2017 Western Transmission Summit

The Energy Imbalance Market (EIM), run by CAISO, now includes PacifiCorp and NV Energy, and is set to expand to Arizona Public Service, Puget Sound Energy, Portland General Electric and Idaho Power within the next two years.  PacifiCorp has announced that it will join CAISO as a full member, prompting much discussion of an expanded ISO/RTO in the Western region.  This panel session will take a look at the current state of talks on transforming CAISO into a full multi-state RTO and examine key questions such as:

• What is driving the potential CAISO expansion?
• What are the benefits and disadvantages to an expanded Western ISO?
• Will FERC institute a capacity market on the new ISO?
• How will an expanded EIM and Western ISO affect future transmission development in the Western region?

David Mills, Vice President, Energy Operations, Puget Sound Energy

Sarah Edmonds, Vice President and General Counsel, PacifiCorp

Don Fuller, Director, Strategic Alliances, CAISO

Eric Little, Manager – Wholesale Market and GHG Market Design, Southern California Edison

The Mountain West Transmission Group (MWTG) is exploring the potential of joining an existing RTO. Join this session and learn:

• What is the Mountain West Transmission Group (MWTG)?
• History of MWTG
• MWTG efforts to-date
• MWTG going forward
• MWTG’s timeline

Carrie Simpson, Sr. Manager, Market Operations, Xcel Energy

In this session, three state commissioners will discuss transmission development in their states, as well as the western region, and give their viewpoints on some difficult questions, including:

• How are they working to balance the need for new generation and transmission in the region while considering environmental requirements, economic and policy goals, and public concern?
• How are they dealing with federally mandated inter-regional planning at the state level?
• How will the policy and regulation decisions being made now at both the state and federal levels shape the future of the energy industry?

Doug Little, Commissioner, Arizona Corporation Commission

Patrick Lyons, Commissioner, New Mexico Public Regulation Commission

Molly Tirpak Sterkel, Program Manager, Infrastructure Planning and Permitting Branch, California Public Utilities Commission, Energy Division

Kurt Rautenstrauch, Ph.D., Natural Resources Consultation Specialist, HDR

In this lively discussion, each panel member will detail their organization’s experience with:

• FERC 1000 – what are the lessons learned so far?
• Regional Planning Process – what has come out of the process in terms of projects?
• Interregional Coordination –what is the value of markets between these regions?
• Competitive Projects – what projects are on the horizon for the 2 year/5 year/10 year plans?

Neil Millar, Executive Director, Infrastructure Development, CAISO

Patrick Damiano, President & CEO, ColumbiaGrid

Craig Quist, Director of Area Transmission Planning East, PacifiCorp; Planning Committee Chair, Northern Tier Transmission Group (NTTG)

Gerald Deaver, Manager, Regional Transmission Policy, Xcel Energy

The central U.S. is home to some of the world’s most bountiful energy resources. Strong winds across the Great Plains coupled with exceptional solar PV and CSP resources are located in close proximity to new natural gas resources, hydro generation, and growing electricity demand. Despite the regional abundance of diverse natural resources, there are three separate interconnections in the U.S. power system that limit the nation’s ability to maximize resource value and facilitate a more reliable, resilient, sustainable, and affordable U.S. electricity system.

The Interconnection Seams Study analyzes a range of transmission scenarios that aim to decrease the cost of serving U.S. electricity demand by facilitating efficient transfers of electricity across the eastern and western interconnections. The study identifies least cost options for increasing the robustness of the U.S. electricity system and decreasing the cost of serving load. In particular, the study analyzes three core scenarios: baseline, modernization of existing back-to-back high voltage direct current (HVDC) facilities, and a macro-grid overlay comprised of multiple HVDC lines. The study will use a comprehensive modeling approach based on capacity expansion, production cost, and AC power flow analysis to calculate the value of the various transmission enhancements under a variety of generation scenarios.  This session will provide a look at the current status of the study that is slated to be completed in September of 2017.

Dr. Rebecca Johnson, Transmission Advisor, Asset Planning and Management, Western Area Power Administration

• SWIP 500 kV Project

Mark Milburn, Vice President, LS Power

• Rush Creek Wind Project and current transmission projects

Gerald Deaver, Manager, Regional Transmission Policy, Xcel Energy

• SunZia Project

Tom Wray, Sunzia Project Manager, Southwestern Power Group

There are many drivers shaping the energy industry today.  In this session, we’ll take a look at some of the most critical current issues that are influencing transmission development, such as:

• Grid modernization and resiliency
• FERC 1000 challenges
• Renewable integration

Moderator:  Laurie Dunham, Vice President, DATC

Alan Myers, Director, Planning, ITC Holdings Corp.

Bob Smith, Vice President, Transmission Development, TransCanyon

Ron Belval, Manager, Regional Transmission Planning, Tucson Electric Power

Undoubtedly, large transmission investments are needed to create a modern and resilient grid.  What are the challenges of gaining financing for these large transmission projects?  In this session, we’ll examine key topics such as:

• ROE calculations and the impact on current and future transmission investment
• Business models and market features that lead to improved project financing
• Overcoming key challenges to secure financing

Ali Amirali, Sr. Vice President, Starwood

Keith Sparks, Director of Development, Clean Line Energy

Roman Fontes, Sr. Investment Officer, WAPA

In this session, you will learn how San Diego Gas & Electric proactively engages stakeholders to gain support of major project development of electric and natural gas projects throughout SDG&E service territory, at all stages of development.  SDG&E’s belief is that there is no such thing as a “one-size fits all” approach to public participation.  Instead, Regional Public Affairs Team and Major Projects Specific Teams coordinate to tailor the right approach for each project, including: 

• Internal support and external outreach
• Project-specific public affairs plans
• CAISO bidding process, pre-filing, CEQA process, construction
• Lead on construction notifications
• Active role in agency approval processes
• Close coordination with RPA, media, community relations, and the broader project team

Todd Voorhees, Regional Public Affairs Manager, Major Projects External Relations Group, San Diego Gas & Electric