Energy Infrastructure in the West: The Time to Invest is Now!
Brownouts and rolling blackouts are hitting California, New York, and other States throughout the country. Adequacy of reserve generation capacity in California and other parts of the West is being seriously questioned. Projections of need for additional generation have fallen from ten to five years and could be less.
U.S. utilities have generating capacity reserves of less than 20 percent overall. Last July, U.S. demand set an all-time record of more than 95,000 gigawatt hours in one week, an increase of more than 5 percent over the old record. One gigawatt, or 1 billion watts, is enough to power 400,000 homes.
Extreme heat forced the Tennessee Valley Authority to begin interrupting power to some industrial customers for the first time since 2000. TVA's outages came as triple-digit temperatures marching from the Midwest to the East Coast this summer toppled demand records for utilities and grid operators alike. Also, the Midwest ISO's reliability region set a record for summer demand barely two weeks after having set the last one, as consumers there used 136,520 MW of electricity. The previous record was 132,658 MW. Peak load in the Midwest ISO's market region also set a record, with usage reaching 116,030 MW, surpassing the previous peak market demand of 113,054 MW, also set July 17.
California Independent System Operator underestimated "most likely" summertime peak usage by more than 500 MW in a report it submitted to Congress this summer; the grid operator said in mid-July demand of 46,561 MW beat last July's record of 45,431. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Joseph Kelliher warned a House energy subcommittee that California, Connecticut and New York City are particularly vulnerable to problems.
On November 30th we will continue to refine our look at the challenges facing transmission infrastructure development in the West. Our efforts will center on the following questions: What can suppliers of energy realistically do to meet rising demand with existing capacity? Can strategic infrastructure improvements enhance responses to the growing demand and capacity crisis? What is required to get adequate investment capital for transmission and distribution improvements into the region?
Registration:
Private Sector ~ $225 / Public Sector ~ $175
Brownouts and rolling blackouts are hitting California, New York, and other States throughout the country. Adequacy of reserve generation capacity in California and other parts of the West is being seriously questioned. Projections of need for additional generation have fallen from ten to five years and could be less.
U.S. utilities have generating capacity reserves of less than 20 percent overall. Last July, U.S. demand set an all-time record of more than 95,000 gigawatt hours in one week, an increase of more than 5 percent over the old record. One gigawatt, or 1 billion watts, is enough to power 400,000 homes.
Extreme heat forced the Tennessee Valley Authority to begin interrupting power to some industrial customers for the first time since 2000. TVA's outages came as triple-digit temperatures marching from the Midwest to the East Coast this summer toppled demand records for utilities and grid operators alike. Also, the Midwest ISO's reliability region set a record for summer demand barely two weeks after having set the last one, as consumers there used 136,520 MW of electricity. The previous record was 132,658 MW. Peak load in the Midwest ISO's market region also set a record, with usage reaching 116,030 MW, surpassing the previous peak market demand of 113,054 MW, also set July 17.
California Independent System Operator underestimated "most likely" summertime peak usage by more than 500 MW in a report it submitted to Congress this summer; the grid operator said in mid-July demand of 46,561 MW beat last July's record of 45,431. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Joseph Kelliher warned a House energy subcommittee that California, Connecticut and New York City are particularly vulnerable to problems.
On November 30th we will continue to refine our look at the challenges facing transmission infrastructure development in the West. Our efforts will center on the following questions: What can suppliers of energy realistically do to meet rising demand with existing capacity? Can strategic infrastructure improvements enhance responses to the growing demand and capacity crisis? What is required to get adequate investment capital for transmission and distribution improvements into the region?
Registration:
Private Sector ~ $225 / Public Sector ~ $175
PARTICIPANTS MUST MAKE THEIR OWN RESERVATIONS
Sun Valley Resort
Call early to reserve your room (1-800-786-8259). Please reference the Center for the New West when making reservations to receive our group rate. If you enjoy skiing, the Sun Valley Resort is offering daily lift ticket at a special rate of $32.00 per person for our conference participants through the weekend of Dec 2-3.
Attendees are responsible for hotel accommodations and transportation.
Sun Valley Resort
For reservations please call: 1-800-786-8259
For reservations please call: 1-800-786-8259
All conference activities will be held at the Sun Valley Resort.
Continental Room, The Sun Valley Inn
The Honorable Larry E. Craig, U.S. Senator, Idaho,
Trustee, Center for the New West
The Department of Energy has identified several areas in the West that are in
critical need of expanded electric transmission capacity. This first panel will
explore the details of that need, and assess the significant issues that must
be addressed in order for new transmission to be constructed, including siting,
cost allocation and obtaining financing.
Moderator: Jim Sims, Executive Director, Western Business Roundtable, Trustee, Center for the New West
Moderator: Jim Sims, Executive Director, Western Business Roundtable, Trustee, Center for the New West
- Kevin Kolevar, Director, Office of Transmission Distribution and Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy
- Mark Robinson, Director, Office on Energy Projects, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- Joe Desmond, Under Secretary, Energy Affairs, California Resources Agency
- Mike Naeve, Chairman of the Energy Practice, Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom
- Jim Lucier, Senior Analyst, Prudential Equity Group LLC
Please return to the Continental Room at 10:45AM.
New transmission will be built by the entities that have responsibility
for meeting native and other electricity loads. This second panel will delve
into the plans of some of the major utilities for building out the western grid,
and how those plans will be implemented.
Moderator: Joe Vasapoli, Partner, Ryan, Phillips, Utrecht & MacKinnon, Energy Policy Advisor, Center for the New West
Moderator: Joe Vasapoli, Partner, Ryan, Phillips, Utrecht & MacKinnon, Energy Policy Advisor, Center for the New West
- Richard Walje, President, Rocky Mountain Power
- Steve Wheeler, Executive Vice President Customer Service/ Regulatory, Arizona Public Service
- Ron Litzinger, Senior Vice President for Transmission and Distribution, Southern California Edison
- Patrick Reiten, President, Pacific Power
- Stephen Burnage, Senior Vice President for Business Development, National Grid
Please proceed to Limelight C for Lunch
Limelight C
Keynote: Phil Moeller, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Keynote: Phil Moeller, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Please return to the Continental room for the remainder of the afternoon.
Introductory Remarks by Steve Wright, Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration
The great bulk of transmission capacity in the Pacific Northwest is owned and
operated by the Bonneville Power Administration. This panel will examine the
current state of BPA's transmission network, future plans for upgrading and
expansion, and how BPA's transmission customers view these matters.
Moderator: George O'Connor, Partner, Ryan, Phillips, Utrecht & MacKinnon, Energy Policy Advisor, Center for the New West
Moderator: George O'Connor, Partner, Ryan, Phillips, Utrecht & MacKinnon, Energy Policy Advisor, Center for the New West
- Charles Trabandt, Vice President, Charles River Associates
- The Honorable Marsha Smith, Commissioner, Idaho Public Utilities Commission
- R. Scott Corwin, Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs, Pacific Northwest Generating Company
- Kellie Donnely, Professional Staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
The Continental Room, Please plan to arrive no later than 7:15PM to sit down for dinner.
Introduction: The Honorable Larry E. Craig, U.S. Senator, Idaho
The day behind and the day ahead of us, transitioning from transmission to generation.
Evening Keynote - The Honorable Jeff Bingaman, U.S. Senator, New Mexico
Introduction: The Honorable Larry E. Craig, U.S. Senator, Idaho
The day behind and the day ahead of us, transitioning from transmission to generation.
Evening Keynote - The Honorable Jeff Bingaman, U.S. Senator, New Mexico
For the United States to maintain its role as a leader in the world
economy, our energy policy must ensure a vibrant domestic economy free from the
threat of world instability. Americans are growing increasingly frustrated with
high costs of energy. The United States must move more aggressively to take
leadership in the development and use of new energy technologies. U.S. leadership
in the development of cleaner, more efficient technologies not only secures our
own economy and environment, but it allows the U.S. to influence global stability
and to have a more positive affect on the global environment.
Electricity and transportation energy in the U.S. is produced primarily through the use of hydrocarbons. More than half of U.S. energy is dependent on liquid fuel (nearly all oil) for transportation - the most pressing issue is to reduce our dependence on foreign oil from unstable or unfriendly regions of the world. Increasing production in North America, on our own lands and off our own shores is the most straightforward way to reduce this dependence. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 put policies into place to accelerate our transportation fuel independence, but further actions can be taken to develop sustainable technologies. The development of new technologies for unconventional sources of fuels can reduce our overall need for foreign sources and can provide cleaner options - oil sands, oil shale, coal-to-liquids, cellulosic ethanol and efficiency - all have potential to reduce our dependence on oil from the Middle East.
Electric energy represents half of all energy use in the United States. The development of a more diverse portfolio of affordable electric power generation options is important for domestic energy security. Currently, coal provides over half of U.S. electricity, nuclear power provides nearly 20%, and hydroelectric generation provides nearly 9%, the remaining bulk of our electric power comes from natural gas. Renewable sources still produce the smallest fraction of U.S. electricity, but the opportunities for growth from these technologies need to be seriously investigated.
Total U.S. energy generation, electricity and transportation, industrial and residential, produces one fourth of the worlds total greenhouse gasses. "NIMBYism" is a constant force that can delay the development of cleaner and more affordable energy options. U.S. leadership in developing cleaner and more efficient technologies is perhaps the best way to affect global emissions of greenhouse gasses in a manner that sustains both the competitiveness and security of our nation.
Energy independence as a concept and the attributes of it becoming a reality are the goals of sustainable national energy policy. On December 1st the Center for the New West will continue this discussion by transitioning from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 focus at our event last year, into a "what next?" discussion this year. The results of this year's dialogue will set the tone for future energy policy making in the West, as well as for the country as a whole.
Electricity and transportation energy in the U.S. is produced primarily through the use of hydrocarbons. More than half of U.S. energy is dependent on liquid fuel (nearly all oil) for transportation - the most pressing issue is to reduce our dependence on foreign oil from unstable or unfriendly regions of the world. Increasing production in North America, on our own lands and off our own shores is the most straightforward way to reduce this dependence. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 put policies into place to accelerate our transportation fuel independence, but further actions can be taken to develop sustainable technologies. The development of new technologies for unconventional sources of fuels can reduce our overall need for foreign sources and can provide cleaner options - oil sands, oil shale, coal-to-liquids, cellulosic ethanol and efficiency - all have potential to reduce our dependence on oil from the Middle East.
Electric energy represents half of all energy use in the United States. The development of a more diverse portfolio of affordable electric power generation options is important for domestic energy security. Currently, coal provides over half of U.S. electricity, nuclear power provides nearly 20%, and hydroelectric generation provides nearly 9%, the remaining bulk of our electric power comes from natural gas. Renewable sources still produce the smallest fraction of U.S. electricity, but the opportunities for growth from these technologies need to be seriously investigated.
Total U.S. energy generation, electricity and transportation, industrial and residential, produces one fourth of the worlds total greenhouse gasses. "NIMBYism" is a constant force that can delay the development of cleaner and more affordable energy options. U.S. leadership in developing cleaner and more efficient technologies is perhaps the best way to affect global emissions of greenhouse gasses in a manner that sustains both the competitiveness and security of our nation.
Energy independence as a concept and the attributes of it becoming a reality are the goals of sustainable national energy policy. On December 1st the Center for the New West will continue this discussion by transitioning from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 focus at our event last year, into a "what next?" discussion this year. The results of this year's dialogue will set the tone for future energy policy making in the West, as well as for the country as a whole.
Continental Room, The Sun Valley Inn
Introductions: The Honorable Chris Cannon, Member of Congress, Utah
Morning Keynote: The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Member of Congress, Washington
Morning Keynote: The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Member of Congress, Washington
Energy security of the fuel sources the drive the U.S. economy depend upon
reducing our dependence on unfriendly regions of the world while expanding production
in our own backyard. What post-EPACT policies will stimulate additional reliable and
affordable production of traditional and non-traditional fuels?
Moderator: David J. McCarthy, Chief Council, House Energy and Commerce Committee
Moderator: David J. McCarthy, Chief Council, House Energy and Commerce Committee
- Gerard Protti, Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs, EnCana
- Maurice Hladik, Marketing Director, Iogen Corporation
- Lienkie Bonnet, Business Development Manager, Sasol Synfuels International
- Don Paul, Chief Technology Officer, Chevron
- Greg Pensabene, Vice President Government Relations, Anadarko
Introductory Remarks by John Grossenbacher, Laboratory Director, Idaho National Laboratory
Please return to the Continental room at 10:30AM.
Cleaner, more efficient power generation from advanced
technologies can provide a sustainable future in the U.S. as well as the
global environment. What is the future of low/ no-emission sources in the U.S,
and how can we lead the development of these technologies in developing economies?
Moderator: Alex Flint, Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute
Moderator: Alex Flint, Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute
- Michael Wilson, Vice President of Government Affairs, Florida Power and Light (invited)
- Gary Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer, Entergy Operations
- Bob Cochran, President, BWXT Services
- Steve Bolze, Vice President for Power Generation, GE Energy
- John Peschke Professional Staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Bryan Hannegan, Director, Environment Division, Electric Power Research Institute
Please proceed to Limilight C for Lunch.
Energy Prices - What works and how much are we going to pay?
Energy Security - How dependent will we be?
Climate Change - How low can we go with emissions?
Moderator - Tom Ryan, Managing Partner, Ryan, Phillips, Utrecht & MacKinnon
Energy Security - How dependent will we be?
Climate Change - How low can we go with emissions?
Moderator - Tom Ryan, Managing Partner, Ryan, Phillips, Utrecht & MacKinnon
- Frank Macchiarola, Staff Director, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Bob Simon, Democratic Staff Director, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Lisa Epifani Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, National Economic Council (invited)
The Honorable Larry E. Craig, U.S. Senator, Idaho, Trustee, Center for the New West