In case you missed it...or want a replay
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Midwest Energy Policy Series on Economic Development on December 12, 2024 in St. Louis and online. We are immensely grateful to all our guests, speakers, and sponsors for their valuable contributions and for making this event a success.
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We invite you to view the recorded sessions and download the PDF of the presentations below. Whether you're revisiting the topics discussed or experiencing them for the first time, these resources are a great way to continue the conversation.
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Thank you once again for your engagement and support. We look forward to seeing you at our next event in Columbia, MO, April 2025. The 2025 Midwest Energy Policy Series: Renewables & Efficiency. Stay tuned for more information.
Video On Demand
Session 1: Panel: Chevron Ruling & Energy
This session will examine the potential implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding the Chevron doctrine and how it could reshape the regulatory environment in the future. Panelists, including legal experts and energy industry stakeholders, will discuss how this ruling may affect energy policy implementation and key decisions by federal agencies. Speakers: John Coyle, Duncan Allen Roger Walker, RAWalker & Associates LLC
Session 2: Fireside Chat: Large Users/AI Impact
This session explores how large energy users and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the energy landscape. Panelists will discuss the energy demands of major industries, data centers, and AI-driven technologies, as well as the implications for grid management, resource adequacy, and sustainability efforts. Speakers: Nekabari L. Goka, Google Rob Dixon, Ameren Missouri Steve Wills, Ameren Missouri Frank Caro, Polsinelli
Session 3: Fireside Chat: Resource Adequacy Regulator Perspective
In this session, energy regulators from Michigan, Kansas, and Missouri will come together to discuss the critical issue of resource adequacy, ensuring that enough energy resources are available to meet demand, especially during peak usage periods. All three states have and are developing policies centered around resource adequacy to support reliability and economic development. Speakers: Kayla Hahn, PSC Justin Grady, KS KCC Daniel Scripps, Michigan PSC
Session 4: ​Panel: Resource Adequacy Utility Perspective
This session brings together utility representatives from Kansas and Michigan to discuss their perspectives on ensuring resource adequacy—securing sufficient energy resources to meet customer demand reliably. The discussion will focus on the utilities’ strategies for balancing grid stability, regulatory requirements, and the evolving energy landscape in each state. Speakers: Kevin Gunn, Evergy Christina J Hajj, DTE Energy
Session 5: Keynote: Post Election
The outcome of elections can have a significant impact on energy policies, shaping the direction of energy production, consumption, and regulation. In this session, we will explore how 2024 election results will influence energy policy, looking at the priorities of political parties, shifts in legislative frameworks, and the potential consequences for the energy sector. Speaker: John Ashford, Hawthorn Group
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.
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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:
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Regional Economic Development Success: Hear about how the latest economic development success occurred and what the role of energy is.
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Regulatory Insight: Gain an increased understanding of the regulatory process on Missouri’s economic opportunities.
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Politics, Energy, and Economic Development: Discover the impact of these relationships, post-election.
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Workforce Development: Explore strategies to cultivate a skilled workforce for the evolving energy landscape.
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Public-Private Partnerships: Uncover collaboration opportunities to spur economic development.
Agenda
Panel | 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.
Large Users/AI Impact
Steve Wills, Ameren Missouri
Rob Dixon, Ameren Missouri
Nekabari Goka, Google
Frank Caro, Polsinelli
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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 | 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.
Chevron Ruling & Energy
Roger Walker, RAWalker & Associates LLC
John Coyle, Duncan & Allen LLP
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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 | 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.
Speakers
Thank You to Our Speakers!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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