Arizona Energy at the Crossroads Conference

Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (MST)

You're Invited

For the first time in Arizona’s history, proposals for changes to utility rate plans will have a great impact on the future of power generation with ramifications on cost, water use, pollution, jobs and individual choice. Join national and local experts in an open and honest discussion of the issues that will drive Arizona's energy future. Topics to be discussed include:

• Electricity Supply in Arizona: Today and Tomorrow
• Impact of Customer Generated Energy
• Why Rates Matter: Case Studies of Effect of Energy Rates on Users
• Solar Energy: Free Market Choice or Bad for Other Ratepayers?
• Rate Design Trends and Emerging Technology Response

Debbie Dooley, one of the original founders of the Tea Party Patriots, will be discussing solar energy and whether it is a free market choice or bad for ratepayers with House Energy Committee Chairman Rep. Frank Pratt. The panel will be moderated by 12 News’ Brahm Resnik, so it should be a very lively discussion. You won’t want to miss it! See the agenda below for information on all of the panel topics, panelists and moderators.
Conference Agenda

8:00AM            Registration Opens

9:00 – 9:10      Pledge of Allegiance, Introductions & Opening Remarks – Mark Holohan, AriSEIA

9:10 – 09:40    Opening Keynote – Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Susan Bitter Smith

9:45 - 10:45     Electricity Supply In Arizona: Today & Tomorrow

• Barbara Lockwood, APS
• SRP (speaker TBD)
• Moderator: Mark Holohan, AriSEIA

10:50 – 11:35  Impact of Customer Generated Energy

• Dr. David Wells, ASU “Who’s Installing Solar: An Analysis of Arizona Goes Solar”
• Thomas J Williams, Scottsdale Community College
• Dr. Stan Reynolds, The University of Arizona, “Renewables & the Arizona Energy Market”
• Moderator: Jim Small, Arizona Capitol Times

11:35 – 12:30  Lunch – Keynote Karl Rabago, “Rethinking the Investor Owned Utility Model”

12:30 – 1:15    Why Rates Matter: Case Studies of Effect of Energy Rates on Users

• CR Herro, VP, Environmental Affairs, Meritage Homes
• Dr. Paul Tighe, Superintendent, Mingus Union High School District
• Ken Hicks, CFO, Peoria Unified School District/ASBO
• Moderator: Sue Pierce: Pierce Energy Institute

1:20 – 2:15      Rate Design Trends

• Leland Snook, APS
• Karl Rabago, Executive Director, Pace Energy and Climate Center
• Moderator: Herman Trabish, Utility Dive

Afternoon Break – Take as needed, please try not to be disruptive

2:20 – 3:10      Solar Energy: Free Market Choice or Bad For Other Ratepayers?

• Debbie Dooley, Co-founder of the Tea Party & Green Tea Coalition
• Hon. Frank Pratt (R-8), AZ House of Representatives, Energy Committee Chair
• Moderator: Brahm Resnik, 12 News

3:15 – 4:00      Emerging Technology Response Self-Use vs. Net Metering (Battery Storage)

• Lon Huber: Strategen
• Farid Dibachi, CEO, JLM Energy
• Moderator: Herman Trabish, Utility Dive

Open to the public

Admission $35 (includes morning coffee, lunch and afternoon snack)
University of Arizona and MCCCD students with ID - Free ($15 w/lunch)
Only 200 seats available - Preregistration required

Additional information, info@ariseia.org

Location:

Rio Salado Conference Center
2323 West 14th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281

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My skeptical ear, along with a notebook, pen and smartphone for live Tweets, will attend. I'll also let you know what I think afterward. But if you can make it, please do.