Midwest Energy Policy Series: Economic Development

December 12, 2024 | St. Louis | Hybrid | 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Event Focus

The Conference

The 2024 Midwest Energy Policy Series (MEPS) on Economic Development is the final event in this year's MEPS series. This hybrid event, taking place in St. Louis and available online, provides a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals to explore the latest trends, policies, and technologies shaping the economic landscape of energy development in the Midwest.

DECEMBER 12, 2024 | St. Louis, MO | HYBRID

Event

Focus

The MEPS on Economic Development is designed for professionals committed to advancing the energy sector in Missouri and the broader Midwest. This event will concentrate on the pivotal role of energy in driving economic growth, with sessions covering:

Regional Economic Development Success: Hear about how the latest economic development success occurred and what the role of energy is.
Regulatory Insight: Gain an increased understanding of the regulatory process on Missouri’s economic opportunities.
Politics, Energy, and Economic Development: Discover the impact of these relationships, post-election.
Workforce Development: Explore strategies to cultivate a skilled workforce for the evolving energy landscape.
Public-Private Partnerships: Uncover collaboration opportunities to spur economic development.

Agenda

Breakfast, lunch, and a light snack will be provided.

Full schedule coming soon!

Panel | Session 1 | Resource Adequacy Regulator Perspective

Kayla Hahn, PSC
Justin Grady, KS KCC
Daniel Scripps, Michigan PSC

Session Description: Navigating legislative and regulatory frameworks is crucial for advancing economic development in Missouri. The "Resource Adequacy Regulator Perspective Fireside Chat" at MEPS on Economic Development will allow attendees to gain an increased understanding of the regulatory process on Missouri’s economic opportunities.

Session 4 | Large Users/AI Impact

Steve Wills, Ameren Missouri

Rob Dixon, Ameren Missouri

Session Description: As large energy users and artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly influence the grid, this panel will explore their significant role in shaping the future of energy demand and consumption. Experts will also discuss how sectors like manufacturing, data centers, and other high-demand industries affect energy planning, pricing, and efficiency efforts. Attendees will gain insights into the balance between meeting the needs of energy-intensive industries and driving toward a more efficient grid in an AI-driven future.

Keynote | Session 2 | Post Election

John Ashford, Hawthorn Group

Session Description: Exploring the state of energy policy following the pivotal 2024 election cycle directly impacts the advancement of economic development in Missouri and the United States. This Post-Election Keynote will equip attendees with an in-depth analysis of the political landscape's impact on both Missouri and federal energy strategies. Attendees will learn how the election results will shape policy decisions, regulatory changes, and economic growth in the energy sector for years to come.

Session 5 | Chevron Ruling & Energy

Louise Miltich, Great Plains Institute

Alex Bond, Edison Electric Institute

Session Description: Industry experts will explore the implications of the Supreme Court's Chevron ruling on energy policy and regulation. With potential shifts in the balance of power between regulatory agencies and the courts, panelists will analyze how the ruling could affect the interpretation of environmental and energy regulations. Panelists will examine how energy companies, utilities, and other stakeholders may need to adjust strategies in response.

Panel | Session 3 | Resource Adequacy Utility Perspective

Christina J Hajj, DTE Energy
Kevin Gunn, Evergy

Session Description: This panel will dive into the critical issue of resource adequacy from the utility perspective, addressing the power grid's ability to meet electricity demand reliably at all times. Industry leaders will discuss the complexities of maintaining a resilient power system, balancing supply and demand, and the importance of strategically placed resources to avoid outages. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how utilities are navigating regulatory changes, grid modernization, and long-term resource planning to secure the future of reliable electricity delivery.