NEM Western Energy Policy Summit Focuses on Energy Choice Initiative

The National Energy Marketers Association (NEM) hosted its Western Energy Policy Summit yesterday in Las Vegas. The Summit gathered Nevada energy policy leaders as well as Presidents and CEOs of competitive energy and technology companies to examine issues associated with implementing consumer energy choice. “NEM and its members pledge their support and resources to aid Nevada in identifying and implementing energy market best practices that will lead to robust retail competition and benefit all consumers,” said Craig Goodman, President of NEM.

At the Summit, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison reviewed the historic energy choice ballot initiative that was overwhelmingly approved by voters, and if approved again in 2018, would provide Nevadans with a constitutional right to energy choice. Attorney General Adam Laxalt also heralded the potential opportunity for consumer choice in energy providers, terms and pricing. Nevada Assemblyman Chris Brooks explained the unique characteristics of Nevada, including its abundant renewable resources, and the goals of restructuring including ensuring consumer protection, creation of a flexible framework for evolving technologies and the creation of economic opportunities for businesses.

NEM members described retail and wholesale market best practices that have been instrumental in establishing successful energy choice programs in other jurisdictions. Darin Cook, CEO of Infinite Energy, noted that the impetus for restructuring lies in “lower energy prices, innovation and a better customer experience,” and is exemplified by the results achieved in the Texas electric market. Jeff Hendler, CEO of Energy Technology Savings, explained the phenomenon of “grid defection” whereby consumers are increasingly exercising their right to self-generate energy, and that data accessibility is key to consumer understanding of energy prices and realizing value. “Distributed Energy Resources are the next revolution in energy marketing,” said Ron Perry, CEO of Commercial Energy.

About NEM

The National Energy Marketers Association (NEM) is a national, non-profit trade association representing wholesale and retail marketers of natural gas, electricity, as well as energy and financial related products, services, information and advanced technologies throughout the United States, Canada, and the European Union. NEM is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year. Additional information about NEM is available from NEM's Washington, DC headquarters at (202) 333-3288 or its website at www.energymarketers.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171025006040/en/