Regulatory Models and Regulated Utilities- Where Have We Been and Where are We Going?

Deadline to Register: Wednesday, April 17th

Please join the MSBA Public Utilities Law Section and Mitchell Hamline School of Law as our speakers discuss the ever changing regulatory and legal landscape faced by regulated utilities, consumer advocates and other stakeholders.  Three expert panels will discuss past efforts at regulatory reform, what’s worked and what hasn’t, and what the future may hold, particularly in the energy sector.   

Schedule:

A light breakfast buffet will be served beginning at 8:45 AM. Pre-registration is required. The program begins at 9:15 AM. Lunch will follow the program at 12:30 PM.

Panel I: Telecommunications- Lessons Learned

Our first panel will focus on the significant technology and regulatory changes in the telecommunications industry in the past 20 years.  A speaker from each of the cable, wireline and wireless sectors will join moderator Eric Swanson, of Winthrop & Weinstine, P. A., for this discussion.  

Panelists:
• Tony Mendoza | Owner, Mendoza Law
• Jason Topp | Assistant General Counsel, Century Link
• Paul Weirtz | President, AT&T Minnesota

Panel II: Energy- Where Have We Been & What have we Learned?

The second panel will discuss regulatory reform efforts to date in the energy sector – both across the country and in Minnesota.  Speakers from California and Texas will discuss approaches taken and lessons learned in other states, while a third panelist reviews Minnesota’s efforts to date.  This panel will be moderated by Phyllis Reha, PAR Energy Solutions LLC. 

Panelists:
• Seth Hilton | Partner, Stoel Rives San Francisco
• Jason Ryan | Senior Vice President and General Counsel, CenterPoint
• Annie Levenson-Falk | Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota

Panel III: Energy- Where Are We Going?

Our final panel will look into the crystal ball and discuss the future of regulatory reform, focusing on the energy sector.  Again, our panel will provide both a national and a local perspective in addressing the opportunities and potential pitfalls in alternative regulatory models.  Commissioner Dan Lipschultz, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, will lead what should be a lively and interesting discussion.

Panelists:
• Allen Gleckner | Senior Director, Energy Markets and Regulatory Affairs, Fresh Energy
• Nancy Lange | Board of Directors, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)
• Michael Nasi | Partner, Jackson Walker LLP

CLE Credits:

3.0 Standard CLE Credits Approved | Event Code: 271734

Cost:

MSBA Members and Non-members:  $10.00
Law Students: Free

Remote Participation: 

Remote participation via webcast is not available. 

Parking: 

Parking is free and allowed in the Mitchell Hamline parking lot and in the nearby Grotto lot. A map can be found here. *Please note that parking is limited within the Mitchell Hamline parking lot.

Want more information about the Public Utilities Law Section ? 
To register with a check, please mail in this registration form.
Need to cancel? Please see our cancellation policy.
Questions? Contact Kara Haro  | 612-278-6329

The MSBA is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which all members can participate fully. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please notify Kara Haro via phone or email: kharo@mnbar.org.  Please provide notification at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to allow sufficient time to make arrangements for accommodations.