Austin Climate Hub Presents: Energy Policy & the Energy Transition - Special Happy Hour and Panel Discussion
Austin Climate Hub Presents a Special Happy Hour & Panel Discussion: Energy Policy & The Energy Transition
The grid is a moment of profound transition. Load growth, decarbonization, decentralization, digitization and myriad other disruptions are driving generational changes in the ways we produce, transmit, and consume energy.
In the hyper-regulated world of energy, policy is as – if not more – important than technology in determining the pace of this transition, who pays for it, and how every stakeholder is impacted, from energy companies to consumers. Think: the IRA creating entirely new, multi-billion-dollar markets for transferable tax credits; the impact of efficiency standards; the incentives implicit in utility rate-schedules; the very nature of competition in regulated vs. “de-regulated” power markets; to name a few.
In this panel, we convene perspectives from leaders representing industry operators, utility commissions, policy advocacy and environmental law to explore these topics. As a new administration takes power in the face of multiple disruptions to conventional power systems, what is the state of energy policy today? How does market design attempt to ensure affordability, reliability as technologies emerge and markets shift? More broadly, what is the likely policy, regulatory trajectory governing the grid in the future? What risks and – equally importantly – what opportunities are created in this new policy regime?
Meet your panelists:
Jerry Polacek, President, Energy Transition, Aggreko Energy; former Managing Director and Group Lead - Private Clean Energy and Infrastructure at Ecofin; former CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Energy & Infrastructure Capital, LLC; former Managing Director, GE Capital
Dub Taylor, Executive Director, Energy Services Coalition; Chief Operating Officer, Texas PACE Authority; Former Director, State Energy Conservation Office. Advisor, Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation
Kaiba White, Electric Utility Commission (City of Austin/Austin Energy) at City of Austin; President, Solar Austin; Energy Policy & Outreach Specialist, Public Citizen
Ashleigh Meyers, Environmental & Natural Resources Attorney, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Timing and Agenda:
Thursday, January 23rd
5:30 – 6:15pm: Drinks, apps and snacks, networking
6:15-7:15 pm: Panel discussion
7:15 – 8:30pm: More drinks, apps, snacks and networking
BIG THANK YOU to Pillsbury Law and Escalon for sponsoring this event, food & beverages