At the University of San Diego’s Sixth Annual Climate & Energy Law Symposium, academic and policy experts will analyze and assess three core aspects of this complex issue.

First, experts will explore the topic of regulatory changes. What regulatory changes will be needed to accommodate advancing technologies and the economic realities of the future? How can we align incentives of utilities, customers, and resource developers in a way that ensures equity and does not stifle innovation? What changes are needed to the utility ratemaking process both how utilities make money and how customers are charged for the energy services they use and provide? How can we achieve environmental goals and maintain reliability?

Second, there is the need for an effective and functional utility business model. What utility business models could accommodate the projected changes? What functions and services should remain with regulated electric utilities and what functions could be provided by other entities? Are there existing examples of business models that could be applied to the changing landscape of the electric industry? What structure can meet overarching policy goals while maintaining viable utilities?

Third, Symposium speakers will address market structures. What market structures would facilitate exchange of services and value between utilities and customers? What attributes, market rules, and standards would be necessary to ensure transparency, encourage innovation, and create stability?