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Overview

The 18th Annual Gas and Power Institute features timely topics relevant to the gas and power industry in light of the changing landscape of rules, regulation, legislation, and environmental requirements. The Institute also provides essential information and resources on the latest industry and market climate.

2019 Institute highlights:
  • Commissioner Richard Glick, of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, will deliver the Thursday Luncheon Keynote Presentation.
  • Texas Legislative and Regulatory Update provides highlights from the 86th Texas Legislative Session and updates on recent judicial and administrative decisions affecting the Texas gas and electric industries.
  • Dodd Frank Update-Why Are We Still Talking About This?
  • Review strategies and best practices for effectively managing the diverse array of responsibilities thrust upon in-house counsel in the wake of a major incident.
  • The Electric Industry: What’s Next?
  • Hear about the newly created NAEMA and IECA Power and Gas Master Agreement and how it removes hurdles that have historically impeded energy transactions. 
  • U.S. LNG Production, Logistics, Congestion, Infrastructure, Exports, and Pricing
  • Texas Natural Gas Pipeline Development and Regulation
  • Mike Moran, the COO and Chief Commercial Officer of Midcoast Energy, LLC, will deliver the Friday Morning Keynote Presentation.
  • Earn up to 2.50 hours of ethics credit.
Attendees also receive additional on-demand programming after the conference to ensure they have the opportunity to meet their full 15.00/3.00 hours of required Texas MCLE.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

  • Time
    Credit
    Subject
    Speaker
  • Thursday Morning, Sep. 26, 2019
    Presiding Officer:
    Monica Hwang, King & Spalding - Houston, TX
  • 7:30 am
    Registration Opens
    Includes continental breakfast.

  • 8:20 am
    Welcoming Remarks

  • Legislative and Regulatory
  • 8:30 am
    0.75 hr
    Federal Energy Policy and Regulation Update
    Hear the latest on rulings by the US Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C. on matters involving electricity, natural gas and crude oil and other liquids; plus, an update on energy legislation developments.

    Caileen Kateri Gamache, Norton Rose Fulbright - Washington, DC
    Thomas Edward Hirsch, Norton Rose Fulbright - Washington, DC

  • 9:15 am
    0.75 hr
    Texas Legislative and Regulatory Update
    Highlights of the 86th Legislative Session and recent judicial and administrative decisions affecting the Texas gas and electric industries.     

    Jennifer Littlefield, Haynes and Boone, LLP - Austin, TX
    Jessica L. Morgan, Husch Blackwell LLP - Austin, TX

  • 10:00 am
    0.50 hr
    0.25 hr ethics
    Dodd Frank Update-Why Are We Still Talking About This?
    Enacted in July 2010 following the 2008-2009 financial crisis, all the Dodd-Frank regulations are still not yet in effect! Discuss the efforts by the CFTC, SEC and Bank Regulators to pragmatize their initial Dodd-Frank regulations by moving away from punishing swap market participants to instead making markets safe, competitive, accessible, and less systemically risky. Also review the CFTC’s recent Position Limits proposal, plus the US Bank Regulators’ rules for Qualified Financial Contracts (QFCs) which are defined in Dodd-Frank, modifications to SA-CCR rules for calculating risk-weighted capital to be held by banks for uncleared and unmargined derivative contracts, and other Dodd-Frank developments including cross-border impacts.

    Phil Lookadoo, Haynes and Boone LLP - Washington, DC

  • 10:30 am
    Break

  • 10:45 am
    1.00 hr
    Climate Change Developments—Municipalities and City Regulations
    Cities have an increasingly integral role in addressing climate change and maintaining quality of life for their citizens. Many cities have developed, or are working to develop, climate action plans. Yet modern life would be impossible without the energy and products derived from fossil fuels. This moderated panel discussion explores the nexus of cities and climate change and potential ways for communities to build a carbon-free future while balancing environmental, economic, and security concerns.

    Moderator:
    Kathy Garcia, CPS Energy - San Antonio, TX
    Panelists:
    Richard Meyer, American Gas Association - Washington, DC
    James McGuire, Environmental Quality & Sustainability, City of Dallas - Dallas, TX

  • 11:45 am
    0.75 hr
    0.50 hr ethics
    Crisis Response Strategies for In-House Counsel
    Whether a major industrial accident, a crippling cyber attack, or any other major corporate crisis, in-house counsel play a critical role in managing their organization’s response. From ensuring appropriate evidence preservation, interviewing witnesses and managing the company’s response to government investigations, to anticipating potential litigation, responding to media inquiries and assessing strategic risk, perhaps no other situation asks more from in-house legal departments. Review strategies and best practices for effectively managing the diverse array of responsibilities thrust upon in-house counsel in the wake of a major incident.

    Matthew Paulson, Bracewell LLP - Austin, TX

  • 12:30 pm
    Pick Up Lunch
    Included in registration.

  • Thursday Afternoon, Sep. 26, 2019
    Presiding Officer:
    Chris Reeder, Husch Blackwell LLP - Austin, TX
  • LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
  • Thank You to Our Luncheon Sponsor

  • 12:50 pm
    0.50 hr
    Keynote Presentation: FERC Commissioner Richard Glick

    Hon. Richard A. Glick, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Washington, DC

  • 1:20 pm
    Break

  • Markets
  • 1:35 pm
    0.50 hr
    The Electric Industry: What’s Next?
    As the electric industry shifts toward a future with more renewable energy, distributed generation will play a key role in building a more resilient grid and meeting demands from the ever changing market.

    Timothy Wang, Filsinger Energy Partners - Denver, CO

  • 2:05 pm
    0.50 hr
    ERCOT Power Market Update 
    Review ERCOT market outcomes for Summer 2019 with preliminary thoughts about the need for market changes.

    Beth Garza, Potomac Economics - Austin, TX

  • Trading Documents
  • 2:35 pm
    0.75 hr
    0.25 hr ethics
    Key Documents 101
    Get a basic overview and comparison of the essential gas and power transaction documents commonly used in the industry – the EEI, ISDA, NAESB and WSPP.  Briefly discuss the background of these documents and when they are used, then delve into the important differences and similarities between them.

    Craig R. Enochs, Reed Smith LLP - Houston, TX

  • 3:20 pm
    0.50 hr
    The Market’s Recent Evolution to Simplifying Power and Gas Transactions
    The North American Energy Markets Association (NAEMA) and the International Energy Credit Association (IECA) have launched a new Power and Gas Master Agreement that streamlines the transaction process and allows parties to transact on a faster, more cost effective basis. Hear an overview of the new agreement and how it removes hurdles that have historically impeded energy transactions.  

    K.C. Hairston, Balch & Bingham LLP - Birmingham, AL

  • 3:50 pm
    Break

  • 4:00 pm
    0.50 hr
    Retail Electric Supply Agreements: How Companies Meet Their Power Supply Needs in the Texas Market
    Examine the commercial, regulatory, and legal considerations that shape the power supply arrangements of large customers. Focus on the nuts and bolts of retail supply agreements, common issues and pitfalls, and how customers are using them to meet corporate sustainability goals.

    Meghan Elaine Griffiths, Jackson Walker LLP - Austin, TX

  • 4:30 pm
    0.50 hr
    Heat Rate Call Options
    An introduction to the use, risks, and key terms of heat rate call options, and a comparison with other hedge products for gas-fired generators.

    Philip Carey, Merrill Lynch Commodities, Inc. - Houston, TX

  • 5:00 pm
    0.50 hr
    Transaction Liability Insurance: A Strategic Approach to Managing Deal Risk
    The use of transaction-focused insurance capital continues to be an important tool to facilitate cleaner exits for sellers, while providing buyers with robust and comprehensive protection for post-closing losses related to liabilities associated with a transaction. Discuss the latest market trends with respect to energy M&A, including recent developments in the gas and power industries.

    Matthew B. Wiener, Aon - Houston, TX

  • 5:30 pm
    Adjourn to Reception
    Join us for drinks and hors d'oeuvres with program faculty and attendees

  • Time
    Credit
    Subject
    Speaker
  • Friday Morning, Sep. 27, 2019
    Presiding Officer:
    Philip K. Lau, Mayer Brown LLP - Houston, TX
  • 7:30 am
    Conference Room Opens
    Includes continental breakfast.

  • 8:00 am
    0.50 hr ethics
    Pro Bono Collaborations with Outside Counsel: The New Networking
    With both in-house counsel and outside firms wanting to give back to their communities and to develop their relationships with each other, pro bono truly is the new networking. Learn how in-house counsel and outside firms can collaborate, including best practices and overcoming fears of lack of subject-matter knowledge, on pro bono projects from legal advice clinics to direct representation, and how these collaborations help bridge the “justice gap.”

    Michael Hofrichter, Houston Volunteer Lawyers - Houston, TX

  • Pipeline
  • 8:30 am
    0.50 hr
    Keynote: Midstream Activity Overview
    Cover significant and emerging activities in the midstream space, including LNG exports, Permian Basin buildout, and more.

    Mike Moran, Midcoast Energy, LLC - Houston, TX

  • 9:00 am
    0.50 hr
    Texas Natural Gas Pipeline Development and Regulation
    Get a description of the development of new gas pipelines in Texas and the regulatory issues associated with the construction and operation of those pipelines. Discussion topics will include establishing NGPA Section 311 rates at the Railroad Commission of Texas, gas utility pipeline regulatory issues, and new challenges to obtaining right-of-way for natural gas pipelines.

    John K. Arnold, Locke Lord LLP - Houston, TX

  • 9:30 am
    0.50 hr
    A General Overview of Nominations, Scheduling and Imbalance Management on Natural Gas Pipelines
    Hear a general overview of the policies and procedures for nominating and scheduling natural gas for transportation on inter and intrastate pipelines. Learn how imbalances are created, the tools pipelines use to maintain system integrity, and how imbalances are resolved.

    Jim Cantwell, Independent Consultant - Expert Witness & Consulting Services - Sapphire, NC

  • 10:00 am
    Break

  • 10:15 am
    0.50 hr
    U.S. LNG Production, Logistics, Congestion, Infrastructure, Exports, and Pricing
    U.S. LNG export capacity is coming online and will be available to use 10 BCF/day of gas if the world LNG market can take that LNG at a U.S. export price. There are many daily issues for LNG exporters to manage including gas supply, contracting for firm pipeline transportation, and selling all their LNG everyday possible. How much U.S. natural gas actual will get exported?  

    Brad Williams, Spitfire Energy Advisors - Houston

  • 10:45 am
    0.75 hr
    Permian Infrastructure

    John J. Bick, Priority Power Management - Arlington, TX
    Peter Hays, King & Spalding - Houston, TX
    Tom Nguyen, Navitas - Houston, TX

  • 11:30 am
    1.00 hr ethics
    Protecting Client Information-Cyber Protection Duties as an Attorney
    Hear and overview of the threat landscape and the risks to law firms and clients. Also discuss the best practices for securing client information, incident detection, and response.

    William R. Daugherty, Baker & Hostetler LLP - Houston, TX
    Andy Sawyer, Locke Lord LLP - Dallas, TX

  • 12:30 pm
    Adjourn

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

John K. Arnold

Locke Lord LLP
Houston, TX

John J. Bick

Priority Power Management
Arlington, TX

Jim Cantwell

Independent Consultant - Expert Witness & Consulting Services
Sapphire, NC

Philip Carey

Merrill Lynch Commodities, Inc.
Houston, TX

William R. Daugherty

Baker & Hostetler LLP
Houston, TX

Craig R. Enochs

Reed Smith LLP
Houston, TX

Caileen Kateri Gamache

Norton Rose Fulbright
Washington, DC

Kathy Garcia

CPS Energy
San Antonio, TX

Beth Garza

Potomac Economics
Austin, TX

Hon. Richard A. Glick

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC

Meghan Elaine Griffiths

Jackson Walker LLP
Austin, TX

K.C. Hairston

Balch & Bingham LLP
Birmingham, AL

Peter Hays

King & Spalding
Houston, TX

Thomas Edward Hirsch

Norton Rose Fulbright
Washington, DC

Michael Hofrichter

Houston Volunteer Lawyers
Houston, TX

Jennifer Littlefield

Haynes and Boone, LLP
Austin, TX

Phil Lookadoo

Haynes and Boone LLP
Washington, DC

James McGuire

Environmental Quality & Sustainability, City of Dallas
Dallas, TX

Richard Meyer

American Gas Association
Washington, DC

Mike Moran

Midcoast Energy, LLC
Houston, TX

Jessica L. Morgan

Husch Blackwell LLP
Austin, TX

Tom Nguyen

Navitas
Houston, TX

Matthew Paulson

Bracewell LLP
Austin, TX

Andy Sawyer

Locke Lord LLP
Dallas, TX

Timothy Wang

Filsinger Energy Partners
Denver, CO

Matthew B. Wiener

Aon
Houston, TX

Brad Williams

Spitfire Energy Advisors
Houston

Planning Committee

Chris Reeder—Chair

Husch Blackwell LLP
Austin, TX

April Rogers—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

John K. Arnold

Locke Lord LLP
Houston, TX

Paul W. Chung

Targa Resources
Houston, TX

Merida De La Pena

Merrill Lynch Commodities, Inc.
Houston, TX

Robert D. Eickenroht

Thompson & Knight LLP
Houston, TX

Craig R. Enochs

Reed Smith LLP
Houston, TX

Meghan Elaine Griffiths

Jackson Walker LLP
Austin, TX

Ann A. Hawkins

Houston, TX

Elizabeth B. Hawkins

Targa Resources
Houston, TX

Monica Hwang

King & Spalding
Houston, TX

Norma Rosner Iacovo

Tenaska Power Services Co.
Arlington, TX

Michael D. Jones

Jones Gill Porter Crawford and Crawford LLP
Houston, TX

Todd F. Kimbrough

Holland & Knight
Austin, TX

Philip K. Lau

Mayer Brown LLP
Houston, TX

Diana M. Liebmann

Haynes and Boone, LLP
San Antonio, TX

Jesse S. Lotay

Jackson Walker LLP
San Antonio, TX

Kathleen E. Magruder

BP Energy Company
Houston, TX

Michael P. Pearson

Jackson Walker LLP
Houston, TX

Carolyn E. Shellman

CPS Energy
San Antonio, TX

Credit Info

MCLE Credit
A Texas MCLE Reporting Form will be included in your course materials. Please complete and return to the registration desk and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas, or you can self-report your credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided at the conference to keep for your records.  
At the conference, you will need to sign in on the Record of Attendance form at the registration desk. Self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. You will receive a Certificate of Attendance at the conference to keep for your records. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  
At the conference, you will need to sign in on the Record of Attendance form at the registration desk. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Supreme Court of Louisiana Continuing Legal Education Committee within 30 days after the conference. You will receive a Certificate of Attendance at the conference to keep for your records.
At the conference, you will need to sign in on the Record of Attendance form at the registration desk. You will receive a Certificate of Attendance at the conference to keep for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.
Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State
If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state before taking the program to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.
Other Credit
The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you will need to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion at the conference for your records. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  

Contact Laura Tolin, ltolin@law.utexas.edu, if you have additional questions.

Key Dates

Houston – Sep 26-27, 2019 – The Whitehall Hotel
Conference Concluded
Buy
Houston
Last day for Individual early registration: Sep 18, 2019

Add $50 for registrations received after this time

Last day for In-House Counsel early registration: Sep 18, 2019

Add $50 for registrations received after this time

Last day for Group (5 registrants minimum) early registration: Sep 18, 2019

Add $50 for registrations received after this time

Last day for Group (10 registrants minimum) early registration: Sep 18, 2019

Add $50 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): Sep 20, 2019

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Sep 23, 2019

Venue

speaker

The Whitehall Hotel

1700 Smith Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-739-8800
Map

Accommodations

$155 room rate good through September 5, 2019 (subject to availability). Please refer to the "2019 Gas and Power Institute" when you call the reservations department. 

Parking Information

Daily or Overnight Valet Parking: $10 (subject to availability) 

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

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