NYISO and ISO-NE Announce Symposium on Energy Competition and Innovation

RENSSELAER, NY AND HOLYOKE, MA (06/07/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and ISO New England (ISO-NE) today announced plans to jointly host an energy symposium in New York City on Tuesday, November 1, 2011. The day-long symposium, "Energy Synergy: Competition and Innovation," will address some of the major drivers of change in today's electric industry.

The symposium will bring together industry participants, government officials, and other policymakers to discuss the evolving role of competition and innovation in the Northeast electricity markets, with a focus on empowering consumers. Technology vendors also will be on hand to exhibit a variety of new products and services aimed at addressing current and future challenges.

"With this joint symposium, New York and New England will build on our tradition of working together to address important energy issues," said Stephen G. Whitley, NYISO president and CEO. "The symposium will offer an excellent forum to discuss the significant changes and innovations taking place in our markets and the important role they will play in meeting future challenges and opportunities."

"Within New England, we see certain challenges on the horizon," said Gordon van Welie, president and CEO of ISO New England Inc. "We're pleased to be partnering with the New York ISO to help spur discussion on how competition and innovation can help meet these challenges."

In addition to a keynote address and other speakers, the symposium will feature two main panel discussions. The first panel, "Competition in the Power Markets: Delivering Value Today and in the Future," will provide insight on how competition among resources can help meet electric system reliability and environmental protection standards. Panelists will discuss various mechanisms and options to ensure that consumers benefit from competition in the development of electric system infrastructure, including appropriate mechanisms for comparing in-region and out-of-region resources.

During the second panel, "The Power of Innovation: Advancing Electric System Performance and Empowering Consumers," industry experts will review the current role of new technologies on the electric grid and discuss what may occur in the future. Panelists will address what innovation means for grid operations, the role of consumers, and overall costs on the electric system. In addition, the discussion will focus on the investor's view of the current state of change in the electric system and the outlook for new grid technologies.

The general registration rate for the symposium is $250, with a government rate of $150. To register for the event, please visit www.isoenergyconference.com. For more information, interested parties may e-mail info@isoenergyconference.com or call (617) 337-9534.