Emerging Sectors in Cleantech Forum
Energy Intelligence: Investment, Risk and Regulation for
Advanced Connectivity and Infrastructure
November 19, 2008 | 6:00-9:00 PM | 755 Page Mill Road | Palo Alto
Your Host & Sponsor: Morrison & Foerster

Morrison & Foerster, in conjunction with the VC Taskforce, is launching a six-part panel discussion series entitled
Maximizing Returns in Emerging Cleantech Sectors:
The Interplay of Regulation, Intellectual Property and Investment.

The series will aim to achieve three simultaneous goals:

• Provide an in-depth view into emerging sectors of the Cleantech economy
• Elaborate areas for VC consideration in due-diligence with regard to each sector
• Highlight areas for business planning/strategy development for emerging companies in the space

The events, to help held every other month, will cover various topics in other emerging sectors in the burgeoning Cleantech market.

The format for this series will minimize formal presentations and highlight audience interaction. Each forum is designed to gather experts who will delve into the details about the technology, challenges and opportunities. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge that will help in their strategic development and decision-making. Come to one event, all six or any combination thereof. This is a great opportunity to meet, mingle with, and learn from the luminaries and leaders of these emerging sectors.

Our First Forum: Energy Intelligence

Energy efficiency—the decrease or more effective use of energy by an end-user, be it an individual, building or process— is at the forefront of discussion for corporations, businesses and individuals. Moving electricity from multiple sources across transmission and distribution lines to the customer in the most efficient way while allowing customers to make informed decisions about their energy use, however, requires energy intelligence. Energy intelligence is a complementary sub-sector of traditional energy efficiency focused on utility-scale distribution, grid connectivity and two-way communication with end-users and devices.

By enabling utilities and energy providers to manage their generation and supply in accordance with end-user usage patterns with tools like “smart meters,” power is distributed intelligently to minimize load and enable active power distribution management. The resulting “smart grid” thereby optimizes limited resources, minimizes waste, alerts utilities of system breakdowns and engages customers to manage their energy use. 

So what will it take for energy intelligence to reach its potential and simultaneously reward investors? Successful growth in this area will require a detailed understanding and navigation of the complex interplay of risk mitigation, regulation and regulatory influence, and infrastructure development.

To dig deeper into what this means for investors, Morrison & Foerster, one of the leading law firms in Cleantech, in conjunction with the VC Taskforce, will be hosting a discussion to map the road to energy intelligence success. We will bring together investors, project developers, utility representatives and regulatory advisors for an interactive experience. Together, the group will explore questions such as:

• Where are the current gaps in technology and what solutions are in development to fill those gaps?
• What is the role for the VC community?
• How do we ensure the necessary public/private partnerships (such as working with utilities)?
• How does current/pending legislation affect the outlook for energy intelligence and its investors?

Moderator:
Peter Hanschen, Partner, Morrison & Foerster, Energy Practice

Panelists:
Bill Baker, Director & Co-Head of the Cleantech Group, GCA Savvian  
Peter Sharer, CEO, Agilewaves 
John Kunhart, Managing Director and Co-founder, American River Ventures 
Hal La Flash, Director of Integrated Resource Planning and Policy, PG&E

Agenda:
6:00 - 7:00 Registration, Networking, Buffet
7:00 - 8:00 Panel Discussion
8:00 - 8:30 Q&A
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine and soft drinks

Registration Fee:
VC Tasforce Member $45
Affiliate Organization Member $65
General $85

Emerging Sectors in Cleantech Series Committee

Chair:
Ben Franks, Cleantech Practice Manager, Morrison & Foerster

Program Manager
Rose Mortilla, Vice President, Yes Partners