Future of Gas Utilities Symposium

12:00–12:15 p.m. EST

Opening Remarks by Dave Sunding, President & Principal, The Brattle Group

Join us for the introduction of the Future of Gas Utilities Symposium.

12:15–12:45 p.m. EST

Presented by Frank Graves | Principal, The Brattle Group

This session will lay the groundwork for the symposium and will discuss at a high level how and why the role of natural gas is changing. Topics will include the key challenges and questions facing the industry, such as the size and pace of potential stranded costs, as well as changes in the natural gas landscape, such as natural gas bans, reach codes, and Non-Pipeline Alternatives rules. The session will also address the need for long-term solutions, new tools, regulations, and metrics to manage the natural gas transition.

12:45–1:45 p.m. EST

Andy Lubershane, Sr. Vice President, Research & Strategy, Energy Impact Partners
Gregory Caldwell, Director, Utility Hydrogen Strategy, ATCO Gas
Diane Burman, Commissioner, New York State Public Service Commission

Moderated by Michael Hagerty, Senior Associate, The Brattle Group

What is the timeline for and extent of the electrification transition, and what are the critical success factors for natural gas utilities to manage the transition? Panelists will discuss the pace of potential loss in the gas industry if electrification goals are achieved, and the role that clean fuel may play in a deeply decarbonized world.

1:45–2:00 p.m. EST

2:00–3:00 p.m. EST

Mallik Angalakudati, Senior Vice President – Strategy and Innovation, WGL
John Quackenbush, President, JQ Resources
Barbara Chapman, Senior Director, Fitch Ratings

Moderated by Josh Figueroa, Associate, The Brattle Group

How will the changing role of natural gas affect gas utilities? The panel will discuss the risks and opportunities facing gas utilities as a result of decarbonization, and why it is imperative to be proactive now to manage this transition. Panelists will also address social justice considerations.

3:00–3:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks by Veronica Irastorza, Principal, The Brattle Group

A wrap up of the day’s topics and a look ahead to Day Two: Potential Solutions

12:00–12:10 p.m. EST

Opening Remarks by Tess Counts, Senior Research Analyst, The Brattle Group

Welcome and review of Day One’s content

12:10–1:10 p.m. EST

Natalie Karas, Senior Director and Lead Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund
Stephen Caldwell, Vice President, Future of Heat, National Grid
Robin Lanier, Renewable Gas Director, Southern Company Gas

Moderated by Kasparas Spokas, Associate, The Brattle Group

This panel will discuss how gas utilities can successfully navigate the transition to a decarbonized future, from strategies to grow business while decarbonizing to the regulatory frameworks that enable them. Panelists will discuss which strategies are possible in the near term, as well as how utilities’ unique position to plan and implement large infrastructure transitions could best be harnessed to enable the transition.

1:10–1:55 p.m. EST

Presented by Suedeen G. Kelly, Partner, Jenner & Block LLP

Details coming soon.

1:55–2:10 p.m. EST

2:10–3:15 p.m. EST

Jay Balasbas, Commissioner, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
Megan Gilman, Commissioner, Colorado Public Utilities Commission
Mark Kahrer, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing and Energy Efficiency, New Jersey Natural Gas
Despina Niehaus, Director of Strategic Planning, SoCalGas

Moderated by Long Lam, Associate, The Brattle Group

What steps do gas utilities need to take today to put the strategies into action? This panel will focus on the regulatory pathways and changes to the traditional business model, including energy efficiency incentives, performance-based ratemaking (PBR), and decoupling. Panelists will also address how regulation and legislation may need to change to allow gas utilities to participate.

3:15–3:30 p.m. EST

Closing Remarks by Frank Graves, Principal, The Brattle Group

Thanks for joining our symposium!