Production of electricity in the United States is entering a period of dramatic transformation. Yet, despite broad-based support for a smarter energy grid in many states and the federal government, a combination of socioeconomic, technological, and legal barriers sometimes impede deployment of smart grid systems. The barriers include information gaps, capital constraints, poor pricing methods, and outdated laws. Market failures also exist in the form of network effects, high transaction costs, and technology spillovers from investments in learning-by-doing. It is clear that large-scale transformation of the electric utility sector will not occur unless these barriers are better understood, and then neutralized or circumvented.
This CleanTX forum, drawing on industry experts from across the nation and over a range of sectors, will discuss some of the barriers and sources of change towards a smarter energy system, and will examine mechanisms for overcoming barriers to deployment of smarter electric power systems and technologies. Topics discussed will address three primary sources of change: (1) new business models and consumer acceptance of smart-grid technologies, (2) institutions that facilitate deployment of smart grids and reduction of electricity demand, and (3) promoting interoperability of smart-grid technology standards.
Moderator and Invited Speakers
Moderator: Dr. Michael Webber, Associate Director, Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, Co-Director, Clean Energy Incubator
Speaker:
· Roger Duncan (former head of Austin Energy and DoE advisor on the smart grid)--tales from the field
· David Ozment (Director, Energy, Wal-Mart)--the perspective of the commercial/retail sector
· Mark Rose (Bluebonnet Electric Coop)--the rural cooperative perspective
· Bert Haskell (Pecan Street Project)--technologies on the customer side of the meter
· Stephen Morisseau/Rick Bluntzer (NRG)--electric cars and the smart grid
· John Schulz (Director, External Affairs, Sustainability, AT&T)--telecomm, information, and the smart grid
Speaker Bios: http://ctx2.mulvid.com/bio/speaker-bios-smart-grid-customer-side-meter
Event Details
When: April 7, 2001
5:00pm-6:00pm Networking Reception
6:00pm-8:00pm Panel Discussion
Where: Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art
200 East MLK Directions and Parking
Cost: $20 Early Registration/General
$15 Early Registration/Student
$30 Late Registration/General (April 7th)
$ 25 Late Registration/Students (April 7th)
