The theme for the Forum is: Does Climate Change Challenge Require New Perspectives?
Chris Russo is a panelist during the session titled “The Consequences of Stranding the Natural Gas Pipeline System.”
Climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy are challenging the established legal and economic norms that underly the rate regulation of network utilities, raising the threat of asset stranding in the natural gas sector, requiring massive capital attraction for electric utilities to “electrify everything”, and blurring the distinction between shareholders and customers. What are the consequences of the lack of consensus on net zero versus no carbon emissions, the role of natural gas, and the length of the transition period? Who should decide the approach used to value stranded assets and who should bear the cost – customers, shareholders, and/or taxpayers? What are the consequences on the cost of capital for rate regulated utilities? How will utility services remain affordable? How should regulatory processes be adapted to ensure informed decision making?
Adonis Yatchew is a panelist during the session titled “Re-thinking Data in the Energy Transition.”
Climate change related electrification policies together with technological innovation are forcing changes to energy systems in Canada and the United States. These changes are, in turn, driving demand for more and better-quality energy-related data to improve policy, and environmental, regulatory and other societal outcomes as we transition to a low carbon economy. What new data collection and access approaches are needed to ensure the availability of energy data that is relevant, accurate, timely, and reliable?
For more information on this event, click here.
