AUSTIN, Texas, May 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After several threats of rolling blackouts and water issues from 2011 concern in Texas continues to grow over power generation. ERCOT has projected looming shortages of electric generation capacity in the years ahead. Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, TREIA has invited industry and policy leaders to discuss these issues at the Electric Generation Adequacy & Reliability Policy Forum on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the Texas Capitol Building, Room E2.016. The forum is free and open to the public and takes place from 1 – 4:30 p.m.
The forum opens with a keynote presentation by Commissioner Rolando Pablos, Governor Perry's most recent appointee to the Public Utility Commission of Texas. This will be Commissioner Pablos's first presentation in the context of an event focused on renewable energy. It will be followed by two panel discussions.
Panel 1: Resource, Environmental, Infrastructure and Financial Challenges
Texas could be facing electrical system brownouts and even blackouts in the next few years, possibly as soon as this summer. What are the possible causes and reasons behind this, and why might avoidance likely be difficult? Clay Butler, Managing Partner, The Butler Firm, TREIA Policy Committee Chair moderates the panel including:
- Karen Bondy, Manager, Water Resources Management, Lower Colorado River Authority
- Robert A. "Bob" Webb, Attorney & Counselor
- Colin Meehan, Energy Analyst, EDF Project Director, Austin Pecan Street Project Environmental Defense Fund
- Tuan Pham, President, PowerFin Partners
Panel 2: Role and Viability of Renewable Energy and Storage in Meeting Challenges
Ideas for assuring adequate and reliable power in the months and years ahead will be offered from all electric generation sectors. How can renewable energy contribute, and what would a more diversified grid including substantial renewables look like? Steve Wiese, Principal, Clean Energy Associates, TREIA President moderates the panel including:
- Mark Walker, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, NRG Texas LLC
- Barbara O'Neill, Director, Central Region, enXco – an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company
- Warren Lasher, Director, System Planning, Electric Reliability Council of Texas
"Recent experience tells us our ability to keep the lights on in Texas can be challenged in the winter or summer time, and a shortage of power hits us where we live," said Russel Smith, TREIA Executive Director. "It is in the interest of all Texans that industry and government leaders gain a full understanding of the problem and make policy decisions that solve it for the short and longer term. It is our hope that this Forum will add positively to the ongoing dialogue and help define the role renewable energy technologies can and should play as a growing part of our state's energy mix."
TREIA is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas. For more than a quarter century, it has promoted development of sustainable, renewable resources and their wise use. Its membership includes hundreds of business leaders and energy experts across the state.
The TREIA logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12569