Energy Decision-Making in Times of Disruptive Change
September 29-October 1, 2019 – Boise, Idaho
Hosted by the Energy Policy Institute
Abstract submission deadline: April 17, 2019
The Energy Policy Research Conference is a premier, interdisciplinary forum in North America that examines the drivers and impacts of policy in energy-related systems. The 9th Annual Meeting will focus on how energy policy is framed, influences and is evaluated in times of disruptive change.* The event will bring together leading researchers, as well as policymakers, practitioners and members of the private sector from September 29th to October 1st, 2019 in Boise, Idaho. The aim is to explore issues and opportunities with up-to-date, interdisciplinary research, while fostering in-depth, cross-cutting exchanges of ideas.
Abstract submissions are due by April 17, 2019
Abstracts (300-450 words) may be for individual research papers, student posters, author panels, or roundtable discussions.** Authors of papers will have the option for their papers to be considered for publication in a special issue of The Electricity Journal or a standard issue of Idaho Law Review.
Topics of interest this year include (but are not limited to) how policy is framed, influences, and is evaluated in times of disruption in the context of:
- Cross-sectoral challenges and opportunities in energy
(e.g. planned disruption; local and national planning for extreme weather events; shared infrastructure in power and broadband; bridging with electric vehicles or natural gas; energy-water dependencies; design standards for cyber security) - Cross-policy complexities relating to energy
(e.g. the nexus of policy on jobs, the environment, technology, security, health, and industry; inter-agency coordination in cyber-security; better practices in design and implementation) - Adaptive practices and regulation of emergent technology in energy systems
(e.g. increased use of storage and microgrids; blockchain/cloud adoption and energy use; artificial intelligence and machine learning with customer load profiles; drones and resilience; gene editing and fuel production) - Organizational change, framing, and indicators
(e.g. triggers, barriers, and drivers of change; (re)valuing energy; incumbents and new entrants; stranded assets and re-purposing)
- Market redesign and new business models for energy
(e.g. the shifting role of regulators, system operators and utilities; “smart” end use and prosumers; car-sharing; bankruptcies; customer choice and rate design)
- Cross-border interactions and geopolitics in relation to energy
(e.g. trade and price shocks; managing rare earths and materials; offshoring, intellectual property and competitiveness).
Abstract submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee. We welcome top-quality work from academia, industry, government, national labs, think-tanks and nonprofits.
Important dates
- Abstracts due: April 17, 2019
- Notification of abstract acceptance: June 1, 2019
- Presenter RSVP: June 15, 2019
- Early bird registration ends: July 15, 2019
- Papers due: September 1, 2019
- Conference dates: September 29-October 1, 2019
- Planning for EPRC, see
* Disruptive change refers to shifts that go beyond a typical progression.
**An author panel will consist of presentations and session discussion on a collection of papers that are submitted jointly by four committed panelists. Roundtable discussions will be in depth session discussions on an accepted topic without papers. All submission categories are defined in the abstract submission portal.