05 May TREIA Hosts Electric Generation Adequacy & Reliability Forum at the Texas State Capitol

Industry and Policy Leaders Make the Case for a More Diversified Texas Grid

Why:   After several threats of rolling blackouts and water issues from 2011 concern in Texas continues to grow over power generation.  ERCOT has projected looming shortages of electric generation capacity in the years ahead.  

What:    Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, TREIA has invited industry and policy leaders to discuss these issues at the Electric Generation Adequacy & Reliability Policy Forum.

Keynote:  The forum opens with a keynote presentation by Commissioner Rolando Pablos, Governor Perry’s most recent appointee to the Public Utility Commission of Texas. This will be Commissioner Pablos’s first presentation in the context of an event focused on renewable energy. It will be followed by two panel discussions.

Panel 1: Resource, Environmental, Infrastructure and Financial Challenges

Texas could be facing electrical system brownouts and even blackouts in the next few years, possibly as soon as this summer. What are the possible causes and reasons behind this, and why might avoidance likely be difficult?  Clay Butler, Managing Partner, The Butler Firm, TREIA Policy Committee Chair moderates the panel including:

• Karen Bondy, Manager, Water Resources Management, Lower Colorado River Authority
• Robert A. “Bob” Webb, Attorney & Counselor

• Colin Meehan, Energy Analyst, EDF Project Director, Austin Pecan Street Project

Environmental Defense Fund

• Tuan Pham, President, PowerFin Partners

Panel 2: Role and Viability of Renewable Energy and Storage in Meeting Challenges

Ideas for assuring adequate and reliable power in the months and years ahead will be offered from all electric generation sectors. How can renewable energy contribute, and what would a more diversified grid including substantial renewables look like?  Steve Wiese, Principal, Clean Energy Associates, TREIA President moderates the panel including:

• Mark Walker, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, NRG Texas LLC
• Barbara O’Neill, Director, Central Region, enXco – an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company
• Warren Lasher, Director, System Planning, Electric Reliability Council of Texas
• William Peter, Transmission Manager, Solar Development, E.ON Climate & Renewables, N.A.

When: Tuesday, May 9, 2012, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Where: Texas Capitol Building, Room E2.016

Who:   TREIA is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas.  For more than a quarter century, it has promoted development of sustainable, renewable resources and their wise use.  Its membership includes hundreds of business leaders and energy experts across the state.

                                                                                          # # #