ODIN Attends NGA’s Regional Market Trends Forum
09 May 2024
ODIN attended NGA’s annual Regional Market Trends Forum held in Hartford, CT. This year’s focus was on current market and policy issues impacting the Northeast market. There was a myriad of interesting sessions.
As the 2024 election approaches, public relations campaigns and civic engagement are shaping the future of the energy industry. Jeff Berkowitz, Founder & CEO at Delve discussed how politics and public sentiment are shaping energy and environmental policy. This was followed by Melissa Bartos, Vice President at Concentric Energy Advisors, presentation how natural gas utilities have played a critical role in reducing emissions. It was encouraging to hear that with new laws and regulations in place, natural gas utilities have begun to develop plans to ensure implementation. Ms. Bartos covered the options and practical considerations associated with decarbonization of the gas industry – including timing, costs, electric build out, customer choice, alternative fuels, and nonpipes alternatives.
NGA’s own Alana Daly moderated a panel discussion titled “Clean Energy Evolution: Understanding the Implications for Consumers” and included panelists Bryson Hull of Consumer Energy Alliance, Daniel Ortega of New Yorkers for Affordable Energy and Ken Girardin from Empire
Center for Public Policy. Questions put to the panel included how both residential and commercial customers will be impacted by ambitious clean energy plans. Ms. Daly requested specifics such as:
- understanding customer expectations,
- how they are thinking about the transition, and
- how they will comply.
After lunch, there was a lively discussion, led by NGA’s President, José Costa, regarding how Northeast interstate pipelines, producers and LNG companies plan to continue to meet increasing demand in the region. And to get it done in an environment where building infrastructure is challenging. It was discussed how each region’s needs will be met for reliable, affordable energy. Panelists included Blair Hastey of Enbridge and John Rudiak from Avangrid-UIL, among others.
Charles Dickerson, President of Northeast Power Coordinating Council wrapped up the day by discussing how to ensure reliability through proper coordination of natural gas and electric energy delivery. From Washington, DC to state capitols, coordinating the gas and electric sectors is at the top of mind. Closing remarks made by Mr. Costa left the attendees with a positive outlook after years of uncertainty in the sector.
