Guest speakers Stuart Nelson (LCRA) and Karl Rabago (Austin Energy) share their unique perspectives on how alternative energy is becoming a reality in Central Texas.

Stuart Nelson, LCRA's Manager of Asset Development, will explain the state's "CREZ" initiative, and LCRA's role in building transmission lines to bring more wind power to Central Texas. Mr. Nelson led LCRA's participation in the CREZ process over the last two years, which resulted in LCRA being assigned the responsibility for constructing the transmission lines.  He will be able to talk concretely about what will be happening over the next few years as these large construction projects are carried out.

Karl Rabago, who became Austin Energy's new Vice President for Distributed Energy Services in March, will talk about his role as Austin Energy's "green leader"—and how Austin's electric services and generation resources will evolve in the future.  Karl is a former Commissioner of the Texas Public Utility Commission, and Deputy Asst. in the Dept. of Energy in the Clinton administration.  He will be leading Austin Energy's efforts on the Austin Climate Protection Plan, green building, energy efficiency, plug-in hybrids and other programs.  Karl also will be able to answer questions about COA's new requirements for an energy audit at the time of the sale of a home, which kick in the day before this presentation, and will discuss his plans for getting large businesses to participate in distributed energy programs.