Default service and provider of last resort have emerged as key issues to the success or failure of retail restructuring plans. States and provinces have adopted a diverse set of policies on these critical issues with little consensus or analysis of the different models. The Center for the Advancement of Energy Markets (CAEM), with participation of about 50 organizations, roughly even split between corporate and public sector/public interest groups, has been examining these issues and will release its findings on April 7, 2004 at an interactive seminar.

Background

Every state or province that implements a retail choice plan must establish a policy on how to treat customers who do not pick a competitive supplier, otherwise known as “default service.” The terms “default service” and “provider of last resort (POLR)” are often used interchangeably. But there are significant differences. Default service usually refers to the designated service provider for those customers who did not choose a competitive supplier. POLR can also mean that, but it may also mean that there may be a backstop provider, usually the regulated distribution company, in cases of a marketer’s bankruptcy or exit from a market, or if the customer chooses to end a contract with the competitive supplier.

The choice of default provider model, many believe, has emerged as the single most significant factor in determining the successful transition from the monopoly model to a competitive one.

Agenda

This executive seminar will be highly interactive. Sessions will begin with brief presentations intended to provoke discussion and answer questions. Attendees are not just audience members, but rather key participants encouraged to share their ideas and views. To expand the scope and relevancy of the discussion, CAEM is making available steep registration discounts to qualified state, federal, and non-profit organizations.

All sessions will be facilitated by Ken Malloy, CAEM CEO. He will be joined by: Calvin Timmerman of the Maryland Public Service Commission, Wayne Harbaugh of Baltimore Gas & Electric, and Mike Swider of Strategic Energy. With representation from a state commission, a utility, and an energy services provider, you’ll learn first-hand the varying concerns and priorities of each of those segments as they relate to the issues involved in formulating and implementing a default provider model.

8-8:30 a.m.
On-site check-in and breakfast

8:30-9:30 a.m.
Welcome, Overview, and Introductions

9:30-10:15 a.m.
Identification of Various Models: Pros & Cons and Case Studies

10:15-10:45 a.m. Break and informal networking

10:45 a.m.-Noon
Analysis of the Impact of Model Types in the Development of Competitive Markets

Noon-1 p.m. Lunch
Sponsored by Baltimore Gas & Electric and Constellation NewEnergy

1-3:15 p.m.
The Study's Findings and Recommendations

3:15-4:30 p.m.
Reception and Networking
Visit informally, in a social setting, with the speakers and your colleagues

Details and Registration

To ensure your participation at the Default Provider interactive seminar, please register early. Space is limited

When: April 7, 2004
Where: Mansion on O Street, 2020 O Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036

Registration Fees:

$750 for-profit corporations or trade associations of for profit organizations

$650 for second and each subsequent registration from the same corporation

$175 for state and federal government personnel, and/or representatives from non-profit organizations (Registrations for this discounted category are subject to CAEM’s approval)

$350 for individuals who are members of: CAEM’s Board of Directors, CAEM's IDEAS Foundation, CAEM Scholars, Members of CAEM's Retail Energy Deregulation (RED) Index Advisory Board, or participants in CAEM’s Default Provider study

A Note to Our Friends in the Media
To encourage all participants to freely engage in frank discussion, no members of the press will be admitted to the seminar. A press conference on the Default Provider Study will be held the following day, April 8, at which time CAEM will also post its findings on our website.

To pay with a credit card, click here (coming soon)

To register online and have us send you an invoice, click here

To download a registration form (.doc) and e-mail or fax it to us, click here

Lodging

Attendees are responsible for thier own lodging arrangements.
A limited number of accomodations are available at the Mansion on O Street:
Reservations: phone (202) 496-2000; fax (202) 659-0547
e-mail hotel@omansion.com
website http://www.omansion.com

Click here for a list of Additional Hotels in the Area

Sponsorships and Group Discounts

Sponsorships help defray the costs for regulators, governmental officials, and representatives of non-profit organizations to attend at substantially discounted prices. Those discounts encourage attendance from non-profit organizations helping to expand the scope and relevance of the discussion.)

To sponsor breakfast and breaks (includes one meeting admission): $1,500
To sponsor the reception: $1,000
To sponsor all three: $2,000

Group discounts are available for three or more registrants from the same company or organization. Contact Gary Clouser, CAEM Director of Education and Outreach, at gclouser@caem.org. for details.

Additional Information

If you have questions, please contact Gary Clouser, CAEM Director of Education and Outreach at gclouser@caem.org.

If you can’t attend this workshop but would like to arrange a seminar to be held at your company’s site or if you have an idea for a future workshop/seminar, contact Gary Clouser at gclouser@caem.org.

The Center for the Advancement of Energy Markets (CAEM) is a non-profit, independent, Washington, DC-based think tank founded in 1999 to promote market-oriented solutions to the challenges that confront the energy industry, both wholesale and retail. CAEM is not a trade association, consulting firm or a lobbying group. It strives to develop intellectual capital for moving toward new public policies and regulation, new business model, and new technologies driven by competitive energy markets.