This session takes a practical look at how utilities can structure EPC agreements to better withstand real-world challenges. Attendees will explore key contract provisions that allocate risk appropriately, establish clear performance and schedule expectations, address delays and cost overruns, and provide meaningful remedies when obligations are not met. Through real-world examples and lessons learned, participants will gain strategies for negotiating and managing EPC contracts that protect utility interests, support project success, and deliver long-term value for their communities.

Take a look at where both federal and state-level reforms to permitting for energy infrastructure stand. Discuss what reforms have been adopted and what is still on the table in efforts to speed permitting for renewable energy and transmission. Dive into a report from Washington state and what it implies for recommendations for further permitting improvements across the country.

The last decade has seen a number of highly significant developments in federal administrative law, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s reconsideration (and potential reversal) of Humphrey’s Executor, the demise of Chevron deference, increased use of Presidential executive orders, restrictions on agency enforcement powers, and changes in the status of administrative law judges. Get a refresher on these and other important administrative law developments, and discuss the practical impacts these changes have had (or could have) on the regulatory landscape for public power utilities.

Welcome Address

Keynote Address

This presentation will address the latest developments regarding the interconnection of these large loads and will include detailed discussion of:

the players, and the games they play when engaging public power entities regarding the interconnection of these large loads; and
the necessary agreements and the operative terms and conditions in those agreements that will ensure existing ratepayers do not subsidize the interconnection, power supply or development costs and are not stuck dealing with any stranded costs; and
the technical and policy issues that need to be considered in determining whether the “juice” from interconnecting these loads is be worth the “squeeze” on the utility and its existing ratepayers.

Emerging reliability risks demand a two-step approach: preventing problems on the front end and learning from what regulators have acted on in the past. Start with an overview of the key energy regulators, including FERC, NERC, market monitors, and state authorities that comprise the full range of enforcement regimes that may apply to public power utilities. Then walk through recent enforcement matters of note, common sources of noncompliance, and recurring pitfalls across the electric industry.

Examine compliance issues from both the perspective of the target of an investigation and as the investigator via an interactive tabletop exercise, sharpening your instincts for recognizing and responding to compliance challenges, and when to engage outside counsel. Gain practical strategies for building and sustaining organizational compliance programs, strengthen preventive controls, improve internal detection and documentation, and avoid repeat issues.