2022 Agenda

The path to net zero for a natural gas consumer is complex. Join us for a discussion on (i) what the energy transition might look like for a gas consumer; (ii) bridge products that can be incorporated in gas procurement strategies today—at scale—including carbon offsets, certified natural gas, and renewable natural gas; and (iii) future low carbon energy systems, including hydrogen and CCUS.

The discussion will focus around the crucial role that natural gas and its infrastructure play in fulfilling our energy needs today and tomorrow, with a specific focus on the Midwest. Additionally, discussion around the multi-faceted approach at the LDC level to transition into the Future of Energy.

Leading industry analysts offer an up to the minute assessment of market conditions, with supporting data and contextual analysis. Highlights include Freeport shut-down implications, power-gen demand, crude & NGl prices, Canadian imports, midstream effects, This information provides an excellent foundation and factual reference point for the overall Forum agenda and ensuing discussions.

The focus will be on the global and US economic outlook and the likelihood of a recession in 2023. This will include an examination of recent energy market developments and the ongoing monetary policy response to elevated inflation readings.

Presenting industry’s perspective on interstate gas transmission permitting reform opportunities being discussed in DC and the role natural gas plays to ensure reliability of electric generation.

The midstream segment consists of much more than simply pipelines. It is a sophisticated value chain involving permanent operational facilities combined with a wide range of solution and service offerings leveraging commercial, financial and technology capabilities. This Panel is composed of experts representing three different aspects of the midstream value chain: i) independent data analytics company focused on climate ESG data for emission-intensive companies; ii) mobile LNG and CNG service provider (virtual pipeline); iii) Canada’s largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company; and iv) a major energy infrastructure operator. The Panel will examine various aspects of the midstream segment, highlighting the latest project updates, as well as new innovations. Perspectives on the role of midstream’s role in the energy transition will also be addressed.

Joe Bastardi is a well-known expert meteorologist and a regular speaker at the Forums. He has recently appeared on Tucker Carlson and other media outlets sharing his insight and expertise as it relates to climate concerns, hurricanes and other weather-related events affecting the country. Joe will lay out the factors behind his forecast for December 2022 to bring a return of winter as we used to know it. Joe’s forecasting and accompanying analysis is presented in a way that allows natural gas market participants to anticipate impacts of weather-related events and plan accordingly.

• Intro/high level on statistics of females in the industry and at leadership positions
• Celebration of how far we’ve come - some successes we’ve had with increasing female participation in the industry and speakers at the LDC forums.
• What are other ways we can support women in energy?
o Sponsorship/mentorship/allyship
o Providing opportunities
o Diverse exposure
• Leveraging Energy Transition as a means to attract more women, the industry is transforming (again) and we can use this transformation as an opportunity to bring in women at various levels to drive energy transition. We need new skills for hydrogen, renewables, new ideas and new ways of collaborating to execute energy transition- start now with women in these fields at various levels or use this as an opportunity to train women in these areas.

Washington, DC is a busy place in a normal year. This year, being an election year, means there is even more activity. In addition to possible changes to the majority in Congress, the President and his Administration is very active. Listen in to this presentation to learn about all that is going on, especially as it relates to natural gas distribution operators and all in the natural gas supply chain. You may even hear who is going to win in the November elections! You will hear a prediction at least! Also, if you think your opinion doesn’t matter to policymakers, you definitely want to attend this session. You will learn that you should engage and how to get your voice heard. Don't miss it!

Oil and gas assets and infrastructure have emerged as the biggest target for cyberattacks over the last five years. On top of that, the majority of breaches can be traced to a third party or external user. Preventing these breaches is a top priority of cybersecurity teams and must be a coordinated effort among not just security, but also third-party risk management, compliance, and even the business line where these third parties are being engaged. An evaluation from a former counterintelligence agent unearths an approach many organizations have yet to consider – one that assesses the person, or identity, not just the third-party vendor as an organization. Identity security is becoming an essential component of third-party risk, particularly as the alternative workforce grows and many companies place more trust in third parties. The fact that most organizations lack a proven means of managing, controlling and monitoring third party access presents significant risk. During this session, we’ll shed more light on this topic and discuss straightforward ways to close the identity gap in third-party risk.

This Panel of Utility and Industrial Gas Buyers bring their unique perspectives on various aspects across the commercial natural gas chain. Topics include:

Current Market Conditions (Supply, Demand, Pricing):
1. Do you see current commodity pricing continuing at current levels? Is price volatility an issue? How do these conditions affect your gas purchasing strategies?
2. Have there been any recent unusual weather events that have presented challenges for your operations?
3. Does global demand for natural gas and increased LNG exports from the United States affect your supply strategy?

Supply Arrangement Preferences
1. Are suppliers (producers/marketers) meeting your expectations for effective supply arrangements? What more could they be doing?
2. Given current market conditions, many oil & gas producers have adjusted strategies and market approaches. As a result, have you made changes to your gas supplier line-up?
3. Does your company make purchases of renewable natural gas (RNG)? Do you encounter a price premium for RNG? What is your strategy for addressing any price premium?
4. What is your strategy for managing storage going into winter 2022/2023?

Energy Transition
1. What expectations do you have for suppliers (producers/marketers) to develop new product offerings incorporating a lower carbon footprint (e.g. carbon offsets, carbon capture, RNG, etc.)
2. Are the renewable percentage targets being imposed by various lawmakers practically achievable?
3. In order to meet low carbon targets being set by policy makers, what do you expect the price impact to be on ratepayers?
4. Are low carbon affecting your purchasing strategies?
5. Are ESG policies affecting your purchasing strategies?
6. Has your company set GHG goals for itself? How do these affect your gas purchasing strategies?

Midstream
1. Are there currently constraints in obtaining sufficient pipeline capacity to meet requirements? Do you expect constraints this winter?
2. New pipeline expansion projects are becoming increasingly difficult to complete. Do you expect insufficient pipeline capacity in the future to be problematic in meeting demand requirements?
3. In light of challenges with obtaining new pipeline capacity, are you employing innovative delivery solutions such as virtual pipeline, small-scale LNG, CNG, etc.?

Regulatory / Policy
1. What are the implications of current policy mandates (federal, state, local) on your gas supply arrangements?
2. Are net zero and very low carbon intensity targets achievable by the dates being mandated?
3. How do prohibitions on new gas connections impact your operations?

Utility Buyers
1. What constraints do regulatory requirements place on your ability to structure gas supply arrangements?
2. What challenges do you encounter in obtaining regulatory approval for gas supply plans?

Industrial Buyers
1. How significant is the price of natural gas in managing your operations?
2. How much of an impact do recent higher commodity prices have on the price of products you manufacture?
3. How do you manage natural gas price volatility in your operations?