8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Closed Session - State Staff

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Resolution Introduction - Industry Input

9:00 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.

Welcome New Members

Hon. Rachael Eubanks, Michigan; SWD Chairman 

9:05 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Subcommittee Business

• Inclusion and Diversity Elevator Speech
• Constitutional Amendment
• Inclusion and Diversity Outreach Opportunities
• Open Mic

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

 Break

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Having “The Talk”: Setting the Stage for Inclusion and Diversity

Supplier and workforce diversity is a valuable asset for any utility that seeks a competitive advantage in the global economy. The presentations offer and provide tools for Commissioners to discuss supplier and workforce diversity with their respective utilities. Regulators will gain knowledge on how to best approach the discussion about Inclusion & Diversity and will gain a unique perspective on other states’ efforts across the country. 

Moderator:

Hon. Odogwu Obi Linton, Maryland

Panelists:

Hon. Sadzi Oliva, Illinois

Hon. Cecil Brown, Mississippi

Hon. Betty Ann Kane, District of Columbia

1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Oceana 1 - 5

Joint with the Staff Subcommittee on Electricity and  Staff Subcommittee on Electric Reliability 

Tandem Troubles: Aging Infrastructure and Workforce

Aging infrastructure is the number one challenge facing the electric utility industry and has the largest impact on reliability. Utilities are forecasted to spend hundreds of billions of dollars in the near future to address the risks of aging infrastructure as well as customer demand for a higher quality of power and a more modern grid. Natural disasters are causing some utilities to completely rebuild infrastructure from the ground up, providing the opportunity to enhance reliability and improve system redundancy and resiliency. However, grid improvements and rebuilds cannot be done without a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, which is aging in tandem with utilities’ assets. Utilities are facing potential significant gaps in workforce in the future. This challenge offers the industry an opportunity to reshape the workforce into one that reflects demographic shifts. In addition, it provides utilities with the opportunity to support local communities through training in the increasingly high-tech proficiency necessary to build the next generation grid. Regulators will hear from utilities that have faced extreme challenges with aging infrastructure and workforce needs, from mutual assistance agencies, and hear the Union workforce perspective.

Moderator: Hon. Ann Rendahl, Washington

Panelists:

Michelle Landery, Florida Power and Light

Nikki Hall, Pepco Holdings

Mike Smith, Utility Workers of America Local 223

9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Roundtable Discussion

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Networking Break

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Dorger Software Architects - Case Management Presentation

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Roundtable Discussion

2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Networking Break

2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Joint Meeting with the Executive Management Subcommittee

9:00a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Smart Non-Residential Rate Design: Aligning Rates with System

Electricity use by non-residential customers’ accounts for a significant portion of the country’s total electricity consumption. Many of these customers are interested in adopting distributed energy resources, and many have access to sophisticated energy management and load control technologies, making these customers an important source of support for power grid management.  But the current design of rates at many utilities across the country does not adequately encourage the deployment and use of non-residential customer resources in that manner. Rates designed to send customers clear price signals that reflect grid needs can encourage innovation and cost-effective usage. This panel will explore principles for well-designed commercial and industrial rates, including time-varying rates with an eye toward customers that have access to more sophisticated energy management tools.

Moderator:  Daniel Cleverdon, Policy Advisor, Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia

Panelists:

Carl Linvill, Regulatory Assistance Project

Glenn Dyke, Customer Pricing Manager, Georgia Power Company

Melissa Whited, Synapse Energy Economics

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

How can behind the meter (BTM) storage customers participate in multiple services in order to capture value?

Opportunities for customers with BTM storage to maximize their investment in the technology continue to grow. Some storage owners can use their technology for their own utility bill management and/or participate in utility programs, such as providing grid support services, that provide an additional monetary benefit for the customer.  This panel will explore the technologies and software available to assist BTM customers to decide whether it is more beneficial for the customer to participate in a utility program or use the storage device to help reduce their own energy and demand charges. The panel will further explore what rate designs and utility programs are currently available for BTM storage customers and how a BTM storage customer that is “on call” is able to meet their commitment to the utility with very short notice.

Moderator: Jamie Barber, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Manager, Georgia Public Service Commission

Panelists:

Jim Baak, Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs-West, Stem

Brian Otley, Operations, Green Mountain Power

Lon Huber, Navigant Consulting

9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Oceana 1 - 5

I Have a Hosting Capacity Analysis. Now What?  

This deep dive for commission staff will explore a new distribution grid forecasting and analysis tool, known as Hosting Capacity Analysis (HCA), which is being deployed by utilities and states across the country to inform distribution grid planning, interconnection reforms, and locational value of distributed energy resource (DERs). Staff will learn more about what HCA can (and can’t) do, different use cases and methodologies, and the factors impacting the usefulness of this tool. This panel will share insights on what utilities and states are learning across the country, and what considerations state Commissioner staff should keep in mind as their Commissions require, oversee and guide HCA as part of other grid modernization or distribution planning efforts. The panel will explore questions like: How can staff evaluate what HCA methodology should be used to support defined use cases and policy goals? How frequently should HCA’s be updated? What level of detail should an HCA entail? How is it being used to streamline or improve interconnection process? How HCA can be combined with other tools to help identify best locations for DERs and/or inform distribution planning? What data privacy considerations need to be considered and addressed?

Moderator: Michelle Rosier, Distributed Energy Resources Specialist, Economic Analysis, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Panelists:

Shay Banton, Utility Electrical Engineer, Borrego Solar

Sky Stanfield, Outside Regulatory Counsel, Interstate Renewable Energy Council

Steve Steffel, PE, Mgr, Regional Capacity Planning - Distributed Energy Resources, Pepco

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Oceana 6

Joint with Staff Subcommittee on Rate Design

How can behind the meter (BTM) storage customers participate in multiple services in order to capture value?

Opportunities for customers with BTM storage to maximize their investment in the technology continue to grow. Some storage owners can use their technology for their own utility bill management and/or participate in utility programs, such as providing grid support services, that provide an additional monetary benefit for the customer.  This panel will explore the technologies and software available to assist BTM customers to decide whether it is more beneficial for the customer to participate in a utility program or use the storage device to help reduce their own energy and demand charges. The panel will further explore what rate designs and utility programs are currently available for BTM storage customers and how a BTM storage customer that is “on call” is able to meet their commitment to the utility with very short notice.

Moderator: Jamie Barber, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Manager, Georgia Public Service Commission

Panelists:

Jim Baak, Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs-West, Stem

Brian Otley, Operations, Green Mountain Power

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Pacifica 3 - 5

Closed Meeting

10:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.- 11:45 a.m.
Pacifica 1 - 2

Joint with Staff Subcommittee on Telecommunications

Meeting Customer Expectations in the Social Media Age

The information age has reached new heights as social media platforms raise utility customers’ expectations for “real time” data at the touch of a button.  From routine communications on usage, bills, and efficiency programs to hour-by-hour storm preparedness and restoration messaging, how are utilities meeting these communications challenges? What works, what doesn’t work, and what future communication technologies might we expect?

Moderator:  Cynthia L. Muir, Director, Consumer Assistance & Outreach, Florida Public Service Commission

Panelists:

Nicole Gavigan, Social Media Manager, Florida Power & Light Company

David C. Bergmann, Principal, Telecom Policy Consulting for Consumers

Kenneth Talbot, Manager, Consumer Affairs, Duke Energy Florida, LLC 

Heather Hilgenkamp, Senior Analyst, Market Research Services

8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Consumers and Broadband - Falling Between the Cracks

Digital connectivity is the glue of the American economy. Rural and urban businesses rely on broadband to connect with customers and sell their products. American households rely on broadband, for homework & digital classrooms, telecommuting, healthcare and entertainment.  Local, State and Federal agencies use digital platforms to improve service delivery and reduce costs. Yet for all the economic and personal benefits ascribed to broadband access, a digital divide persists. Over 22 million people live in areas without an available or sufficient broadband connection.  Panelists will examine components of the digital divide, including both the lack of telecommunications infrastructure as well as who does and doesn’t subscribes to the services offered.

Moderator:  Teresa Ferguson, Colorado

Panelists:

Roberto Gallardo, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Purdue Center for Regional Development, Community & Regional Economics Specialist, Purdue Extension

Esther Northrup, Executive Director - State Regulatory Affairs, Cox Communications

Angela Siefer, Executive DIrector, National Digital Inclusion Alliance

9:15 a.m. - 10.15 a.m.

CAF II Auction: The Who, Where, When and What's Next

The FCC just completed the Connect America Fund II (CAF II) Auction 903 in which successful bidders secured funding to provide broadband service to rural high cost unserved locations throughout the country where prior offers of support had been declined by incumbent local exchange carriers. Successful bidders will now be submitting their Long Form documents as part of the process to finalize the commitments they made in their bids.  Panelists will address the,  “who, what, where and how” of the auction, as well as what issues remain and the state commissions’ role going forward in the process.

Moderator:  Joe Witmer, Pennsylvania

Panelists:

David Screven, Associate Counsel, Pennsylvania PUC

David C. Bergmann, Principal, Telecom Policy Consulting for Consumers

Craig Ecchor, President & CEO, TriCounty REC, C&T Enterprises, Inc.

Chris Murphy, Associate Counsel, ViaSAT

Brian O'Hara, Senior Director Regulatory Issues, NRECA

10:15 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.

Networking Break

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Joint with Staff Subcommittee on Consumers and the Public Interest

Meeting Customer Expectations in the Social Media Age

The information age has reached new heights as social media platforms raise utility customers’ expectations for “real time” data at the touch of a button.  From routine communications on usage, bills, and efficiency programs, to hour-by-hour storm preparedness and restoration messaging, how are utilities meeting these communications challenges?  What works, what doesn’t work, and what future communication technologies might we expect?

Moderator:  Cynthia L Muir, Florida 

Panelists:

Nicole Gavigan, Social Media Manager, Florida Power & Light Company

David C. Bergmann, Principal, Telecom Policy Consulting for Consumers

Kenneth Talbot, Manager, Consumer Affiars, Duke Energy Florida, LLC

Heather Hilgenkamp, Senior Analyst, Market Research Services

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

The VoIP "State" - What's Happening? What's Next?

The scope of State authority over Voice over Internet Protocol Services (VoIP) remains in legal dispute, and certain states are actively addressing the issue.  This panel will discuss the pending Minnesota Commission petition for rehearing en banc of a recent 8th Circuit 2-1 decision preempting State oversight as well as the Vermont Commission remand resulting from the 2013  Vermont Supreme Court decision that upheld a Vermont Public Utility Commission determination that “fixed” VoIP service is subject to PUC authority. This panel will highlight next steps procedurally and discuss the impact on state and federal oversight of telecommunications carriers including how the FCC is trying to thread the need with the use of its preemptive power.

Moderator:  Brad Ramsay, NARUC

Panelists:

Hon. Sarah Hofmann, Vermont

Hon. Dan Lipschultz, Minnesota

Barbara Cherry, Professor, Indiana University, Department of Telecommunications

Rick Cimerman, VP External & State Affairs, NCTA - The Internet & Television Association

Randolph J. May, President, The Free State Foundation

2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Networking Break

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Oceana 7

Joint with Committee on Critical Infrastructure

Telecom Critical Infrastructure - Network Resiliency and Cyber Security

People, institutions and companies all function in a well-connected global technology world enabled by complex telecommunications infrastructures.  To meet expectations of seamless, always available technology connectivity, resistant to malicious and destructive attacks, the telecommunications infrastructure must be thoroughly addressed by all stakeholders, to create a well designed and implemented security concept for the infrastructure as a whole, It must take into account not only the technical issues but also the policy framework and legal aspects.  The panel of experts will explore how the telecommunications industry works both within its own boundaries and across stakeholder groups to best ensure the resiliency and security of the vital infrastructure that is at the core of every aspect of our lives.

Moderator:  Hon. Gladys Brown,  Pennsylvania

Hon. Ann Rendahl, Washington

Kathryn Condello, Senior Director - National Security/Emergency Preparedness, CenturyLink

John O'Connor, Director National Coordinating Center for Communications, US Department of Homeland Security

3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Networking Break

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Final Resolutions

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Utility Data Privacy in the Wake of Cambridge Analytica

The electric industry and regulators began evaluating data privacy issues long before Americans took a second look at what they had consented to by participating in social media.  How have States acted to protect electric customer data?  How have potential benefits from access to customer data been weighed when fashioning such protections?  What changes are occurring after the Cambridge Analytica incident?  What are other sectors, such as banking, doing to protect data as well while allowing its usage in ways that benefit consumers?

Moderator:  Hon. Matt Schuerger, Minnesota

Panelists:

David Batz, Senior Director of Cyber and Infrastructure Security, EEI

Richard Caperton, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs and Market Development, Arcadia

Michael Murray, President, Mission:data Coalition

Dave Kolata, Executive Director, Illinois Citizens Utility Board

1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Joint with the Subcommittee on Supplier Workforce and Diversity and the Staff Subcommittee on Electric Reliability 

Tandem Troubles: Aging Infrastructure and Workforce

Aging infrastructure is the number one challenge facing the electric utility industry and has the largest impact on reliability. Utilities are forecasted to spend hundreds of billions of dollars in the near future to address the risks of aging infrastructure as well as customer demand for a higher quality of power and a more modern grid. Natural disasters are causing some utilities to completely rebuild infrastructure from the ground up, providing the opportunity to enhance reliability and improve system redundancy and resiliency. However, grid improvements and rebuilds cannot be done without a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, which is aging in tandem with utilities’ assets. Utilities are facing potential significant gaps in workforce in the future. This challenge offers the industry an opportunity to reshape the workforce into one that reflects demographic shifts. In addition, it provides utilities with the opportunity to support local communities through training in the increasingly high-tech proficiency necessary to build the next generation grid. Regulators will hear from utilities that have faced extreme challenges with aging infrastructure and workforce needs, from mutual assistance agencies, and hear the Union workforce perspective.

Moderator: Hon. Ann Rendahl, Washington

Panelists:

Michelle Landery, Florida Power and Light

Nikki Hall, Pepco Holdings

Mike Smith, Utility Workers of America Local 223

1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Joint with the Subcommittee on Supplier Workforce and Diversity and the Staff Subcommittee on Electricity

Tandem Troubles: Aging Infrastructure and Workforce

Aging infrastructure is the number one challenge facing the electric utility industry and has the largest impact on reliability. Utilities are forecasted to spend hundreds of billions of dollars in the near future to address the risks of aging infrastructure as well as customer demand for a higher quality of power and a more modern grid. Natural disasters are causing some utilities to completely rebuild infrastructure from the ground up, providing the opportunity to enhance reliability and improve system redundancy and resiliency. However, grid improvements and rebuilds cannot be done without a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, which is aging in tandem with utilities’ assets. Utilities are facing potential significant gaps in workforce in the future. This challenge offers the industry an opportunity to reshape the workforce into one that reflects demographic shifts. In addition, it provides utilities with the opportunity to support local communities through training in the increasingly high-tech proficiency necessary to build the next generation grid. Regulators will hear from utilities that have faced extreme challenges with aging infrastructure and workforce needs, from mutual assistance agencies, and hear the Union workforce perspective.

Moderator: Hon. Ann Rendahl, Washington

Panelists:

Michelle Landery, Florida Power and Light

Nikki Hall, Pepco Holdings

Mike Smith, Utility Workers of America Local 223

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

This is a closed meeting. 

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Timor Sea 1

Staff Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety (closed meeting) 

3:00 p.m.-3:20 p.m.

PHMSA Updates

Updates from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, including the voluntary information sharing process.

Facilitator: Andreas Thanos, Chair Staff Subcommittee on Gas

Presenter: Paul Roberti, Comm. Emeritus, Chief Counsel, PHMSA

3:20 p.m.-3:55 p.m.

Oceana 1 - 5

Weather Resilience in the Natural Gas Industry

The 2017-2018 heating season certainly tested the natural gas systems of many utilities around the country.  On August 6, 2018 the Natural Gas Council released a report titled: “Weather Resilience in the Natural Gas Industry.”  Rick Smead, Managing Director, Advisory Services at RBN Energy LLC, the report’s author will join us to discuss and elaborate on the findings of the study.  
This presentation is intended to begin a conversation on the lessons learned from this past winter

Facilitator: Andreas D. Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas

Presenter: Rick Smead, Managing Director, Advisory Services, RBN Energy LLC

4:00 p.m.-4:50 p.m.

Oceana 1 - 5

Natural Gas Unbundling: the Atlanta Gas & Light Experience

It is a little over 20 years since Atlanta Gas and Light exited the merchant function introducing all customers to the competitive retail natural gas market.  During these 20 years, almost all, jurisdictions have developed some form of competitive natural gas retail market.  In this session a group of panelists from the AGL, the Georgia PSC and marketers will discuss the process of exiting the merchant function, the bumps on the road and how any lessons learned can be transferred to other jurisdictions.

Moderator: Andreas D. Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas

Panelists:

Tara Surratt, Vice-Chair Staff Subcommittee on Gas, Utilities Analyst, Georgia PSC

Atlanta Gas and Light

Marketer representatives

1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.   

Closed Business Meeting

2:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.

Networking Break

2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

Customizing PAYS Programs for the Utility and the Consumer

This panel will highlight Pay as You Save (PAYS) programs by discussing how these programs can be customized to best meet the needs of the utility and consumers. Panelists will discuss lessons learned and identify strategies for expanding inclusive financing for energy efficiency upgrades.

Moderator: Hon. Odogwu Obi Linton, Maryland Public Service Commission 

Panelists:

Mark Cayce, General Manager, Ouachita Electric Cooperative

Becca Eiland, Community Engagement Manager, Groundswell

Dr. Geoff Marke, Chief Economist, Missouri Office of the Public Counsel

3:45 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Networking Break

4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Joint session with NASUCA

Working Together to Understand and Address Affordability, Arrearage and Shut-off Issues: A Conversation between Commissioners and Consumer Advocates

Safe, reliable and affordable service. This is the regulatory mantra. But, how do we help those customers that struggle with affordability? Can we use the regulatory process to gather data to better track and understand the affordability issues?  What regulatory procedures might best help customers that struggle with affordability issues or that are medically at-risk avoid having their service turned off. This joint session begins an important discussion between public utility commissioners and consumer advocates about how we can work together over time to document and better understand these important issues, and to study and support practices that might become a model for consumer protection across many jurisdictions. 

Moderator: Elin Katz, Connecticut Consumer Counsel, NASUCA President

Panelists:

Stefanie Brand, Director, New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel

Richard Berkley, Executive Director, Public Utility Law Project (PULP) of New York

1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

In 2017, hurricanes battered parts of the United States and its territories in the Atlantic Ocean basin. One such hurricane, Hurricane Irma, struck the Virgin Islands and Florida during its life time and causes widespread and catastrophic damage.  This panel discussion will examined the aftermath of that season and closely look at the Virgin Islands and the State of Florida and learn how their infrastructure was able to recover.

Moderator: Hon. Gladys Brown, Pennsylvania

Panelists Hon. Johann Clendenin, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tom Ballinger, Director of Division of engineering, Florida

Jason Cutliff, Director of Power Quality of Reliability- Duke Energy, Florida

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Joint Meeting with Telecommunications Committee

Telecom Critical Infrastructure - Network Resiliency and Cyber Security

People, institutions and companies all function in a well-connected global technology world enabled by complex telecommunications infrastructures.  To meet expectations of seamless, always available technology connectivity, resistant to malicious and destructive attacks, the telecommunications infrastructure must be thoroughly addressed by all stakeholders, to create a well designed and implemented security concept for the infrastructure as a whole, It must take into account not only the technical issues but also the policy framework and legal aspects.  The panel of experts will explore how the telecommunications industry works both within its own boundaries and across stakeholder groups to best ensure the resiliency and security of the vital infrastructure that is at the core of every aspect of our lives.

Moderator:  Hon. Gladys Brown,  Pennsylvania

Hon. Ann Rendahl, Washington

Kathryn Candello, Senior Director - National Security/Emergency Preparedness, CenturyLink

John O'Connor, Director National Coordinating Center for Communications, US Department of Homeland Security (Invited)

3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

The Wide World of NARUC – Welcome and Introductions                Hon. David Danner, Washington; Chair, IRC

2:35 p.m.

Business Meeting

Approval of minutes/resolutions

Hon. David Danner, Washington; Chair, IRC 

2:45 p.m.

Remarks by Terry Barnich Award Recipients

The Terry Barnich Award is presented annually by the International Relations Committee to commissioners or staff in recognition of outstanding efforts to further international cooperation among utility regulators and to promote professional regulation. This year’s recipients will deliver brief remarks.
Moderator: Hon. David Danner, Washington; Chair, IRC 

Panelists: Barnich award recipients TBA

3:00 p.m.

How can we help?: The rewards and challenges of being a NARUC international program volunteer

This wide-ranging roundtable discussion will feature this year’s Barnich Award recipients discussing the work that they have done in Nigeria and elsewhere. Previous Barnich Award recipients are invited to attend and participate.

Moderator: Andrew Melnykovych, Kentucky; Chair, Staff IR Subcommittee

Panelists:  Barnich award recipients TBA

3:45 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

Stepping Into the Eye of the Storm: The New Director at NRRI

This session will introduce Carl Pechman, recently appointed director at the National Regulatory Research Institute. He will discuss his work on the task force that is assessing power sector recovery in Puerto Rico following last year’s hurricanes.
Moderator: Hon. David Danner, Washington; Chair, IRC
Panelist: Carl Pechman, PhD, Director, NRRI

Energy Reform in Mexico: An Update

The chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico will provide a brief update on the status of energy reforms, energy policy and the energy sector in Mexico.

Moderator: Hon. David Danner, Washington; Chair, IRC
Panelist: Hon. Guillermo García Alcocer, CRE de Mexico

4:40 p.m.

Report on NARUC International Programs 

Erin Hammel, Director of International Programs, NARUC

5:00p.m.

3:00 p.m. -3:20 p.m.

PHMSA Updates

Updates from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, including the voluntary information sharing process.

Facilitator: Andreas Thanos, Chair Staff Subcommittee on Gas

Presenter: Paul Roberti, Comm. Emeritus, Chief Counsel, PHMSA

3:20 p.m.-3:55 p.m.

Weather Resilience in the Natural Gas Industry

The 2017-2018 heating season certainly tested the natural gas systems of many utilities around the country.  On August 6, 2018 the Natural Gas Council released a report titled: “Weather Resilience in the Natural Gas Industry.”  Rick Smead, Managing Director, Advisory Services at RBN Energy LLC, the report’s author will join us to discuss and elaborate on the findings of the study.  
This presentation is intended to begin a conversation on the lessons learned from this past winter

Facilitator: Andreas D. Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas

Presenter: Rick Smead, Managing Director, Advisory Services, RBN Energy LLC

4:00 p.m.-4:50 p.m.

Natural Gas Unbundling; the Atlanta Gas & Light Experience

It is a little over 20 years since Atlanta Gas and Light exited the merchant function introducing all customers to the competitive retail natural gas market.  During these 20 years, almost all, jurisdictions have developed some form of competitive natural gas retail market.  In this session a group of panelists from the AGL, the Georgia PSC and marketers will discuss the process of exiting the merchant function, the bumps on the road and how any lessons learned can be transferred to other jurisdictions.

Moderator: Andreas D. Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas

Panelists:

Hon.Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr., GA 

Tara Surratt, Vice-Chair Staff Subcommittee on Gas, Utilities Analyst, Georgia PSC

Wendell Dallas, Vice President, Operations, Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas

Kevin Greiner, President & CEO, Gas South

9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Universal Orlando IT Department Speaker on Cybersecurity Best Practices

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Networking Break

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Softek - Case Management and Workflow Presentation

DC PSC Case Management and Workflow Demo

See a demo of the case management and workflow solution that District of Columbia is implementing. Also see how D.C. is automating their Renewal Portfolio Application process and how it integrates with eDocket, file stamping, and document management.

Moderator:

Paul Martinez, District of Columbia

Panelists:

Lynn Lear, Softek Services, Inc.

Patrice Hunter, District of Columbia

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

The Visible Hand in 2018

The spotlight on our country’s electricity markets has never been brighter.  Across the country, high profile evaluations of market issues amid, and in response to, changes in the generation mix, technology, state and federal policies have largely defined 2018.  The Electricity Committee will continue these discussions first by taking a step back with NRRI’s Executive Director to examine the role of market forces in the electric industry and some of the key differences and commonalities of the various markets in restructured and traditional States.  Regulators from different parts of the country will then engage in roundtable discussions about some of today’s hot market issues that have their attention.

Introduction:

Hon. Judith Jagdmann, Virginia

Carl Pechman, Executive Director, NRRI

Panelists:

Group One

Hon. Judith Jagdmann, Virginia

Hon. John Rosales, Illinois

Hon. Angela O’Connor, Massachusetts

Hon. Bruce Williamson, Maine

Group Two

Hon. Ann Rendahl, Washington

Hon. David Clark, Utah

Hon. Cynthia Hall, New Mexico

Group Three 

Hon. Ted Thomas, Arkansas

Hon. Sally Talberg, Michigan

Hon. Sarah Freeman, Indiana

Hon. Sadzi Oliva, Illinois

Hon. Talina Mathews, Kentucky 

Group Four 

Hon. Jeremy Oden, Alabama

Hon. ToNola Brown-Bland, North Carolina   

Hon. Tricia Pridemore, Georgia  

11:15 a.m.-11.45 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Climate Science

This panel will feature the results of some of the newest climate science reports, and provide Commissioners with information relevant for regulatory decisions.

Moderators: Hon. Carla Peterman, California

Hon. Megan Decker, Oregon

Panelist: 

Guido Franco, Team Leader for Climate Change Research, California Energy Commission

Andrea Dutton, Associate Professor, University of Florida in Gainesville

9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Regional Reactions

Faced with a changing climate, how do Utility regulators account for climate change mitigation and plan for more frequent, more intense weather events?  What lessons have been learned from the recent weather events in regards to resiliency, reliability and customer expectations? 

Moderators: Hon. Carla Peterman, California

Hon. Megan Decker, Oregon

Panelists:

Hon. Liane Randolph, California

Harry Sideris, Senior Vice President, Chief Distribution Officer, Duke Energy

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Business Meeting

Introductions

NARUC Fundamentals 

A brief primer on what Resolutions are, why they are initiated, and how they have historically been used by NARUC.  This primer will also include an overview of how to garner support if someone is interested in drafting a Resolution for a future meeting, including the role of NARUC staff and the ERE Leadership.

Resolutions

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Fostering Regulatory Partnerships and Engagement in the Natural Gas Markets

International, federal and state activities in the natural gas markets require a fresh look at the role of natural gas, especially how to address the convergence of renewable sources of energy and natural gas.  The panel will explore the role of regulation in fostering partnerships as the global natural gas market expands.  The discussion will address technological innovations, workforce and consumer impacts and the how the renewable energy and natural gas markets can enter into a partnership that helps consumers and energy providers achieve their long-term goals.  The panel will explore case studies of successful and creative regulatory approaches including the historic partnership between FERC and PHMSA on liquefied natural gas permits.

Introductory Remarks: Hon. Diane X. Burman, (NY), NARUC Chair of Gas

Moderators:

Hon. Julie Fedorchak, North Dakota, Vice-Chair of Gas

Stan Wise, Commissioner Emeritus & former NARUC President/Chair of Gas

Panelists: 

Diane Munns, Senior Director, External Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund (invited)

Charlie Riedl, Executive Director, Center for LNG

Timothy Alan Simon, Esq., Pres. TAS Strategies, Commissioner Emeritus, former Chair Committee on Gas, former Chair NARUC/DOE LNG Partnership

George J. Tsimis, Esq., Director of GJT Marine Consultants LLC

Andreas Thanos, Chair, Staff Subcommittee on Gas 

10:30 am -10:45 am

Committee on Gas Business meeting

• A discussion with Paula Glover, CEO of American Association of Blacks in Energy, facilitated by Hon. Kimberly A. O'Guinn, AR 
• Special Recognition Program

10:45 am -11:45 am

Approaches to Cyber and Physical Security in the Natural Gas Sector

The security of both cyber and physical assets has been covered extensively in the trade press over the past few months.  This timely panel will explore how regulators can stay engaged and explore solutions.  Industry stakeholders, federal and state regulators continue to work to get a better understanding of the advances in cyber and physical security.  However, the topic is frequently discussed by only one sector of the industry or only one part of the regulatory community (i.e.- those with oversight of pipelines vs. those with oversight of external threat actor mitigation).  The purpose of this panel is to congregate the entirety of the natural gas value chain to discuss how they approach cybersecurity and protect their assets, from wellhead to burner tip.

Moderator:

Hon. Nick Wagner, Iowa

Panelists:

Richard S. Mroz, Commmissioner Emeritus, Managing Director of Resolute Strategies, LLC

Rebecca Gagliostro, Director of Security, Reliability and Resilience, INGAA

Terry Roberts, Founder, President, CEO, Whitehawk, Inc.

Suzanne Lemieux, API Midstream Physical and Cyber Security

Angela Haun, Executive Director, The Oil and Natural Gas Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ONG - ISAC) 

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m

“Rural Telco Evolution – Surviving the Future Through Merger and Acquisition?”

It’s no secret that rural telecommunication providers face a mountain of hurdles to provide service and stay in business. Vast geography, limited service locations, demands of technology change, uncertain universal service programs, and in some locations competition from a changing marketplace compound into a very challenging business environment. Some rural telecom companies are increasingly looking to mergers and acquisitions with other telecoms, electric cooperatives, and related businesses to achieve the scale necessary for successful business continuity. Will this strengthen the ability to these companies to provide cutting edge telecom products and services to their customers? Is it the key to business survival? Join us for a robust discussion with experts in field!

Moderator: 

Hon. Chris Nelson, South Dakota

Panelists: 

Eric Cramer, President and CEO, Wilkes Communications

Brian Ford, Senior Regulatory Counsel, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association

Leo Staurulakis, Executive Vice President, JSI

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Networking Break

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

The Evolution of Telecom - Are States Able to Keep Up with Out-of-Date Statutes and Ever Changing Regulatory Authority?

Broadband service, whether fixed wireline or mobile, will need interconnection to the public switched network to secure that backhaul broadband providers need to offload the every-increasing amounts of consumer data. The FCC has stated that consumers are not served unless they have access to fixed and mobile broadband. The states have limited authority to regulate broadband and often do not regulate underlying facilities such as dark fiber. 

Fiber wireline networks provide virtually unlimited scalability for broadband although fiber can be dedicated or dark. Fiber deployment generally, and dark fiber in particular, may play an important role in wireline and wireless broadband because both services need fiber for backhaul. This is particularly the case for wireless broadband because spectrum, while necessary, is insufficient to manage data traffic as broadband becomes increasingly mobile, including the Internet of Things. Next generation wireless, or 5G, often relies on fiber for backhaul as well. The FCC’s Declaratory Order of September 26, 2018 in Docket 17-84 adopted a “One Touch Make Ready” (OTMR) approach to pole attachments applicable to simple attachments in the communications space which could include facilities needed to provide 5G service. 

The panelists will discuss state regulation of poles and dark fiber, what dark fiber is, what role dark fiber plays in broadband deployment, and how the adoption of OTMR, as opposed to other proposed approaches, impacts broadband deployment in the states, particularly states that may regulate pole attachments using the “reverse preemption” allowed under federal law but not otherwise regulate dark fiber.

Moderator:

Hon. Karen Charles-Peterson, Massachusetts 

Panelists: 

Pamela Hollick, Associate General Counsel Regulatory, CenturyLink 

Kath Mullholand, Director, Regulatory Innovations and Strategy Division, New Hampshire

Brian O’Hara, Senior Director Regulatory Issues, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Joe Witmer, Counsel to Chairman Gladys M. Brown, Pennsylvania 

11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Business Meeting

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Responding to Health Advisories – What Should Water Utilities and their Regulators Consider When EPA Health Advisories are Issued?

This session will provide insight on how drinking water systems have responded to USEPA Health Advisories, such as those issued for PFOA / PFOS and cyanotoxins, and how customer perceptions have changed because of their actions. Presenters will describe these expectations of their customers and the steps they have taken in response to the issuance of these Health Advisories. The discussion will also touch upon financial implications, rate case impacts, and political implications.

Moderator:

Hon. Mary-Anna Holden, New Jersey

Panelists:

Pete D'Adamo, Director of Water Treatment, HDR

Brent Fewell, Founder, Earth & Water Law Group

Cheryl Norton, President, Missouri American Water

10:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Break

10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Renewing the Water Workforce (Joint Session with Subcommittee on Supplier and Workforce Diversity)

As water utilities evolve to address new and existing challenges, those utilities must also develop a workforce suited to meet those challenges.  Joesph Kane, co-author of the recent Brooking Institution Report, “Renewing the Water Workforce:  Improving Water Infrastructure and Creating a Pipeline to Opportunity,” will discuss the nation’s water workforce and strategies local, state, and national leaders can use to continue to develop that workforce to meet customer needs and to connect with the diversity of communities and residents that they serve.

Moderator:

Hon. Rachael A. Eubanks, Michigan

Speaker:

Joseph Kane, Senior Research Associate and Associate Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Program, The Brookings Institution

11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Business Meeting

Jerome Devillers, partner at Mazars, will present Mazars' Annual Water Industry Outlook report. Items of Business of the Water Committee will be covered, including discussion and action on Resolutions and approval of the minutes from the Summer Policy Summit.  Additionally, updates from the various partners of the Water Committee will be given, including NAWC, NRRI, NARUC, and NARUC's Rate School.  Members of the Committee will also have time to brief the Committee on activities of interest in their states.

2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

Featuring Officer Elections and Special Awards

Welcome to the NARUC 130th Annual Meeting and Education Conference

Opening by the Hon. Jack Betkoski, NARUC President, Connecticut

National Anthem, Hon. Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Georgia

Commissioner McDonald has performed his beautiful rendition of the National Anthem at games for the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and NASCAR events.

Election of 2018-2019 Officers and Confirmation of Board Members

Elections facilitated by the Hon. Jack Betkoski, Connecticut

Nomination of NARUC President

Hon. Julie Fedorchak, North Dakota

Second Nomination of NARUC President

Hon. Daniel Hall, Missouri

Nomination of NARUC 1st Vice President

Hon. Judy Jagdmann, Virginia

Second Nomination of NARUC 1st Vice President

Hon. Dallas Winslow, Delaware

Nomination of NARUC 2nd Vice President

Hon. Kristine Raper, Idaho

Second Nomination of NARUC 2nd Vice President

Hon. David Danner, Washington

Presentation of Terry Barnich Award

The Terry Barnich Award recognizes state commissioners and staff who promote international cooperation among utility regulators and the development of professional regulation. The award is named in honor of former Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (1989 to 1992) Terrence "Terry" Barnich. He was killed on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, while working as the deputy director of the State Department office overseeing U.S. reconstruction projects in Iraq. The Terry Barnich Award is the highest honor bestowed by NARUC’s Committee on International Relations.

Information on Recipients

Presentation of Innovation Awards

The Innovation Awards reflect NARUC’s commitment to promoting the exchange of knowledge and information that will benefit innovation in regulatory issues. The Awards recognize innovators in the various utility sectors.

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Powered Together – Tapping the Water/Energy Nexus

Respected CEOs from the water and energy sectors will share their experiences and examples from within their companies. Attendees will learn how their respective companies address the water/energy issue while providing safe, reliable, and affordable service to customers.

Facilitator: Hon. Jack Betkoski, Connecticut, NARUC President

Participants:

Calvin G. Butler Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE)

Susan Story, Chief Executive Officer, American Water Company

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Critical Infrastructure Interdependencies: Sectors Intertwined

Because the national critical infrastructure is intricately interdependent, threats against and regulatory activity associated with critical infrastructure in one sector in one part of the country may have an affect on other sectors—not only in that part of the country but nationwide. This session will cover the interdependencies across critical infrastructure sectors, focused on the roles regulatory bodies play in ensuring awareness and oversight of potential adversarial access to critical infrastructure. For example, as natural disasters and cybersecurity concerns increase, the need for commissioners to consider Black Sky events and ensure that all regulated utilities will be able to maintain some scale of operations and communication during these scenarios is of utmost importance. The session will examine what needs to happen to break down silos across water, wastewater, electric, gas, and telecommunications industries to ensure that regulators and their stakeholders can be prepared for these types of events.

Facilitator: Hon. Gladys Brown, Pennsylvania

Participants:

Colleen Arnold, Vice President/Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua America

Kathryn Condello, Senior Director, National Security/Emergency Preparedness, CenturyLink

Joy Ditto, President & CEO, Utilities Technology Council

Mr. Bob Kolasky, Director of the National Risk Management Center at the Department of Homeland Security

Dave McCurdy, President and CEO, AGA

Paul Stockton, Managing Director, Sonecon, LLC

NRRI Colloquium

Join the National Regulatory Research Institute for an interactive conversation about plans for NRRI’s future and what NRRI can do for you. Meet NRRI staff; hear about the new “NRRI Fellows” program; and learn about the new, short-format NRRI Insights publications.  During this colloquium, NRRI researchers will also briefly review current projects, talk about new programs, and invite your input on how NRRI can best serve the regulatory community and its stakeholders.  

10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

CLEAN POWER PLAN II – The Sequel: State Options and the Anticipated Appeal

Commissioners will receive information and advice on the revised options available to States under the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, a.k.a. the CPP II. Panelists will also discuss the policy pros and cons of the revised approach and discuss the possible grounds for the inevitable legal challenges to the rule.

Facilitator: Hon. Travis Kavulla, Montana

Participants: 

Tomás Carbonell, Director of Regulatory Policy and Lead Attorney
U.S. Clean Air Program, Environmental Defense Fund

T. Ted Cromwell, Executive Director, Environment, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Julien Dumoulin-Smith, Head of US Power, Utilities and Alt Energy Research, Bank of America Merrill Lynch 

Allison Wood, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth

At this interactive workshop, state regulators and market stakeholders will discuss ways to use DERs to improve resilience in both restructured and vertically integrated states. The discussion will find intersections between state regulators and bulk power system operators, develop policy options to advance resilient DERs, and establish connections between stakeholders to continue this important conversation.

State commissioners and public utility commission staff are welcome to participate and can receive limited travel reimbursement. Contact Kiera Zitelman at kzitelman@naruc.org to RSVP or request more information.

This workshop is open to commissioners and commission staff. Non-commission stakeholders are encouraged to contact Kiera Zitelman to discuss participation on a case-by-case basis.