL Resources
      Jeffrey Murphy, Dominion East Ohio
      Vince Parisi, Interstate Gas Supply
      Anthony Cusati, III, Commerce Energy
     Randy Magnani, Hess Corporation
11:00 AM Understanding Spectrum (Salon F)
This session will first tackle the basics of spectrum policy from allocation to service rules and licensing. Then it will explore spectrum hot topics including the upcoming 700 MHz auction, other spectrum on the way, the role of unlicensed spectrum offerings, and current federal regulatory trends.
Facilitator: The Hon. Maureen Harris of New York
Participant: Bryan Tramont, Wilkinson Barker Knauer
11:00 AM Water and Energy Interdependencies: How Convergences Can Lead to Efficiencies and Respond to Global Climate Change (Salon G & H)
Learn how energy management can be used as a vehicle for water and wastewater utilities to achieve cost savings while minimizing emissions, landfill applications and other adverse global impacts. Hear how water utilities are auditing their energy consumption and how energy utilities are assessing their water consumption. Hear how significant energy efficiencies are being realized by some of the largest water utilities in the country. Learn regulatory best practices to encourage maximization of convergences between water and energy utilities. Learn of innovative projects that can result in a number of invaluable water/wastewater/energy convergences, such as the production of renewable energy, recycling, contaminant reduction, preservation of surface and groundwater quality and reduced landfill application. Learn of current State programs geared toward improving water and energy systems.
Moderator:
The Hon. Frederick Butler of New Jersey
Participants:
     Gary Klein, California Energy Commission (invited)
     Wayne Morgan, President of WV American Water Company
     Dr. Bruce Macler, USEPA Drinking Water Office
     Robert C. Wilkinson, Ph.D - Director, Water Policy Program , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara
12:15 PM-2:00 PM    Annual Convention Luncheon
Marquis Center
2:30 PM-4:30 PM    Board of Directors Meeting
Orange 3 & 4
2:30 PM-5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Law
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3:00 PM-5:00 PM    NARUC/FERC Collaborative on Competitive Procurement
Salon E
 
Wednesday, November 14
7:30 AM-9:00 AM    Continental Breakfast Sponsored by NRECA
Foyer
8:00 AM-10:30 AM    On-Site Registration Open
Registration Foyer
8:30 AM-9:45 AM    Committee on Consumer Affairs
8:30 AM-9:45 AM    Concurrent Educational Sessions
8:30 AM DTV Transition: How Can States Help? (Salon J)
Soon, everything you’ll see will be DTV! On February 17, 2009, most television broadcast stations will stop broadcasting in analog and will only broadcast in digital! Is our nation ready? Whatever it is you need to know about the DTV transition, you will learn in this must-attend session such as: DTV Why now? The Digital Television Transition – What is it? What do I need to be ready for the transition? What is the Converter Box Coupon Program and How Does it Work? Plus, much more. While states do not have a direct role in this transition, commissions are uniquely positioned to help educate consumers and raise awareness. We look forward to seeing you at this very important informational session.
Moderator: The Hon. Anne Boyle, Nebraska PSC
Panelists:
     Debra Berlyn, Federal Regulatory Affairs Consultant, AARP
     Marc Pearl, Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition
     David Pierce, Vice President, Public Affairs - National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA)
     Stan Statham, President & CEO, California Broadcasters Association
     Nicole McGinnis, Federal Communications Commission
8:30 AM The Importance of Making Ethical Choices (Salon K)
Attendees will view a live, spirited performance that will educate, entertain and lead to a lively discussion on assessing relevant ethically driven prohibitions and dealing with ethically sensitive situations, such as: violations of gift ban, ex parte communications, and the scope of government attorney-client privilege. A noted legal expert will examine the various aspects of these troubling situations and provide keen insights into the ethical standards that are at issue and need to be fostered. This is not the usual run-of-the-mill ethics lecture!
Moderator:Charles E. Box. Chairman, Illinois Commerce Commission
Presenter:Robert K. Sall, Esq.,The Sall Law Firm, Laguna Beach, CA
With performances by Staff Subcommittee on Law/ALJ members:
William Binek, North Dakota Public Service Commission
Paul Duffy, Legal Director, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
Lyn Farmer, Chief ALJ, Arizona Corporation Commission
Christopher Kempley, Chief Counsel, Arizona Corporation Commission
Melissa Marland, Chief ALJ, West Virginia Public Service Commission Chief Counsel
Eve Moran, ALJ, Illinois Commerce Commission
Cheryl Walker Davis, Director, Office of Special Assistants, PA Public Utility Commission
Jason Zeller. Assistant Chief Counsel, California Public Utilities Commission
8:30 AM To "De-Couple:" Decoupling and Other Potential Regulatory Mechanisms in Efforts to Achieve Efficient Water Usage and Additional Societal Benefits (Salon E)
To what extent can decoupling assist water utilities maintain appropriate revenue levels while encouraging customers to use water more efficiently? In this session, you will hear of a decoupling proposal in California and learn how decoupling has been used in New York. Learn about what pitfalls may occur from a consumer advocate. This session will also discuss other regulatory mechanisms that could accomplish increased water efficiencies, such as alternative rate designs. Hear which mechanisms can be applied effectively in States where water is scarce or where water is more abundant but supplies may be constrained. Decide which mechanisms may be right for conditions in your State.
Moderator:
The Hon. David King of New Mexico
Participants:
     Walton Hill, United Water Resources
     Jack Hawks, California Water Association
     John Perkins, Ohio Consumer Advocate
     NASUCA Representative
8:30 AM What Obstacles Exist Concerning the Siting of Wind Generation? (Salon F)
As a result of the increasing costs associated with the use of conventional generation, the increasing interest in the environmental impacts of conventional generation technologies, various improvements in turbine technology, and proposed federal and state legislation intended to facilitate the development of a cost-effective renewable generation industry, there has been considerable interest in expanding the extent to which wind generation is included in the resource portfolios of power suppliers. On the other hand, the siting of wind generation has become a contentious issue in many parts of the country. Opponents of wind generation challenge the siting of utility-scale wind facilities on both environmental and economic grounds. This session will address issues relevant to the siting of wind generation, including how the wind generation siting process works, what locations are and are not appropriate for wind generation facilities, whether transmission upgrades needed to deliver new wind generation to load can be financed and sited, how developers can address the legitimate concerns of local landowners, and whether the wind generation siting process can be improved.
Moderators:
     The Hon. Mary Byrnes of Wyoming
     The Hon. Steve Oxley of Wyoming
Participants:
     Lisa Linowes, Industrial Wind Action Group
     Bob Cupit, Minnesota, PUC
     Steve Lindenberg, DOE
     Michael O’Sullivan, FPL Energy
     Bob Anderson, West Wind Wires
9:45 AM-10:00 AM    Networking Break
Foyer
10:00 AM-12:00 PM    Business Meeting and Closing Session
10:15 AM Facing the Economic Challenge of a National Climate Policy
Congress is poised to enact broad policies to put a price on carbon emissions. Whether a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade regime, National carbon policy will directly affect the cost and availability of energy supplies and services to American consumers. The closing session of this year's Annual Convention, once again convened jointly with NASUCA, will examine the groundbreaking analysis of the Electric Power Research Institute concerning the costs, options and trade-offs that industry, consumers representatives and regulators face as the price of carbon becomes integral to the energy economy. Following an overview of EPRI's work by Hank Courtright, a panel of regulators and consumer advocates will discuss options for addressing the future, including improved energy efficiency, expansion of non-emitting technologies such as renewable energy and new nuclear capacity, and technologies to capture and sequester carbon emissions. The group will also consider how the costs of carbon controls will be financed, how the allocation of emissions allowance will affect companies and consumers, and how markets for electricity and natural gas will need to adapt to accommodate new National policies.
Moderator: The Hon. Anne George of Connecticut
Participants
     The Hon. Jimmy Ervin of North Carolina
     The Hon. Rick Morgan of the District of Columbia
     Mr. Hank Courtright, EPRI
     Sonny Popowsky, Office of Consumer Advocate of PA
     John Perkins, Office of Iowa Consumer Advocate
Marquis Center
1:00 PM-4:30 PM    (Workshop) Shedding Light on Solar Technologies and Policies: An Overview for State Utility Commissions
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