6.1. ERMUSR 03-20-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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'owerfi~ Personalize your conference experience at breakout sessions, a powerful opportunity to learn about specific operational, technical and policy issues facing your utility and com- munity, directly from your peers. Monday, June t ~ t i a.rre.-Moon Environmental Risks: itVhat Boards Need fio Know The number of rules and regulations applied by EPA and other agencies to the electric utility industry requires difficult deci- sions by utility boards and staff on the tradeoffs that they pres- ent. Speakers will examine, in laymen's terms, the multitude of environmental rules affecting our industry in the next 10 years, costs of compliance and other factors. System Reliability: Best Practic€~s to Assure Customer Sal~i~faction All utilities struggle with getting the most out of their utility resources: overhead or underground; contractor or in-house; fuse save or fuse blow; how many lineworkers per meter; and all the other intangibles related to providing reliable, cost-effi- cient service. Learn strategies that smart utilities use to get the most of their resources while keeping costs low and reliability high. Utility ~`hreats from Physical and Cyber Attacks Most utility managers feel they are not viable targets for a planned physical or cyber attacks, yet they must prepare for them. Hear a discussion of the potential risks of physical and cyber attacks to utilities. Speakers will address both external and internal threats utilities face and options for managing those risks. T O ~ t C :S~ Preparing for a Future without Coal Coal-the mainstay of generation fuels throughout the his- tory of the electric utility industry -faces new regulations on carbon, mercury and other pollutants that could mean as much as one third of U.S. coal plants are at risk of being shut down. California has an integrated set of laws that combine increased renewable energy and required timelines for phase- out of coal-fired generation. This session will address the steps one utility is taking to prepare for a future without coal as it transitions to a resource mix of natural gas, renewable energy and significantly expanded energy efficiency programs. Are Small, Modular Nuclear Reactors in Our Future? Many view small, modular nuclear reactors as they key to the future of U.S. nuclear power generation, due largely to their economy of mass production and reduced siting costs. Speakers will discuss the future of small, modular nuclear re- actors, including whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is likely to approve them within the next 10 years, if they can help replace older coal-fired power plants, and if they can help alleviate the price volatility of natural gas. 15 Ideas for Successful Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Programs Hear short summaries of energy efficiency and demand response programs offered today by public power utilities, including why they were chosen, how they were implemented, results to-date and lessons learned. Learn about their experi- ences and bring your best stories to share. Rating Agencies on Public Power Representatives from the three largest credit rating companies will discuss current issues that may affect the bond ratings of public power entities. Bring your questions for the rating com- panies and hear about trends in credit ratings, public power's strengths and weaknesses, and steps boards and managers should take to assure the financial strength of your organiza- tion. Controlling Rising Benefits Costs While many proposals to expand employer-based health coverage are discussed at the state level, businesses are concerned that the rising cost of providing such coverage is challenging their ability to compete in domestic and global economies. This session will address strategies for reducing health insurance and other benefit costs for local government enterprise activities. • •