Highlights of the 2003 Indiana Energy Conference

Close to 150 people gathered at IUPUI for the 2003 Indiana Energy Conference  and welcomed Governor Joe Kernan who said that the state's energy costs are one-fifth below the national average, and that's a plus for economic development.  The governor says Indiana can offer businesses reliable energy at low cost.  IU business economist Morton Marcus followed the Governor's comments with a warning that the state's utilities need to be sure their generating equipment is up to date. 

The audience heard an excellent investor overview of the energy market as a preview for a panel discussion led by Inside Indiana Business Gerry Dick entitled "Can Indiana Control its Energy Future?" No, but panelists suggested that a state energy policy would be a step in the right direction.

Indiana's Utility Consumer Counselor, Anne Becker, moderated the afternoon program, including a special session on Ring-Fencing Techniques.

Chairman William McCarty, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission moderated the morning program, introducing both the Governor and Gerry Dick.

Presentations on the fuel mix included wind, coal, coal-gasification, and fuel cells.  Prior to the conference, registrants were invited to tour the Wabash River Coal-Gasification Fuel Cell Power Plant located in Terre Haute, Indiana. 

Guy Ausmus, of Ispat Inland, walks the walk and talks the talk - he is responsible for approximately $240 million of energy expenditures annually for the second largest steel producer in the world. 

Luncheon speaker Dennis Ryerson, recently appointed Editor of the Indianapolis Star, shared his impressions of our city since his move here -- and his vision for the Star.  You will see Dennis out and about as he works to become more involved in the community.

Point - Counterpoint
was the forum for discussing critical issues:  Ring-Fencing and Affiliate Abuse.  Dr. Fred Grygiel, Economist for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and energy consultant Mike Banta, did their homework and made excellent presentations, leaving you to consider the level of regulatory oversight necessary to prevent another Enron.  Both were highly effective presenters, and contributed substantially to the success of this year's conference.   

The Conference Sponsors look forward to seeing you, and a friend, at next year's event. 

American Electric Power Company
Cinergy/PSI
Citizens Gas & Coke Utility
IndianaDepartment of Commerce-Energy & Recycling Office
Indiana Industrial Energy Consumers, Inc. ("INDIEC")
Indiana Municipal Power Agency
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
Indiana Statewide REC
Indianapolis Power & Light
NIPSCO
Vectren Corporation

Contributing Planning Committee Member:
Office of Governor Joseph E. Kernan

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Indiana Industrial Energy Consumers, Inc.
John F. Wickes, Jr., Counsel
Lewis & Kappes, P.C.
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Box 82053
Indianapolis, Indiana 46282-0003
Phone:  (317) 639-1210
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