April 12, 2006, Pyle Center, Madison, Wisconsin
WPUI is pleased to present the Midwest Natural Gas Initiative Power Lunch conference with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
Program Summary
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy produced a study on the Natural Gas Crisis in the Midwest. This study found that an energy efficiency campaign in eight Midwestern states could have a significant impact on the price of natural gas.
ACEEE Researchers found that a 5% reduction in both electricity and natural gas customer use over 5 years "could produce tens of billions of dollars in net cost savings for residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Midwest."
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners embraced the idea and is promoting a Midwest Natural Gas Initiative, encouraging these eight states to sign on to the idea.
The Wisconsin Public Utility Institute will host a discussion of this idea to explore how it might work, what the challenges and benefits would be and what policy makers and industry can do to work together.
Some potential discussion points:
- What other initiatives and operations currently deal with energy efficiency and conservation in the Midwest? Are regional collaboratives an effective way to enact energy policy?
- Are there barriers to a successful initiative? How will the initiative be implemented?
- Is it necessary to reduce natural gas consumption? What will market forces do to the price of natural gas in the short run? In the long run?
- Is an initiative the most effective way to reduce natural gas consumption and/or increase energy efficiency?
- Are there other efficiency and conservation techniques that should be promoted as well?
- Which incentives do utilities have to promote conservation? Which mechanisms can affect change in this regard?
Who should attend
This course is intended for commercial and residential energy buyers, competitive energy service providers, employees of consumer organizations and electric and natural gas utilities, energy utility practitioners, legislative staff, regulatory staff, state and local government personnel.
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