Energy Policy Forum Follow-Up
Posted by Mike Bull | Date February 16, 2015
On January 27th, we held the third and final event in our 35th Anniversary Forum series. These forums – one each on Technology, Community and Policy – highlighted areas of particular focus and expertise from the past 35 years, and looked ahead to opportunities and challenges in the years to come.
I can say, unreservedly, it was a great night.
Titled “The Future of Energy Regulation in Minnesota | Policy Opportunities and Innovations”, we heard first from Ben Fowke, the President and CEO of one of the nation’s largest electric and gas utilities, who highlighted his utility’s achievements in the areas of reliability, affordability and environmental excellence, as well as some of the significant challenges of providing service in eight different states, each with its own regulatory and policy environments.
We then heard from Bill Grant, the top energy official from the administration of Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton; Dan Lipschultz, one of five members of the little known but critically important Minnesota Public Utilities Commission; Pat Garofalo, the powerful chairman of the Minnesota House Job Growth and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance committee. And me – I was honored to share the stage with these gentlemen.
The evening was wonderfully moderated by Chris Farrell, the senior economics contributor at Marketplace, American Public Media’s nationally syndicated public radio business and economic programs. Chris’ gentle and informed style helped tease out nuance, insight and great humor from all of the Forum participants.
Looking back, I think what made the night so special was the lively and engaged audience – we had a packed house of nearly 300 audience members from a broad variety of perspectives and experience. If you were there, you know exactly what I mean – and thank you for joining us!
If you weren’t, you missed something special. Please enjoy the videos from the evening, and make sure you sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss out on any future events.
Videos of the Policy Forum
Presentations from the Forum