Virtual Forum - March 1, 2023

"Weatherization of Gas-Fired Generation Resources and Gas Supply in ERCOT"

Join us as John Arnold - Partner at Locke Lord, Natalie Dubiel - Assistant General Counsel at Texas Railroad Commission,  and Bryan Sams - Vice President of Govt. & Regulatory Affairs at Calpine - address the measures required by the Public Utility Commission and Railroad Commission to implement Senate Bill 3’s weatherization requirements to ensure the reliable operation of, and fuel delivery to, gas-fired generation resources, ERCOT’s largest source of generation. The discussion will also include a summary and update on the implementation of the firm fuel supply service to generation resources.

John Arnold is a Partner in the Houston office of Locke Lord LLP where he represents energy companies in a broad range of energy matters including regulatory compliance, litigation and enforcement as well as counseling and due diligence for energy project development and commercial transactions. Well-versed in midstream oil and gas and electricity issues, John serves clients before the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas. John has represented oil and gas producers, midstream companies, gas storage companies, and natural gas local distribution companies before the Railroad commission.  Before the Public Utility Commission, he has represented electric utilities, retail electric providers, industrial customers, and generators. John is also a former aide to a Texas Attorney General and law clerk to a Texas Supreme Court justice.

Natalie Dubiel is Assistant General Counsel in the Railroad Commission's Office of General Counsel. Natalie serves as the Commission’s primary attorney handling the economic regulation of gas utilities and pipeline regulation, including pipeline safety matters.  Over the years, Natalie has represented the Commission in gas utility contested rate case proceedings, related gas utility administrative proceedings, and pipeline safety dockets and administrative matters.  Natalie recently led the Commission’s 2020 amendment to its pipeline safety regulations.  Additionally, Natalie handles various administrative law matters for the Commission, including leading and conducting rulemakings and advising on all matters involving the Public Information Act and the Open Meetings Act. Natalie received her undergraduate degree in political science from Texas A&M University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.  Natalie is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas and joined the Commission’s Office of General Counsel in 2015.  Prior to joining the Texas Railroad Commission, Natalie began her legal career in Houston at Hendershot Cowart P.C. 

Bryan Sams is Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Calpine. He leads ERCOT market advocacy in Texas and is an accomplished electric industry veteran with experience across a variety of electric market segments including generators, retail electric providers, and investor owned utilities. Immediately prior to joining Calpine, Bryan handled regulatory affairs for Lone Star Transmission in Texas. Bryan was also at NRG Energy (NRG) for more than a dozen years, where he worked on a wide range of wholesale and retail legislative and regulatory issues. He began his career in the Commercial Operation division of American Electric Power in Columbus Ohio. Bryan has direct business and policy experience relating to numerous PUCT activities including rulemakings, contested cases and compliance matters. At ERCOT, Bryan has had leadership roles with a number committees including the Wholesale Market Working Group, Real Time Co-optimization Task Force, Supply Analysis Working Group and has been an elected member of the Technical Advisory Committee, Wholesale Market Subcommittee, Protocol Revision Subcommittee and Retail Market Subcommittee. Bryan holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin Graduate College of Engineering with a focus in Energy Policy and Finance and Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.

 
PRICING:
GCPA Members & State Govt. Employees - $25
Non-Members - $50

A link allowing you to join will be sent to you before the event.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PAY ONSITE OPTION IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR VIRTUAL FORUMS. YOU SHOULD CHOOSE THE PAY BY CREDIT CARD OPTION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE LINK TO THE BRIEFING. THANK YOU!
QUESTIONS?
If you encounter problems while registering, please contact Robin Comeaux at rcomeaux@gulfcoastpower.org

Registration Options

Online registration is now closed. Please contact Robin Comeaux if you are interested in late registration.

When and Where

Wednesday March 1, 2023
11:30 AM

Virtual Forum via Zoom
TX