We look forward to gathering in Atlanta, GA for a full day of interesting speakers and a compelling conference keynote. If you are arriving early, there will be a reception Wednesday evening to socialize with other attendees and members of the EBA Southern Chapter Board.

Wednesday, March 11

5:00 – 6:30 PM – Reception Sponsored by Google

Join other attendees Wednesday evening for a casual reception at Google’s Atlanta office from 5:00 – 6:30. Attendees can RSVP for the reception while registering for the conference. If you’re in town, but can’t attend the conference, you can still attend the welcome reception.

Thursday, March 12

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM – Keynote Remarks

9:45 AM – 11:00 AM – Large and Speculative Loads

The rapid emergence of large electricity loads—driven by data centers, artificial intelligence computing, electrification of industry, hydrogen production, and large‑scale transportation infrastructure—is challenging traditional assumptions about grid planning, reliability, and energy markets. Load growth once projected to be flat is now surging in many regions, leading to unprecedented pressures on transmission development, generation procurement, fuel diversity, and regulatory frameworks.

This panel will explore how utilities, regulators, developers, and customers are navigating the complex landscape of large-load integration. Panelists will discuss key issues such as the siting and interconnection of massive new loads, evolving state and federal policies, resource adequacy implications, innovative utility–customer partnerships, and the role of demand-side flexibility. The conversation will also address competition among states for large-load economic development, regional differences in growth patterns, and how emerging technologies may ease—or exacerbate—the strain on the system.

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM – Ethics Jeopardy

In this fast-paced, game-show format, you’ll compete with fellow attendees to tackle real-world dilemmas. Whether you’re a regulator or in private practice, you’ll sharpen your skills and have fun doing it, with topics ranging from conflicts to commission practices, and from artificial Intelligence (AI) blunders to state-specific rules.

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM – Regional Transmission Organizations & Independent System Operators: To Join or Not to Join?

As the electric grid evolves, utilities and regulators across the Southeast may consider whether to join a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) or Independent System Operator (ISO), or pursue alternative market structures? The session will begin with an overview of what RTOs and ISOs are, how they operate, and which organizations fall within the Southern region, along with a discussion of FERC oversight and compliance requirements and their real-world implications for utilities and state commissions.

Panelists will then explore the potential benefits and disadvantages of participation, including impacts on market efficiency, reliability, regulatory coordination, and consumer outcomes followed by a candid discussion of the challenges and tradeoffs. The program will conclude with a comparison of traditional RTO/ISO models and the Southeastern Energy Exchange Market (SEEM), highlighting how SEEM differs structurally and legally—and what those differences may mean for the future of power markets in the Southeast.

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM – Hot topics in the South – A Discussion on Regulatory Topics that are Presently Engaging Regulators and Utilities in our Southern Region

This panel will explore the challenges and opportunities facing utilities and state commissions, to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas to customers.  Our experts will discuss large load issues, aging infrastructure, the continuing nuclear renaissance, renewables and the quest to keep costs reasonable in the face of ever-changing upward pressures. 

Accommodations

The EBA has secured a room block at the Hyatt Centric which is steps away from where the Annual Meeting will take place. Use the link below to secure your room. The room block will close on February 11.

Registration information:

CLE:
This program will be eligible for 5 hours of CLE credit in 60-minute states and 6 hours of CLE credit in 50-minute states. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules. EBA is applying for In-Person CLE credit in SC, NC, GA, VA, and FL, and virtual credit in VA. If you need credit in another state, please contact Odwelley@eba-net.org before the conference.

To Receive CLE Credit:

If you have met the participation requirements, you will receive a personalized CLE affidavit from mcle-eba@americanbar.org for the program at which you attended at least one session to completion. Please check your spam or junk folders as these emails often end up there. Please note you will fill out one affidavit for the full event. Once you complete the affidavit, you will be able to download your certificate(s) of attendance and they will be emailed to you as well from mcle-eba@americanbar.org.

Scholarships:

EBA offers eligible student, government, and academic members discounts on the rates for most EBA programs which carry CLE credits, including EBA’s Annual and Mid-Year Meetings. EBA will, on a case-by-case basis, consider requests from members to attend EBA programs at a discounted rate. Discount requests must be made to EBA’s office at least fifteen days prior to the close of regular registration for the program in question. Requests will be considered by EBA if timely and complete. Discount requests must demonstrate a substantial financial hardship. Please submit your requests to jhannan@eba-net.org.