WASHINGTON, DC - The Subcommittee on Energy, chaired by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), today announced three additional hearings as part of the committee’s ongoing ‘Powering America ’ series. The series - launched in July - seeks to provide members an opportunity to explore the complexities of electricity markets and consider reforms related to electricity generation, distribution, and consumption.
The first hearing entitled, “Powering America: Technology’s Role in Empowering Consumers," is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017, at 10:15 a.m. in room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The second hearing entitled, “Part Two: Powering America: Defining Reliability in a Transforming Electricity Industry," is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017. The third hearing entitled, “Powering America: Consumer Oriented Perspectives Towards Improving Electricity Markets," is scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2017.
The nation’s electricity system is undergoing significant transformation due in part to advances in technology and changing consumer preferences. This transformation has resulted in newer technologies that empower consumers by providing them greater control over their electricity consumption and generation. The September 26 #SubEnergy hearing seeks to examine and highlight the evolving role of the consumer in electricity systems with a panel of witnesses who are at the forefront of developing these new technologies to meet consumer demand and preference.
On Oct. 3, #SubEnergy will continue with the second panel of its previously scheduled hearing on addressing reliability of the nation’s electricity system. Electricity is supplied by a diverse mix of fuel sources - natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, hydropower, solar, and other technologies. The second panel of witnesses will provide their insight into how the different attributes of generation resources help system operators protect the reliability of the electric grid.
On October 5, #SubEnergy will examine the role of consumer advocates in the electricity markets and explore end-user concerns, including whether these markets are delivering benefits to consumers, the cost of electricity, and whether the average ratepayer or public-interest organization can effectively participate in the market design processes.
“Technological advancements and changes in the ways in which we generate, distribute, and consume electricity have empowered consumers in ways not thought possible years ago," said Chairman Upton. “I’m looking forward to examining the evolving role consumers play in electricity markets and hearing from our witnesses on the work they’re doing to meet consumer demand and preferences for the 21st century."
Information on the September 26 hearing, including a background memo, witness list, and witness testimony will be available here as they are posted.as it is posted.as it is posted.
