"Building a Smarter Grid: The Intersection of Policy, Technology, and Economics"

Phil Keisling, Portland State University, United States

Phil Keisling, an ex journalist and Oregon's former Secretary of State, readily admits he is no smart grid expert. But in the fall of 2009, he was a co-founder of Smart Grid Oregon, one of the nation's first state trade associations focused on promoting smart grid-related businesses and innovations. In his presentation, he will describe the critical importance of linking policy, technology, and economic considerations together as states forge innovative new approaches to energy policy and practice.

"Energy Conservation as a River: Delivering Energy Efficiency in Oregon and the Northwest"

Margie Harris, Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc., United States

The Northwest has used energy conservation programs and technologies over the last 30 years to meet growing energy demand with the lowest-cost, least-risk resource available while moderating the impacts of energy development on the regions rivers. Nearly 40 years ago, the Northwest was putting the finishing touches on the last of its major hydropower dams, completing the transformation of wild rivers into a power system. This system of dammed rivers spread inexpensive electric energy to the entire region, connected inland areas to the ocean and protected urban centers from devastating floods. But the species that inhabited the wild rivers paid a heavy toll. Today, river flows and fish and wildlife habitats are being restored. Energy conservation has not driven this restoration, but it has helped make it possible. Instead of narrowing energy options as the dams firm generating capacity was reduced, energy conservation has helped meet the regions growing energy demand. After 40 years, the rivers work better for native species and their energy supplies do more work for people. Energy conservation strategies and techniques deliver ongoing benefits without building new, more costly generation sources. In Oregon, Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit organization that provides energy conservation programs for four investor-owned utilities, and works with other organizations, utilities and governments throughout the region to bring technologies and energy solutions to consumers. Energy Trusts programs and lessons learned provide valuable guidance for developing or enhancing energy conservation programs elsewhere in the nation and worldwide.