Transforming Electricity Markets: Innovation and Deployment of Smart Grid Technology
A Roundtable Discussion, 10 a.m. - Noon

The purpose of this roundtable is to discuss the economy-wide benefits and challenges associated with Smart Grid; and to explore answers to the critical normative question of what should the Smart Grid look like?

Smart grid technologies can potentially transform electricity markets and more generally the production and consumption of energy. Yet fundamental questions remain unanswered regarding both the distribution and consumer side of the Smart Grid equation. In this roundtable, participants will explore answers to such questions as: What should the role of the utility be vis-a-vis Smart Grid? What does the world need to look like to make Smart Grid work? And how do we get there?

Participants will also discuss how the current regulation of electricity distribution influences (or impedes) innovation and investment. Key to the transformation of electricity markets is innovation, investment and incentives; all of which are influenced by regulation and market structure. Do we currently have the right normative model for Smart Grid—i.e., is the utility-centric model the correct one? Or do we need a transformative move to a different paradigm that fundamentally alters the prevailing regulatory regime and market structure?

Participants TBA. By invitation only.

The Smart Grid Future: Innovation, Regulation and Efficiency
An Academic Workshop, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Reception to Follow

This workshop is devoted to research questions related to innovation, regulation and efficiency of smart grids. The interdisciplinary discussion will be organized as three panels. The first will discuss issues related to the supply-side. Smart grids present opportunities relating to energy storage and increased use of renewable energy. Incentives and cost recovery are key factors for these opportunities to materialize. Unfortunately, smart grid deployment also comes with non-trivial risks relating to grid and cyber security. Dealing with these risks is critical.

The second panel will discuss demand-side issues. It will start from the fundamental observation that smart grids can influence consumer behavior as they present consumers with information and tools for active choices as well as a wide range of new products and services. Innovation, not only by incumbents, is likely to determine the benefits and the dynamics of the market and, in this context, interoperability and access to data will be of great importance. Again, there are significant risks, in this case relating to privacy.

The last panel is devoted to future research questions, availability of data and measurement problems, appropriate methods and how findings from different academic disciplines can be assessed.

Participants TBA. By invitation only.