The EUCG Spring Workshop and Conference took place in May, allowing electric utility industry leaders to come together to discuss concerns and developments, and providing a platform for leaders to engage with one another to determine best practices and compile data for the ever-evolving industry.

EUCG is a global non-profit organization in its 39th year of operation, and provides an outlet for energy and electric utility leaders to interact to successfully navigate the “future of competitive energy markets.” Due to the adoption of energy deregulation in recent years by 24 states, the energy market has been evolving, allowing for increased competition and the opportunity for alternative energy companies to emerge.

David Spence, professor of law, politics and regulation at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, was the keynote speaker at the 2012 event. He gave a thorough presentation called “The Future of Competitive Electricity Markets.” The presentation provided a review of historic energy markets, outlining the change from a regulated market to a more competitive model, and tying in issues of “price, generation, transmission and innovation.”

Industry leaders also discussed topics such as “safety, emergency preparedness, [and] the role of new technologies in power generation.” EUCG holds semi-annual conferences, and the next conference will be held in late September.