#United States #Houston, Texas #ERCOT #UH Law Center #Electricity Grid

A Look Ahead: The Future of the Electricity Grid

As the demand for electricity is projected to surge over the next few decades, the University of Houston Law Center is poised to tackle critical issues surrounding this essential resource. On April 17, 2025, the conference titled "Rewiring the Future: How Technology, Policy and Investment are Empowering the New Electricity Era" will convene leading experts to discuss solutions to balance the rising demand and sustainable energy policies.

Driven by the increasing prominence of data centers and artificial intelligence in our daily lives, the participants will explore how technological advancements can be harmonized with effective policy development and strategic investments. This half-day event will commence at 1 p.m. in the Foundation Room of the UH Law Center, identified as a pivotal gathering for thought leaders in energy and environmental policy.

Keynote speakers include Jeffrey Dennis, former director of grid transmission at the U.S. Department of Energy, alongside Richard L. Scheel, Chief Financial Officer of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the state's power grid. Their insights and experiences promise to provide attendees with critical knowledge about the complex interplay between energy technology, policy, and investment imperatives.

Panel Discussions

The conference promises to engage attendees through two dedicated panel discussions. The first session, entitled The Business of Energy, will be moderated by Ryan Purpura from Blank Rome, featuring panelists from various sectors of the energy industry. Notable participants include Gaurav Sen from Aurora Research, Will Glover from Gowling WLG, and Jeffrey Slotterback from PhiCap Advisors. This discussion is expected to delve into the commercial aspects of energy and the innovative strategies being adopted in the market.

The second panel will focus on discussions with corporate general counsels and senior executives, moderated by Dean Leonard Baynes of UH Law. Attendees will hear from industry leaders such as Stephen Cox of Bristol Bay Industrial, Deonne Cunningham Nauls of Skylar Capital Management, and Linda Primrose of Mitsui Co. (USA) Inc., among others. Their diverse perspectives are critical in guiding policy decisions and investment strategies, especially in the context of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Participants of this event will have the opportunity to earn four hours of Texas legal continuing education credit, enhancing the educational value of the conference. Moreover, the whole event will be sponsored by the University of Houston Law Center’s Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Center, in collaboration with Blank Rome LLP, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the pressing issues the electricity sector will face in the coming years.

For anyone interested in the intersection of energy policy, legal frameworks, and technological innovation, this conference at the University of Houston Law Center is an unmissable event.

Join the conversation to understand how we can shape the future of our electricity grid efficiently and responsibly. After the event, a recording will be made available for those unable to attend in person.

To learn more, visit the official page here.

Event Details

• - What: "Rewiring the Future: How Technology, Policy and Investment are Empowering the New Electricity Era"
• - Who: Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Center at the University of Houston Law Center
• - Where: Foundation Room, UH Law Center, 4170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houston, TX
• - When: 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2025. Reception to follow.

This gathering serves as a platform for legal, environmental, and business sectors to converge, share insights, and strategically shape the future of electricity as we know it.

For inquiries, please contact Carrie Anna Criado at 713-743-2184 or Rashda Khan at 713-743-2184.