NARUC 123st Annual Meeting, 2011
Final Program

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Agenda and times are subject to change
Saturday, November 12
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM    Subcommittee on Education and Research
Kingsbury
 
12:00 PM Closed Executive Session (Working Lunch)
For Members of the Subcommittee and Staff Subcommittee only.
1:00 PM Welcome Remarks & Introductions
Hon. Lori Murphy Lee - Chair - Subcommittee on Education & Research
1:05 PM Approval of Minutes
1:10 PM Briefing on CEWD Troops to Energy Jobs Program
Mary Miller - EEI
1:25 PM Discussion and Approval of Resolution
1:30 PM Annual Reports
(10 minutes each)
Speakers Joe Hecker - Interim Director - National Regulatory Research Institute
Dr. Jan Beecher - Director - Institute of Public Utilities, MSU
Dr. Douglas Gegax - Director - Center for Public Utilities, NMSU
Dr. Mark Jamison - Director - Public Utility Research Center, UFL
2:15 PM Updates on Other Subcommittee Projects
1. NARUC 2011 Summer Energy Internships - Evaluation Results and Future Recommendations
  (Erin Skootsky, NARUC Staff Liaison; TBC, Staff Subcommittee Chair)
2. 6th NARUC New Commissioner Regulatory Orientation (Sept. 19-20, 2011) - Evaluation Results 
  (Erin Skootsky, NARUC Staff Liaison)
2:30 PM Review of Applications for NARUC Support
2:45 PM Any Other Business
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Telecommunications
Majestic D
 
10:00 AM Closed Session
11:30 AM Lunch (on your own)
1:00 PM Reports from NARUC
* Litigation Report - Brad Ramsay (NARUC)
* Legislative Report - Brian O'Hara (NARUC)
1:30 PM Subgroup Reports
* Technology - Vicki Helfrich (MS)
* Federal Legislation - Roxanne Scott (CA)
* Federal Regulation - Joe Witmer (PA)
* State Regulation - Brian Rybarik (WI)
* Consumer Issues - Jerry Kettles (TN)
* Service Quality - Lynn Notarianni (CO)
2:00 PM Petitions or Preemption: Wireless Authority and Section 332
Moderator Joe Witmer - Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission
Panelists Karlen Reed - MDTE
Dave Bergmann - NASUCA
Sherry Lichtenberg - NRRI
Russell Hamser - CTIA
Glenn Rabinsky - Northfork Strategies, Inc./Rural Wireline and Wireless
3:30 PM Networking Break
3:45 PM Initial Presentation and Discussion of Resolutions
5:00 PM Adjourn for the Day
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM    Executive Committee
 
Sunday, November 13
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM    Continental Breakfas...sponsored in part by NRECA Majestic Foyer
8:00 AM - 11:15 AM    FERC/NARUC Collaborative
Majestic E
 
8:00 AM Smart Response and Emerging Issues Opening Remarks
Hon. Jon Wellinghoff - Chairman - FERC
Hon Orjiakor Isiogu - Commissioner - Michigan Public Service Commission
Hon John Norris - Commissioner - FERC
8:05 AM Demand Response Implementation Forum
Speakers David Kathan - FERC
Larry Mansueti - DOE
Dan Delurey - NAP CC
8:45 AM Public Policy Requirement of Order 1000
9:50 AM Transmission Incentives Discussion
11:00 AM Discussion of Topics for February Meeting
Smart Response-- Chairman Wellinghoff and Commissioner Isiogu
Emerging Issues-- Commissioner Norris and Commissioner Reha
11:15 AM Adjourn
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM    On-Site Registration Landmark Foyer
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs
Majestic BC
 
9:00 AM Introduction and Welcome
Sandra S. Sloane - Director - Consumer Services, NYSPSC
9:05 AM Reports
*  Lifeline Awareness Week
*  Special Protections Working Group
*  SNAP
9:15 AM Consumer Engagement Research
Speaker Patty Durand - Executive Director - Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative
10:00 AM Networking Break
10:15 AM Resolutions
10:30 AM Closed Session -- State Roundtable
11:00 AM USAC Report
Joint Session with Telecommunications Subcommittee
Robert Binder - USAC
12:00 PM Adjourn
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM    Subcommittee on Utility Marketplace Access
Majestic H
 
9:00 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks
Hon. Harold D. Williams - UMA Chair - Commissioner, Maryland Public Service Commission
9:15 AM Diverse Legal Panel Discussion

This panel will discuss barriers to procurement opportunities for diverse and emerging law firms within the investor-owned utilities; and how to recognize diverse opportunities for women, minority and disabled veteran attorneys (partners) within majority law firms.  The utility general counsel will discuss transparency and opportunities for diverse and emerging law firms.

Moderator Hon. Robert S. Kenney - Commissioner - Missouri Public Service Commission
Panelists Mark C. Darrell - General Counsel - Laclede Gas Company
Emmitt House, Esquire - Partner - Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer
Chaka M. Patterson, Esquire - Partner - Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP
Diana M. Vuylsteke, Esquire - Partner - Bryan Cave, LLP
10:50 AM Resolution
Member discussion.
11:30 AM Market and Promotion of UMA/UMAP Issue
11:45 AM Planning for D.C. Winter Meeting 2012
Discussion of two panel concept. The suggested titles are: HBCU; Stray Voltage and Capacity Building and Technical Assistance.
11:55 AM Closing Remarks
Hon. Harold D. Williams
12:00 PM Adjourn
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Telecommunications
Majestic D
 
9:00 AM Reports by National Representatives
Joint Board Reports:
*  Separations (80-286) - George Young (VT)
*  Universal Service (96-45) - Labros Pilalis (PA)
*  706 Conference Update - Brian Mahern (IN)
*  FCC Report - TBD
*  NRRI Report - Sherry Lichtenberg
*  NTIA Report - Jim McConnaughey
10:00 AM Do We Have An ICC/USF Reform Plan?
Moderator Gene Hand - Nebraska Public Service Commission
Panelists Jeff Lindsey - Director, Federal Public Policy - CenturyLink
Ken Pfister - Great Plains Communications
Joe Gillan - Gillan Associates
11:00 AM USAC Report
Joint Session with Consumer Affairs Subcommittee
Speaker Robert Binder - USAC
11:45 AM Lunch (on your own)
1:00 PM 2018 The End of the PSTN?
Moderator Cary Hinton - DC Public Service Commission
Panelists Daniel Berninger - President - GoCipher Software
Hank Hultquist - Vice President - Federal Regulatory - AT&T
Joe Gillan - Principal - Gillan Associates
Adam Drobot - Managing Director & CTO - 2M Companies
Louis T. Fiore - Chairman - Alarm Industry Communications Committee
John McHugh - Technical Director - OPASTCO
2:15 PM RUS Report
Speaker Jessica Zufolo - Deputy Administrator - RUS
2:30 PM Implementing ICC/USF Reform in Rural Areas
Moderator George Young - Vermont Public Service Board
Panelists Mike Romano - Senior Vice President - Policy - NTCA
Cheryl Parrino - Parrino Strategic Consulting Group
Mark Brown - Charter Communications
Michael Schultz - Vice President-Regulatory & Public Policy - Consolidated Communications
3:45 PM Networking Break
4:00 PM Final Resolution Discussion
5:00 PM Adjourn
10:30 AM - 12:45 PM    New Commissioner Forum (New Commissioners Only)
This session is for New Commissioners who: (1) were appointed within the last 12 months or are attending their first NARUC meeting; and (2) have not already attended the New Commissioner Forum.
Pershing
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM    EPRI's New Regional Economic Model
 
11:15 AM Prism 2.0 - The Value of Innovation.
Sponsored by the NARUC Members of the EPRI Advisory Council.
Prism 2.0 - features improved treatment of renewables, energy efficiency, and environmental controls affecting fossil-based power generation. This presentation from this year’s EPRI Summer Seminar will employ Prism 2.0 to demonstrate the value of innovation in advanced electricity technologies across multiple policy and regulatory scenarios, ranging from existing EPA clean air rules to clean energy standards or other greenhouse gas policies. Despite regional differences and uncertain policy future…innovation in energy R&D makes sense for everyone and yields significant benefit.
Mike Howard - President & CEO - EPRI
Hank Courtright - Senior Vice President - EPRI
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM    Committee on Consumer Affairs
Majestic BC
 
1:00 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks
Hon. Betsy Wergin - Chair - Committee on Consumer Affairs
Hon. Jack Betkoski - Vice Chair - Committee on Consumer Affairs
1:10 PM Empowering the Consumer: What Does it Mean? How do You Achieve it?
This session will explore effective tools and strategies for engaging with consumers and types of information, incentives, and choices to empower them to make changes to their energy usage. What motivates consumers? Is it saving money; protecting the environment; having control and/or choice; or, doing what your neighbor does? With regard to new technologies, what do consumers want? Is it reliability; security; cost-savings; ease-of-use; or, efficiency? Not all consumers are motivated by, or want, the same thing(s). Communication and how you brand your message is crucial to cultivating meaning and value to consumers – "it’s not what you say; it’s what they hear." Educational outreach programs may not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Is it useful to segment your customer base in order to tailor your outreach? The increased usage of social media has created and empowered unique online communities. Will using social media help shape a new generation of informed and empowered consumers? How do you communicate value to customers with very low energy rates? How do you communicate the reality that rates will (inevitably) increase? Attendees will discuss types of outreach strategies and other ideas to effectively communicate with, and ultimately, empower, the consumer.
Moderator Hon. Betsy Wergin - Commissioner - Minnesota PUC
Panelists Kris Bowring - Senior Director, Platform Lead, New Business CSG - Best Buy, Co., Inc.
Peter Honebein - Principal - Customer Performance Group
Garry Golden - Energy Futurist
John Kelly - Executive Director - Galvin Electricity Initiative
2:40 PM Business Meeting/Consideration of Resolutions
3:00 PM Networking Break
3:15 PM The Double-Edged Sword: Credit Cards, Consumers, and Utility Bills
With cash drying up, many consumers are increasingly paying their utility bills with credit and bank cards. As the economy continues its downward slide, relying on faster, more convenient, and flexible payment options is becoming a necessity for a growing number of ratepayers. Although many of these options, such as debit or check cards and pay-as you-go plans (prepaid), may guarantee timely payment, these conveniences also have potential downsides. Concerns have been raised about fees charged by banks or utilities for such electronic transactions; some of which are increased for those consumers with low credit ratings. In addition, many utilities do not report customer bill payment histories to credit reporting agencies but there is some momentum to do so. Are these good deals for consumers? Participants in this panel will debate the plethora of payment options available to consumers and whether low-income consumers and those with low credit scores are hurt by convenience fees for such payment options. Attendees will discuss balancing the benefits of these payment options with potential downsides. Will the growing use of such electronic bill pay methods impact the reporting of customer bill history reporting? Attend this session and find out.
Moderator Hon. Jack Betkoski - Commissioner - Connecticut PURA
Panelists Hon. Anne Boyle - Commissioner - Nebraska PSC
Craig Graziano - Office of the Consumer Advocate - Iowa Dept. of Justice
John Howat - Senior Energy Analyst - National Consumer Law Center
Sharon Haines - Senior Account Exec. - Head of Bill Payment - Visa
Utility Representative (invited)
4:45 PM Adjourn
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM    Committee/Staff Subcommittee on International Relations
Majestic H
 
1:00 PM Welcome Remarks & Introductions
Hon. David Armstrong, - Chair, International Relations Committee; - Chairman, Kentucky Public Service Commission
Hon. Kevin Gunn, - Co Vice-Chair, International Relations Committee; - Chairman, Missouri Public Service Commission
Hon. Gaétan Caron, - Co-Vice Chair, International Relations Committee; - Chair and CEO, National Energy Board, Canada
1:05 PM Approval of the Minutes
1:10 PM Discussion and Approval of Resolution on International Affiliate Members
1:15 PM Report from International Relations Staff Subcommittee
Link to draft IRC Strategic Plan: Goal 3 (The stated goals of our international programs are achieved)

Discussion and Approval of "Call for Nominations" for Pilot Year of the Annual Award for Promoting International Cooperation between Energy Regulators

Raman Ravishankar - Chair of Staff Subcommittee on International Relations
1:30 PM Panel Discussion on Smart Grid: International & US Issues
Link to draft IRC Strategic Plan: Goal 4 (The international utility regulatory community is increasingly inter-connected and finds concrete responses to common challenges and opportunities)
Moderator Hon. David Armstrong
Panelists Hon. Maureen Harris - Commissioner - New York PSC
Hon. Lise Duquette - Chair - Canadian Association of Members of Public Utility Tribunals (CAMPUT)
Hon. Zia Mian - Director General - Office of Utility Regulation, Jamaica
Mr. Chris King - Chief Regulatory Officer - eMeter Corporation
Ms. Sheri Givens - Public Counsel - Texas
Mr. Douglas E. Micheel - Assistant General Counsel - Pepco Holdings, Inc.
2:45 PM World Forum on Energy Regulation V  Update
Hon. Jean-Paul Théorêt, - President, - Québec Régie de lénergie, Canada
2:50 PM NARUC International Programs  Update
Link to draft IRC Strategic Plan: Goal 3 (The stated goals of our international programs are achieved)
Erin Skootsky, - Director, International Programs - NARUC
3:00 PM Commissioner & Commission Staff Roundtable on Current and Future International Activities
Regulatory Partnerships
* Colorado - Jordan
* Illinois - Kosovo
* Iowa - Armenia
* Kentucky - Georgia
* Michigan - Nigeria
* Missouri - Moldova
* New York - Ukraine
* Organization of MISO States - Black Sea regulators

Regional Association Collaboration & Activities
* ABAR (Brazil, Landfill Gas to Energy Project)
* ACERCA (Central America)
* AFUR (Africa)
* CEER (European Union)
* ERRA (Central/Eastern Europe & Eurasia)
* RERA (Southern Africa)

Status Report on the activities of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER)’s Working Groups
1. Reliability and Security of Supply (Chaired by MEDREG)
2. Regulatory Role in Climate Change (Chaired by CEER)
3. Competitiveness & Affordability (Chaired by CAMPUT)
4. Training, Education & Best Practices (Chaired by NARUC)

4:00 PM Adjourn
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety Lindell
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Utility Marketplace Access Kingsbury
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM    Committee/Staff Subcommittee on Critical Infrastructure
Majestic FG
 
1:30 PM Welcome/Business Session
Hon. Terry Jarrett, Missouri - Chair - Committee on Critical Infrastructure
Thomas Pearce, Ohio - Chair - Staff Subcommittee on Critical Infrastructure
2:00 PM Cybersecurity Questions to Ask Your Utilities - Workshop
Miles Keogh - Director, Grants & Research - NARUC
3:00 PM Break
3:15 PM Industrial Control Systems Research and Resources
3:30 PM The Good News: Getting Traction in Cybersecurity

During this session, an examination will be undertaken to explore some of the many recent successes occurring in the field of cybersecurity for utility operations.  Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from several panelists of procedures, tools, and techniques that are available and being deployed.

Speaker Jim Fama - Vice President, Energy Delivery - Edison Electric Institute
4:00 PM Don't Touch That! Stray Voltage Issues

During this session, the issue of contact voltage (sometimes referred to as stray voltage) will be examined and include a discussion on what it is, what causes it, and what is being done to address it, including recent state actions.

Moderator Connie Hughes - Vice president, Regulatory Affairs - Power Survey Co.
Panelist Dave Kalokitis - Power Survey Co.
4:30 PM Lone Worker Management Briefing

Critical infrastructure often is identified as the equipment in place to bring vital utility services to end users. In this session, the human element will be explored, including newer technologies being employed in the field to provide personnel and plant safety, and enhancing reliability for system operations.

Speaker Nicholas Santillo - Senior Manager, Operations Security - American Water Company
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittees on Electricity and Electric Reliability
Majestic E
 
1:30 PM Updates from Washington and Other Business Discussion (Majestic E)
Speakers Chris Mele - NARUC
Robin Lunt - NARUC
2:00 PM Measuring Consumer Benefits of SmartGrid
A panel session discussion of how to measure consumer benefits of SmartGrid. Deployment is now widespread, and results are coming in. Commissions are interested in ensuring benefits are maximized and risks are mitigated for the consumers. What can regulators do to ensure the utilities are utilizing best practices? What practices should be imposed on utilties to hold them accountable for passing benefits on to consumers?
Speakers Hank Courtright, P.E. - Senior Vice President, Member & External Relations - Electric Power Research Institute
Paul Alvarez - Principal and Practice Leader - MetaVu
Chuck Goldman - Staff Scientist and Group Leader of Electricity Markets and Policy Group - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
3:30 PM Taking Risks: How do utilities and merchant developers evaluate risk?

Utilities must evaluate risk associated with every decision they make. Merchant developers need to evaluate market, financial and regulatory risks when pursuing a project. With upcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rulemakings and requirements, there are difficult decisions and potential consequences of coal plant retirements, retrofits and re-powerings. Regulatory commissions will need to review decisions made and the resulting cost and reliability consequences from earlier than anticipated closures and other capital investment decisions. Merchant decisions on risk can lead to reliability issues that regulators may need to address, Let's take a look at what goes into the critical decision making path.

Speakers Sean Riley - Director of the Energy Intelligence Group - PowerAdvocate, Inc.
Jay Kooper - Director, Regulatory Affairs - Hess Corporation
Mark McCullough - Executive Vice President, Generation - American Electric Power
4:45 PM FERC on Vegetation Management
The presentation will focus on promoting better vegetation management practices. While the need for effective vegetation management is pretty will understood, there is less understanding of the choice of method and oversight of vegetation management practices recently introduced through the NERC standards. The discussion would clarify role and limitations on jurisdiction and explore how FERC, States and utilties might work tegether to promote better vegetation management practices
Speaker Mark Hegerle - Director, Division of Compliance, Office of Electric Reliability - FERC
5:00 PM Adjourn
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM    Environmental Coordinating Committee (closed meeting) Pershing
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM    Staff Subcommittee on Gas
Majestic A
 
2:30 PM Welcome and Introductions
Bob Reed - Natural Gas Manager - Alabama PSC
Laura Demman - Director and Legal Council - Natural Gas Department, Nebraska Public Service Commission
2:40 PM Summary Results of the DOE/Sandia LNG Cascading Damage and Hazards Analysis Study
Sandia will present summary findings of experimental fire testing and detailed high performance computer modeling of large LNG spills and fires and the resulting impacts on LNG ship and LNG cargo tank damage. Based on these experimental and modeling results, Sandia will provide summary assessments of ship and cargo tank cascading damage, and revised assessments of the expected impacts on the hazards to the public and property from a large LNG spill. Results for both near-shore and off-shore LNG terminals will be discussed.
Dr. Mike Hightower - Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff - Sandia National Labs
3:40 PM Has Gas Choice Benefited Residential Customers?
Little evidence is available to assess this question. Some evidence exists that customers have actually paid higher gas bills when they switch to a third-party marketer. Theoretical reasons exist for why customers may become worse off when they switch, notwithstanding the fact that they can stay with their utility. In sum, whether "gas choice" has benefited residential customers should be an empirical question rather than a theoretical presumption.
Ken Costello - Principal - National Regulatory Research Institute
3:50 PM Hydraulic Fracturing: Placing What We Know Today in Perspective
What is the "consensus" information as of today on the public-health and environmental risks of fracking? What is fact distinguished from opinions and self-interest positions? What are the concerns of different groups over fracking? Where do we go from here?
Ken Costello - Principal - National Regulatory Research Institute
4:20 PM Recent Results of GTIs Ratepayer-funded Operations Technology Development and Utilization Technology Development Programs
Ron Edelstein - State Regulatory Director - Gas Technology Institute
5:00 PM Adjourn
Bob Reed - Natural Gas Manager - Alabama PSC
Laura Demman - Director and Legal Council, Natural Gas Department - Nebraska Public Service Commission
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM    Washington Action (closed meeting)
Agenda will be distributed at the meeting.
Pershing
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM    Presidents Reception

The Presidents Reception is open all attendees. Tickets are required. Registrants who selected the Presidents Reception on their registration forms will be given tickets at the NARUC registration desk upon check-in. Entry tickets will be traded at the door for beverage tickets. Guest tickets can be purchased for this event.

NASUCA members are cordially invited to be our guests. Tickets will be available at the NASUCA registration desk.

Sponsored in part by ARCH Coal, Inc. and Peabody Energy.

Landmark Ballroom
 
Monday, November 14
7:15 AM - 8:45 AM    Board of Directors Breakfast Meeting Crystal Ballroom
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM    Continental Breakfas...sponsored in part by NRECA Majestic Foyer
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM    On-Site Registration Landmark Foyer
9:00 AM - 11:45 AM    Committee on Electricity
Majestic E
 
9:00 AM Business Meeting
Oral Reports:
* Legislative Activities - Chris Mele, NARUC
* Legal Issues - Robin Lunt, NARUC
* Nuclear Issues-Waste Disposal Subcommittee - Hon. David Boyd, Minnesota
* Clean Coal and Carbon Sequestration Subcommittee - Hon. Jon McKinney, West Virginia
Written Report Disscussion
Consideration of Resolutions
9:30 AM Conversation with FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff
Discussion between Chairman Wellinghoff and State Commissioners on FERC's recent Order 1000 addressing bulk electric system planning and cost allocation, and other topical issues.
10:15 AM Interconnection-Wide Electric System Planning: Some Early Results Are In!
Stakeholders in the Eastern and Western Interconnections and in Texas have been pursuing planning studies that encompass multiple planning authorities for the past year and a half with funding from the Department of Energy. Each of these efforts are unprecedented in both scope and level of involvement by State regulators. The west is concluding the first half of their effort with a 10 year plan. The east and Texas have made significant progress towards determining the resource futures for which additional transmission requirements would be worthy to explore. Representatives from each of these efforts will present results to date. Regulatory leaders will reflect on State participation in the processes.
Moderator Hon. Garry A. Brown - Chair - New York Public Service Commission
Panelists David Meyer - Senior Advisor - US Department of Energy
David Whiteley - Executive Director - Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative
Hon. Kevin D. Gunn - Chair - EIPC & Missouri Public Service Commission
Bradley Nickell, PE - Director, Transmission Expansion Planning - Western Electricty Coordinating Council
Hon. James K. Tarpey - Commissioner - Colorado Public Utilities Commission
Warren Lasher - Manager - Long-term Planning - Electric Reliability Council of Texas
Hon. Donna L. Nelson - Chair - Texas Public Utilities Commission
9:00 AM - 11:45 AM    Committee on Energy Resources and Environment
Majestic BC
 
9:00 AM ERE Business Meeting
Presentation of Mary Kilmarx Award

Reports
* NARUC Environmental Coordinating Committee (Jim Gardner)
* National Regulatory Research Institute (Tom Stanton)
* Electric Power Research Institute (Barbara Tyran)
* Gas Technology Institute (Ron Edelstein)
* NARUC Grants and Research (Miles Keogh)

Resolutions

Roundtable Discussion
* ACEEE state rankings
* ERE future focus
* Possible mentoring program

9:00 AM - 11:45 AM    Committee on Gas
Landmark 1- 3
 
9:00 AM What Regulators Need to Know About Natural Gas Now-- A Survey of Supply Issues
  • Current Issues in Natural Gas Production- Tom Price, Chesapeake Energy Corp., Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Governmental Relations
  •  Long Term Outlook for Gas- Paul Corby, Planalytics
  • Chris McGill, AGA

 

Hon. Matt Baker - Commissioner - Colorado PUC
9:50 AM Natural Gas Distributed Generation and Combined Heat and Power
This panel will discuss Combined Heat and Power as reliable distributed generation, its impact on the electric grid, and its economic and environmental benefits. This session will also address barriers to entry, and how this resource can be made more accessible.
Moderator Hon. Lee Solomon - President - New Jersey BPU
Panelists Ron Edelstein - Director of Regulatory and Government Relations - Gas Technologies Institute
R. Neal Elliott - Associate Director for Research - ACEEE
Bruce Hedman - Vice President - ICF International
Dick Munson - Public Affairs - Recycled Energy
Hon. Greg White - Commissioner - Michigan PSC
11:00 AM LNG Update
Moderator Hon. Jolette A. Westbrook - Commissioner - Massachusetts DPU
Panelist Mary Usovicz - Vice President of External Affairs - Repsol Energy North America
11:15 AM Business Meeting
* Chair and Vice- Chairs' Remarks
* Introduce New Commissioners
* Minutes
* Resolutions
* Other Business
Hon. Timothy Alan Simon - Commissioner - California PUC
11:45 AM Adjourn
9:00 AM - 11:45 AM    Committee on Telecommunications
Majestic D
 
9:00 AM Welcoming Remarks and Approval of Meeting Minutes from Summer Session
Hon. John Burke - Committee Chair
Hon. Maureen Harris - Committee Vice-Chair
Hon. Orjiakor N. Isiogu - Committee Vice-Chair
9:10 AM Committee Reports
Universal Service Joint Board - Hon. Jim Cawley – State Chair
Separations Joint Board – Hon. John Burke – State Chair Joint Conference on Advanced Services – Hon. Larry Landis – State Chair
North American Numbering Council – Hon. Betty Ann Kane – NANC Chair Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council – Hon Maureen Harris, CSRIC member
9:30 AM Consideration of Resolutions
11:45 AM Adjourn
9:00 AM - 11:45 AM    Committee on Water
Majestic A
 
9:00 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks
Hon. Butch Howard - Chair - Committee on Water
9:15 AM Taste, Odor, and Discoloration - Issues and Answers, in Good Taste.
An overview of the problems and solutions related to taste, odor and discoloration followed by three case studies related to water treatment, sources of water, and algae with time for questions and answers.
Speakers Neil Mansuy - Microbiologist - Subsurface Tech
Walton Hill - Senior Vice President - United Water
David Chang, Ph.D. - Vice President, Env. Quality - Golden State Water Company
Christian Volk, Ph.D, - Water Quality Manager - VA/MD American Water
10:30 AM Networking Break
10:45 AM Regulatory Responses to Water Sales Attrition
A discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to the challenges of declining water consumption with a focus on tools that synchronize the public and private interest.
Speakers David M. Boonin - President - TBG Consulting
Gary D. Shambaugh - Principal and Director - AUS Consultants
11:15 AM Status, Updates, and Discussion of New Items
Updates and open discussion including NAWC summary of activities, NARUC Rate School Clearwater 2011 School and 2012 Schools, Michigan State programs and other activities in all States.
11:45 AM Adjourn
9:00 AM - 11:45 AM    Staff Subcommittee on Law
Kingsbury
 
9:00 AM Welcoming Remarks and Introductions
Paul J. Duffy - Chair
9:10 AM Business Meeting
* Reading and vote on minutes of June 5, 2011, meeting in Billings, Montana.
* Review of 2011 National Conference of Regulatory Attorneys - Jason Kraske, Montana, Conference President.
* Review and discussion of future NCRA sites.
* Planning 2012 NCRA - Beth Krogel Roads, Indiana, Conference President.
* Update on venue/contracts.
* Review of financials/operations.
* Session and speaker ideas.
* Marketing the NCRA.
* Report of Subcommittee on Law Alumni Association.
* Rehearsal for NARUC Ethics Session (November 16 at 9:00 a.m.).
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM    Commissioner and Staff Luncheon

This event is the annual luncheon for commissioners and staff only.
Remarks by Christopher Hart, Vice Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board.

Remarks by Lauren Azar, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Energy, US Department of Energy.

Majestic FG
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM    Commissioners Emeritus Luncheon
This event is open to Commissioners Emeritus Only. Additional Fee applies.
Lennox - Tower Suites Building
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM    OPSI Board Meeting (invitation only) Rathskeller - Tower Suites Building
1:00 PM - 3:15 PM    General Session and Election of Officers
Landmark Ballroom
 
1:00 PM Opening General Session

* National Anthem: The St. Louis Children's Choirs
* Welcome Remarks: Hon. Tony Clark of North Dakota, NARUC President
* Election of NARUC 2011- 2012 Officers and Confirmation of NARUC Board of Directors
 -- For 2nd Vice President
Nomination by: Hon. Kevin Gunn of Missouri
Second by: Hon. Lula Ford of Illinois
 -- For 1st Vice President
Nomination by: Hon. Erin O'Connell Diaz of Illinois
Second by: Hon. Timothy Alan Simon of California
 -- For President
Nomination by: Hon. O'Neal Hamilton of South Carolina
Second by: Hon. Lori Murphy Lee of District of Columbia


* Presentations by:

  •  -- Dan Hesse, CEO, Sprint
  •  
  •  -- Nancy Sutley, Chair, Council on Environmental Quality, The White House
  •  
  •  -- Thomas Voss, Chairman, President & CEO, Ameren Corporation
  •  
  • -- Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, US Department of Agriculture

 

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM    Networking Break Majestic Foyer
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM    Concurrent Session
Majestic Ballrooms
 
3:30 PM Beyond Petroleum: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and the Utility Sector (Majestic F)
Gasoline was once the only game in town, but new fuels may start to break into the transportation fuels arena. Are States and utilities prepared to accommodate unpredictable growth of electric and natural gas-fueled vehicles? This session will break participants into small groups to explore different scenarios for alternative fuel vehicle adoption and discuss the implications for utilities and for regulation. NOTE: This session is limited to 100 participants. It is a moderated game-session similar to MACRUC 2011.
 
Moderator Hon. Jeanne Fox - Commissioner - New Jersey DPU
Panelist Wayne Harbaugh - VP - Pricing and Regulatory Affairs - Baltimore Gas and Electric
3:30 PM Don't Shoot the Messenger: Effective Communications Strategies for State Commissions (Majestic A)

State commissioners are in the business of making tough decisions. These decisions impact the pocketbooks of every citizen in their State, and on many occasions, consumers are unhappy with the outcome. With the economy in a downturn, State government budget constraints, and massive investments predicted in the utility sector, State commissions will likely face more legislative inquires and consumer backlash. Can this be avoided? Can commissions better communicate their decisions with the general public and legislators? This session examines the role that commissions play in educating the public about these decisions. How can commissioners make complex topics easier to understand? In the current financial and political climate, how can commissions best convey difficult decisions and avoid being "the easy target?"

Moderator Hon. Lori Murphy Lee - Commissioner - District of Columbia PSC
Panelists Hon. Carolene Mays - Commissioner - Indiana URC
Tom Stanton - Principal for Electricity - NRRI
Joan Bray - Senator - Chairman of the Board for the Consumers Council of Missouri
3:30 PM The Future of Nuclear Power in the United States (Majestic BC)
If you flashback just four years, our economic future looked bright. Climate legislation might be delayed a few years but was inevitable as we joined the international community to control carbon emissions. Federal investment to move promising clean energy technology from R&D to commercialization was viewed as an appropriate tool to secure our children’s future in the global market. Natural gas supplies were finite and the price was volatile. Nuclear energy looked really good!

Today we suffer through a weak recovery from a global economic recession. Electricity demand is flat. In response to our massive national debt, federal investments are being scaled back or eliminated. Climate legislation has no near-term chance of success. Natural gas appears abundant and cheap at least in the near-term. The tsunami induced nuclear accident at Fukushima Dai-ichi has shaken public confidence in nuclear power and heightened concerns over nuclear waste.

In the current environment, how do we achieve the diversified, clean energy portfolio we desire? How do we finance high capital cost projects in this environment even if their lifecycle costs are low? How will the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations change our nuclear waste management? This panel will address these questions and explore how one Missouri utility is evaluating their options today and how two regulated States developed the tools they needed to move forward.
 

Moderator Hon. David Boyd - Commissioner - Minnesota PUC
Panelists Dr. Peter Lyons - Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy - Department of Energy
Warner L. Baxter - President and CEO - Ameren Missouri
Sen. Luke A. Rankin - Senator - South Carolina Senate
Hon. Stan Wise - Chair - Georgia Public Service Commission
3:30 PM The Great Frontier: How Reliant Can We (and Should we) be on Gas? (Majestic E)
Gas is playing an increasingly greater role in our energy resource mix. From shale discoveries throughout the country to a push for natural-gas fired vehicles, we are seeing more and more roles for this fuel. What are the latest estimates of gas availability in North America, including shale plays and Canadian resources? What certainty can be ascribed to those estimates? In this session, panelists will debate whether the U.S. has enough gas to start thinking about exporting LNG. Attendees will learn about any potential unintended consequences. How will gas' abundance (or scarcity) affect the rest of the system - nuclear, coal, renewable, and other fuels? Do we need a long-term plan?
Moderator Hon. Jolette Westbrook - Commissioner - Massachusetts BPU
Panelists Hon. Robert F. Powelson - Chairman - Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
James A. Tramuto - Vice President of Governmental and Regulatory Strategies - Southwestern Energy Company
Arthur Berman - Director - Labyrinth Consulting Services
Jen Snyder - Principal Natural Gas Analyst - Wood Mackenzie
3:30 PM Worlds Colliding: The Role of Wireless Communications in the Smart Grid (Majestic D)
As smart grid development grows in fits and starts, debates continue over whether electric utilities should be leveraging commercial networks or allowed to use their own private networks. What are the experiences to date? What have been the obstacles and opportunities provided by both? Do the stakeholders see a convergence of industries with respect to the Smart Grid? What role is cellular technology playing? What are the concerns and the potential opportunities with cellular? Are there any jurisdictional implications or considerations? Join a panel of experts for lively discussion about the potential convergence and synergies between two disparate industries.
Moderator Hon. Maureen Harris - Commissioner - New York DPS
Panelists Hon. Orjiakor Isiogu - Chair - Michigan PSC
Jonathan Adelstein - Administrator - Rural Utilities Service:USDA
Terrence Walsh - Information Technology Planning Dir. - Con Edison
Jeffrey Dygert - Executive Director, Public Policy - AT&T
Lyn McDermid - Sr VP and CIO - Dominion
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM    MACRUC Meeting (invitation only) Kingsbury
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM    MARC Meeting (invitation only) Pershing
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM    SEARUC Meeting (invitation only) Rathskeller - Tower Suites Building
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM    Western Meeting (invitation only) Lindell
7:00 PM -    Board of Directors Dinner (invitation only)
 
Tuesday, November 15
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM    NECPUC Meeting (invitation only) Lindell
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM    Continental Breakfas...sponsored in part by NRECA Majestic Foyer
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM    On-Site Registration Landmark Foyer
8:15 AM - 10:00 AM    General Session
Landmark Ballroom
 
8:15 AM Welcome to Missouri
Missouri Governor, The Hon. Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon will welcome attendees to the NARUC 123rd Annual Meeting. Introduction by The Hon. Kevin Gunn, Chair, Missouri Public Service Commission.
 
"The Outlook for Energy: A View to 2030"
Bill Colton, Vice President, Corporate Strategic Planning of Exxon Mobil Corporation

The Hon. Michael Copps of the Federal Communications Commission.
Introduction by The Hon. John Burke, Vermont PSB, Chair of NARUC Committee on Telecommunications.

Realizing the Potential of North America’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resource.  
Extraordinary events have affected energy markets in the years since the National Petroleum Council reported on the "Hard Truths" about energy in 2007. That study concluded that the world would need increased energy efficiency and all economic forms of energy supply. That is still true today, but since then, significant technology advances have unlocked abundant natural gas and oil resources. These greatly expanded resources have already benefited our country economically. Increased supplies of natural gas have resulted in lower prices and helped revitalize many U.S. industries. Further, increased use of North America natural gas can reduce emissions and improve America’s energy security.     Natural Gas will play a critical role in the US Energy mix.  It’s attributes make it an ideal fuel to meet energy needs with a relatively low emissions profile.  New supplies and extraction techniques improve the economics of utilizing Gas for power generation and offer an alternative in the transportation sphere.  The National Petroleum Council "Prudent Development: Realizing the Potential of North America’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources"  report makes recommendations for the market potential and sustainable development of this resource.  Environmental, upstream and down-stream production interests as well as leading energy policy experts developed the report and will present the findings and recommendations viewed through economic, environmental and national security lenses.  
Moderator: Hon. Timothy Alan Simon, California PUC
DOE Study: Christopher A. Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oil and Natural Gas, DOE and NPC Government CoChair

NPC Study: Scott Moore, VP of Marketing, Anadarko  and NPC Assistant CoChair

Participants: Susan Tierney, Managing Principal, Analysis Group, Inc.
Ken Yeasting, Sr. Director Global Gas and N.A. Gas, IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates

Fiji George, Director, Carbon Strategies, EL Paso Corporation
 

 

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM    Networking Break Majestic Foyer
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM    Concurrent Session
Majestic Ballrooms
 
10:15 AM Hedge, Defer, or Dive in? Dealing with Investment Risks (Majestic BC)

We don't need an economist to tell us that the economy is struggling. We already know the economy can either go up, down, or stay flat. As regulators, we must be armed with the best available information about the financial situation so we can make decisions in the public interest. This session will explore investment risk in the electricity sector and use an interactive setting to engage participants. Bringing together stakeholders from the investment and consumer protection communities, this session will use a discussion format to explore large investments (such as baseload coal, nuclear, and transmission investments), medium-sized investments (such as smaller plants and transmission or large distribution investments) and address mechanisms for deciding when to delay, when to hedge those risks, and when to take the plunge.

Moderator Hon. Libby Jacobs - Chair - Iowa Utilities Board
Panelists Hon. Greg White - Commissioner - Michigan PSC
Jerry Benkert - EVP and CFO - Vectren
John Antonuk - President - The Liberty Consulting Group
David Springe - Consumer Counsel - Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board
10:15 AM Safety First! How Pipeline Safety Programs are Evolving (Majestic E)

State pipeline inspectors are the boots on the ground, inspecting companies, auditing reports, and doing all they can to ensure pipeline safety. How are these programs evolving? Hear from State pipeline safety specialists as they discuss with their federal counterparts about the status of State and federal safety programs. Learn from a panel of experts about how States are ensuring pipeline safety through State- and regional-specific programs. How are safety programs going to meet the needs of growing gas demand and aging infrastructure in the coming decades? Find out by attending this discussion.

Moderator Hon. Colette Honorable - Chair - Arkansas PSC
Panelists Hon. Cheryl Roberto - Commissioner - Ohio PUC
Hon. Paul Roberti - Commissioner - RI PUC
Randy Knepper - Director, Safety Division - New Hampshire PUC
Robert Hall - Deputy Director, Office of Rail, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials - National Transportation Safety Board
Jeff Wiese - Associate Administrator, Pipeline Safety - US Dept. of Transportation
10:15 AM Supply and Demand: Protecting Water Resources for Future Needs (Majestic A)
Demand for water is showing no signs of slowing down. Population growth and shifts in precipitation are straining supply in regions where adequate water supply has traditionally not been an issue. Meanwhile, our increasing need for energy, particularly resources requiring water for extraction, production, and cooling purposes, further strains this limited resource. With many challenges on the horizon--including clean water regulations, hydraulic fracturing guidance and potential regulations, and an increased need for infrastructure funding--what are the potential solutions to address these challenges? How do we ensure plentiful supply, efficient use, and safe treatment of this finite natural resource?
Moderator Hon. Alaina Burtenshaw - Chair - Nevada PUC
Panelists Hon. Doug Scott - Chair - Illinois Commerce Commission
Nick DeBenedictis - Chairman, CEO & President - Aqua America
David Blackmon - Director of Government Affairs - El Paso Corporation
Thomas Effinger - Manager - Environmental - SCANA Corporation
10:15 AM The End of the PSTN: What is the Role of States in a Broadband World? (Majestic D)
The Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Plan calls for the establishment of a date certain to phase out the legacy public-switched telephone network (PSTN) and a migration to all IP-based networks. While the benefits of this switch is clear for the carriers, how it will benefit consumers, especially those on fixed incomes and are not interested in advanced services, is unknown. Participants in this discussion will learn whether and how consumers will benefit from this transition, particularly those who are not asking for it. Attendees will debate whether IP service quality will be quantified, and the role State commissions will play in assuring service quality standards.

 

Moderator Hon. Randy Mitchell - Commissioner - South Carolina PSC
Panelists Hon. Michael Copps - Commissioner - Federal Communications Commission
Hon. Larry Landis - Commissioner - Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
Keith Oliver - Sr. VP, Corporate Operations - Home Telephone Company, Inc.
Rick Cimerman - Vice President - NCTA
Joel Lubin - Vice President - AT & T Services, Inc.
Thomas Navin - Former Chief FCC Wireline Competiton Bureau - Wiley Rein
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM    Networking Break Majestic Foyer
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM    Concurrent Session
Majestic Ballrooms
 
11:45 AM Are We There Yet? The FCC, Universal Service/ICC Reform, and the Future (Majestic D)

After years of endless deliberations and a string of abandoned proposals, the Federal Communications Commission appears to be finally poised to enact fundamental change of the universal service and intercarrier compensation regimes. The plan seeks to update these programs to cover vital broadband services which are quickly becoming the new norm. What is on the table? Are their winners and losers? Participants will learn what impact the FCC’s plan could have on the 23 States with their own USF programs. Experts will debate whether the federal proposal leaves a role for States to play.

Moderator Hon. John Burke - Commissioner - Vermont PSB
Panelists Sharon Gillett - Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau - FCC
Carol Mattey - Deputy Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau - FCC
Joseph Gillan - Gillan Associates
Jonathan Banks - Sr.Vice President, Law and Policy - US Telecom
Steven Morris - VP & Associate General Counsel - National Cable Television Association
Kenton Pfister - VP Strategic Planning - Great Plains Communications
11:45 AM Like a Bridge over Troubled Water: Resiliency Plans for National Disasters: (Majestic BC)
Utilities have numerous obligations and responsibilities to provide safe reliable service to their customers. As we learn all too often, these obligations and responsibilities can change at moment’s notice: tornados in Missouri and Alabama, torrential rains in Michigan, and hurricanes along the east coast. What kinds of resiliency plans should utilities implement for natural disasters? How have recent natural disasters affected utilities and their customers? Participants in this session will learn how the utilities and their customers rebuilt their communities. Attendees will discuss the role of the State regulator in establishing these plans and recovering from disasters.
Moderator Hon. Terry Jarrett - Commissioner - Missouri PSC
Panelists Hon. Patricia Acampora - Commissioner - New York PSC
Walton Hill - Sr. Vice President - United Water
Frank Kartmann - President - Missouri American Water
Daniel Glover - VP, Power Delivery - Southern Company
Carlos Torres - VP, Emergency Management - Consolidated Edison of NY
11:45 AM The Future is Unwritten: New Energy Technologies and What Regulators Need to Know (Majestic A)
New energy technologies drive innovation and efficiency in utility systems. In an era of economic uncertainty, these innovations could help scale back the costs of updating and modernizing the U.S. utility infrastructure. But what technologies are ready for prime time? Is there a "Killer App" for the energy sector? And what will regulators look for as they make tough decisions on utility investment and rate recovery? This panel will explore advances in the natural gas, electric grid, and storage technology arenas. Attendees will hear from industry leaders and regulatory experts about some of the newest, cutting-edge technologies, and what commissioners will consider when reviewing rate cases. Participants will put on their thinking caps and discuss whether a game-changing or disruptive technology exists that could have significant impact in how we generate, deliver, and use energy.
Moderator Hon. Travis Kavulla - Chair - Montana PSC
Panelists Ron Edelstein - Director - Gas Technology Institute
Dr. Gerry Groenewold - Director, Energy & Environmental Research Center - University of North Dakota
David Pomper - Partner - Spiegel and McDiarmid LLP
11:45 AM To Build or Not to Build: Do FERC's Capacity Markets Conflict with State Policies? (Majestic E)
State legislatures and regulators in the Northeast have made decisions to develop new electric generation facilities within their borders only to run headlong into FERC rulemakings. Some see the FERC actions as frustrating efforts to provide consumers with reliable power supplies at affordable prices. Are there competing goals between FERC's Minimum Offer Price Rule, which the agency says protects the integrity of wholesale capacity markets, and the State policies to self-supply capacity if they determine the capacity markets are not working for consumers? Can FERC reform its capacity market regulations to meet its goal of competitive wholesale markets while providing States the ability to implement resource decisions that are in the public interest as they see it? This session will bring in experts from both sides to debate the issue. Attendees will learn how FERC's rules work and whether it runs counter to States' traditional responsibilities.
Moderator Hon. Garry Brown - Chair - New York DPS
Panelists Hon. Doug Nazarian - Chair - Maryland PSC
Hon. Lee Solomon - President - New Jersey BPU
Hon. Wayne Gardner - Commissioner - Pennsylvania PUC
Glen Thomas - President - PJM Power Providers Group (P3)
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM    Annual Installation Luncheon...sponsored in part by ITRON

The Annual Installation Luncheon is open to all registrants who pre-select this event. Tickets will be included in the registration packets of those who selected this event.

Update on Fifth World Forum on Energy Regulation, The Hon. Jean-Paul Theoret, President of Quebec Energy Board and Chairman of the Fifth World Forum on Energy Regulation.

Luncheon will feature a brief presentation featuring Dominion Chairman, President, CEO and Edison Electric Institute Chairman Thomas Farrell regarding the Troops to Energy Jobs initiative.

Landmark Ballroom
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM    Board of Directors Majestic H
 
Wednesday, November 16
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM    Continental Breakfas...sponsored in part by NRECA Majestic Foyer
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM    On-Site Registration Landmark Foyer
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM    Concurrent Session
Majestic A, B & C
 
9:00 AM Ethics - It Does Not Require a Wizard (Majestic B)
The well-known "Wizard of Oz" story teaches that we each have within us the intellect, the empathy, and the courage to do the right thing. Fundamentally, it is the exercise of these virtues by all of the participants in the regulatory process that grows respect for regulatory orders and other actions. Take a walk down the "ethical yellow brick road" as attendees will explore - through a number of fictional and entertaining skits - the ethics laws and standards of conduct that guide our daily work; the ways that prohibited ex parte communications, conflicts of interest and other ethical improprieties break down public confidence; and, the strengths to be summoned when facing tough ethical challenges. Attendees will discuss the dos and don'ts of regulatory policymaking. Participants will review with their colleagues and legal experts about the rules of the regulatory yellow brick road.
Moderators Hon. John Cole - Commissioner - Hawaii PUC
Eve Moran - Esquire - Staff Subcommittee on Law Alum
Michael Downey - Attorney at Law - Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Panelists James Bradford Ramsay - General Counsel - NARUC
Andre Parraway - CFO - NARUC
Miles Keogh - Director, Grants and Research - NARUC
Paul Duffy - Legal Director - Ohio PUC
Cheryl Walker Davis - Director, Office of Special Assistants - Pennsylvania PUC
Jason Zeller - Assistant Chief Counsel - California PUC
9:00 AM Getting it Right: EPA Rules, Cleaning the Grid, Maintaining Reliability (Majestic A)

There are a series of environmental and health regulations coming from EPA that will impact the utility sector. These have resulted in a variety of reactions, from law suits to collaborative efforts. Concerns about reliability, cost, health and the economy drive reactions to the proposals.  This panel will provide a overview of the rules (proposed and finalized)and then some regulator’s perspectives and approaches.

Moderator Hon. James Gardner - Commissioner - Kentucky PSC
Panelists Hon. Matt Baker - Commissioner - Colorado PUC
Hon. David Boyd - Commissioner - Minnesota PUC
Hon. Kevin Gunn - Chairman - Missouri PSC
Hon. Todd Snitchler - Chairman - Ohio PUC
George Offen - Sr. Technical Executive - EPRI
9:00 AM Making Ends Meet: Ratepayers and the Recession (Majestic C)
Let's face it: The economy is still muddling along, with little signs of a quick recovery. Recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics revealed a 2.3 percent decline in the median household income for 2010. Unemployment numbers remain high, and consumers are struggling to make ends meet. At the same time, we are at a critical juncture to upgrade the nation's energy infrastructure. Investors and others predict this will cost in the trillions of dollars range - and the investments have to come from somebody's pocket! Furthermore, projected cuts to federal programs, coupled with fewer dollars available at the State-level, mean fewer resources available to help low-income customers. How can regulators prioritize system needs while also keeping rates just and reasonable for consumers?  What other tools or programs are available to make energy costs more affordable to low-income customers? Hear from a panel of experts on how the recession is impacting utility customers and learn how States are grappling with balancing the economic realities.
Moderator Hon. Betsy Wergin - Commissioner - Minnesota PUC
Panelists Cindy Datig - Executive Director - Dollar Energy Fund
Roger Colton - Fisher, Sheehan and Colton
Bill Levis - Consumer Counsel - Colorado Dept. Of Regulatory Agencies
Bryan Batson - Senior Vice President, Governmental and Regulatory Affairs - AGL Resources
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM    Networking Break Majestic Foyer
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM    General Session (Closing)
Majestic E
 
10:30 AM Members Business Meeting
123rd NARUC Members Business Meeting
This session is open to all attendees.

Report of the Board of Directors on Resolutions and Convention Action on Resolutions.

Hon. Tony Clark - NARUC President - North Dakota PSC
10:45 AM Mergers, Consolidation, Convergence, Capital and Consumers (Majestic E)
NBC and Comcast. AT&T and T-Mobile. Duke Energy and Progress Energy. Exelon and Constellation. Consolidation is often a key business strategy in the utility sector, but the level of merger activity over the past 12 months is profound. Potentially huge future investments and shifting market dynamics are changing the merger landscape. Companies argue that bigger is better, both in terms of access to capital but also for customer service. Duplicative operations are scaled back, inefficiencies are removed, and reliability improves, merging partners say. But how do regulators ensure that both consumers and shareholders are treated fairly in these transactions, and how do the financial markets view these activities? A panel of experts will debate these issues in a lively, challenging discussion. Attendees will learn cutting-edge intelligence from those who know the utility sector the best - regulators, analysts, consumers, and the utilities themselves. Participants will interact with these experts - and each other - as questions over size, cost, and impact are debated.
 
Moderator Hon. Robert Kenney - Commissioner - Missouri Public Service Commission
Panelists Hon. David Armstrong - Chair - Kentucky PSC
Jed Nosal - Chief, Business and Labor Bureau - Office of Attny General Martha Coakley
Sidney Dillard - Partner, Investment Banking Division - Loop Capital Markets
Mike Balhoff - Partner - Balhoff and Williams
Terry Bassham - President and COO - Great Plains Energy Inc.
 




© 2012 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners