This presentation will explore the current challenges relating to Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) and Independent System Operator (ISO) interconnection queues across the country, including issues of study backlog and delays, uncertainties surrounding cost allocation for network upgrades, and modification proposals in the context of increasing pressure to better facilitate the energy transition. In addition, the presentation will consider the prospects and implications of developing a Western RTO/ISO considering FERC regulations aimed at streamlining interconnection and supporting regional grid integration.
1.1 CLE Credits
This course has been accredited for CLE credit in Colorado. CLE credit hours shown are for Colorado only. A CLE course number for Colorado will be provided to attendees on their certificates of attendance once a course has been completed. New Mexico attorneys who complete a course must notify us (cle@rmmlf.org) because we are required to report credits for you. If this course has been approved for RPL/CPL credit with the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), the credits will be listed below in a separate section for AAPL. If applicable, Component Codes for AAPL recertification will also be provided. Please contact RMMLF if you need independent verification by the provider of your attendance or participation for CLE purposes. Except as provided above, RMMLF generally does not apply for accreditation from any other MCLE/CPD organizations for its online legal education program. Upon completion of a program a certificate of attendance will be issued to all attendees. Except as provided above, attendees must verify with their respective state bars and CPD organizations and their specific rules as to whether or not the certificate of attendance will be recognized by that body for MCLE/CPD purposes, and the number of CLE/CPD credits that may be available. The live presentation of the on-demand program has been accredited in most mandatory states as part of a larger course, but such accreditation does not assure recognition of the on-demand program.
ELISE CAPLAN is the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, at the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). In this role, Elise oversees ACORE’s participation in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy and other federal agency actions impacting transmission, interconnection, energy markets, siting and permitting and other core issues impacting clean energy. She has authored or co-authored multiple comments, white papers and issue briefs on behalf of ACORE. Before joining ACORE, she was an independent consultant, and prior to that spent 15 years as the Director of Electric Markets Analysis at the American Public Power Association (APPA), where she led wholesale electricity markets efforts on behalf of the nation’s public power utilities. Elise has a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan.
REGAN FINK is the Transmission and Interconnection Policy Manager at Pine Gate Renewables, a leading utility-scale solar and storage developer and owner-operator headquartered in Asheville, NC. In her current role, she manages regulatory advocacy at the RTOs/ ISOs and FERC with a focus on interconnection reform. Prior to this position, Regan was a Development Associate at Pine Gate, contributing to pipeline strategy and spearheading efforts to enter new markets. She holds a dual Master's in Environmental Management/ MBA from Duke University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Kenyon College.
DAN NUGENT represents electric utilities, power producers, private equity, transmission and generation developers, cooperative and utility customers on electric, natural gas and refined products matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state public utility commissions. He has worked on asset purchase and sales, project development, financing, interconnection and transmission service, rate-making, legislative and regulatory strategy, negotiation and litigation, contracting and a broad range of regulatory compliance matters.
If available, this course will include materials (PowerPoints presentations and scholarly papers) authored by the speaker or speakers. The materials will be downloadable while viewing the presentation video.
