May 2001 Conference
May 17, 2001
Energy Markets in Turmoil
The recent highly publicized electricity shortages in California and the substantial price increases for natural gas have raised concerns about the ability of a market oriented electric power industry to deliver reliable energy at affordable prices. The experience in California and elsewhere can provide useful lessons concerning the perils of regulatory reform. This workshop examines the lessons to be learned from this experience and explores how these lessons can be applied in Illinois and the Midwest.
Agenda
8:45am Keynote Address *Ken Malloy, President, Center for Advancement of Energy Markets
9:30am Electric Restructuring: What Went Wrong / What Worked Right?
- Lessons from California, Pennsylvania and elsewhere
- Experience in the Midwest
- Encouraging demand responsiveness
- Market monitoring issues
Moderator: Chairman Richard L. Mathias, Illinois Commerce Commission
- Speakers:
- *Mary Doyle, Director, Regulatory Policy, Dynegy
- *Steve Braithwait, Vice President, Christensen Associates
10:30am Morning Break
10:45am Natural Gas Markets: What Happened/What Next?
- Outlook for gas prices in the short and long term
- Outlook for gas-fired power plants in the Midwest
- Managing risk in a volatile market
- Status of retail market development
Moderator: Hon. Ruth K. Kretschmer, Illinois Commerce Commission
- Speakers:
- *Dan Conrath, Principal, Risk Management, Inc.
- *Paul Holtberg, Group Manager, Gas Technology Institute
- *Ted Lenart, Assistant Vice President, Gas Ventures, NICOR Gas
12:15 Luncheon and Address
1:30pm The Consumer Perspective
- Lessons from the experience in California, Pennsylvania and elsewhere
- Restructuring the LDCís merchant function
- Impact of high natural gas prices on small consumers
- Preparing for residential choice in Illinois
Moderator: Hon. Mary Frances Squires, Illinois Commerce Commission
- Speakers:
- *Martin Cohen, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board
- *Mark Cooper, Research Director, Consumer Federation of America]
- *Sonny Popowsky, Consumer Advocate, Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
3:00pm Afternoon Break
3:15pm Midwest Energy Outlook
- Prospects for creating an efficient regional power market in the Midwest
- Outlook for wholesale power prices in the Midwest
- Prospects for new supply capacity in the Midwest
- State and federal cooperation in market oversight
Moderator: Hon. Edward C. Hurley, Illinois Commerce Commission
- Speakers:
- *Freddi Greenberg, Attorney at Law
- *Phillip OíConnor, President, NEV Midwest
- *Hon. David Svanda, Commissioner Michigan Public Service Commission
4:30pm Close