Program

The polar vortex in Texas sent shock waves into the electrical system that are being felt in Alberta and throughout North America. The lessons to be learned from Texas are particularly germane to Alberta because our deregulated electricity market framework is called an energy only market and Alberta and Texas are the only two jurisdictions in North America to have structured their electricity sector in this way. Given the similarities in market design, the obvious questions include, what happened in Texas? Can it happen in Alberta? How can Texas fix it? What are the lessons for Alberta?

11:30 – 11:35 am | Introduction
Gordon Kaiser, Arbitrator and Counsel, Energy Arbitration LLP
President, Energy Bar Association, Canadian Chapter
Moderator – Bob Heggie, Chief Executive, Alberta Utilities Commission

11:35 am – 12:05 pm | What Happened in Texas?
Pat Wood, III, former Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Joseph T. Kelliher, former Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

12:05 – 12:35 pm | Can it Happen in Alberta?
Neil McCrank, QC, former Chair, Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
Dale McMaster, former President and Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Electric system Operator

12:35 – 12:45 pm | Health Break

12:45 – 1:20 pm | How Can Texas Fix It?
Pat Wood, III, former Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
Joseph T. Kelliher, former Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

1:20 – 1:50 pm | The Lessons for Alberta
Neil McCrank, QC, former Chair, Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
Dale McMaster, former President and Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Electric System Operator

1:50 – 2:00 pm | Closing Remarks
Mary Anne Aldred
Former Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Ontario Energy Board