A number of states have recently sought to increase competition in the electricity industry to drive down prices, increase supply, and improve service quality. Yet in the aftermath of the rolling blackouts and power shortages that afflicted California in 2000 and 2001, many jurisdictions have been reluctant to break with the status quo. Electricity deregulation is strewn with pitfalls, and the events in California demonstrate that chaos from poorly-designed regulatory schemes can easily result.
Unlike several other states, Texas has pressed ahead with its program of deregulation. It has unbundled the production of electricity from the distribution infrastructure and from retail sales, removed controls on electricity rates, and allowed customers to switch between competitive retail electric providers. Using an innovative basket of regulatory instruments, Texas offers a distinct track record that produces important lessons for policymakers, regulators, and researchers who seek to evaluate the merits of a more competitive approach to energy policy.
Please join us on January 25 for a conference at which nine research papers investigating the impact of Texas electricity deregulation will be presented and discussed.
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8:45 a.m.
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Registration and Breakfast
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9:00
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Welcome:
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Henry Olsen, AEI
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Introduction:
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Lynne Kiesling, Northwestern University
Andrew Kleit, Penn State University
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9:10
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I.
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Background: How Did Texas Restructure Its Electricity Market?
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Presenters:
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Parviz Adib, APX
Gürcan Gülen, Center for Energy Economics, University of Texas at Austin
David Spence, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
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Discussant:
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Mark Niefer, Department of Justice
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Moderator:
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Andrew Kleit, Penn State University
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10:50
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II.
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How Does Texas Generate and Transmit Electricity?
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Presenters:
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Eric Schubert, BP |
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Discussant:
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Richard O'Neill, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
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Moderator:
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Lynne Kiesling, Northwestern University
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12:20 p.m.
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Luncheon | |
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12:45
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Keynote Speaker: |
Pat Wood III, Wood3 Resources
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1:45
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III.
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How Are Texas Electricity Markets Regulated?
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Presenters:
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Lynne Kiesling, Northwestern University
Andrew Kleit, Penn State University
Steve Puller, Texas A&M University
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Discussant:
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Timothy Brennan, Resources for the Future
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Moderator:
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Shmuel Oren, University of California, Berkeley
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3:15
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Concluding Remarks:
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Lynne Kiesling, Northwestern University
Andrew Kleit, Penn State University
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3:30
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Adjournment
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