Keeping the lights on: a policymaker’s primer on grid reliability and emerging system risks

What to expect

This policymakers’ forum at ReliabilityFirst is designed to provide a practical, technical foundation in electric grid reliability and oversight. Participants will gain an overview of the respective roles of NERC, ReliabilityFirst, utilities, and regional transmission organizations, and how reliability standards are developed, monitored, and enforced. Through discussions on engineering assessments, system monitoring, major disturbance events, and emerging reliability risks such as: large load growth, system complexity, and resource transitions. The agenda equips policymakers and staff with a clearer understanding of how decisions made at the state and federal level intersect with real-world grid operations. The day concludes with an interactive exercise that highlights the tradeoffs inherent in energy policy choices and their implications for reliability and security.

Who should attend

This event is intended for state policymakers and leaders engaged in energy oversight and decision-making, including public utility commissioners, state legislators, trade organizations, state energy office leadership, governors’ offices, and their senior staff. The event provides a practical forum to strengthen understanding of reliability, resilience, and emerging grid challenges affecting state policy and regulatory priorities.

Registration

Stay tuned for registration and additional details.