As part of a three-part continuing legal education series entitled “Energy Law for Non-Energy Attorneys,” Rich Sedano joined speakers from Harvard Law School, the United States Department of Energy, and NRG Energy, Inc., for a webinar exploring electric utility business models and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions regulation. Mr. Sedano provides a practical overview of current financial norms and revenue structures for utilities.

In light of stress on the utility business caused by the increase in distributed solar photovoltaics, the growth in energy efficiency—and related decrease in volume-based revenues—along with the pressure of public policies from regulators, performance may play a more prominent role in the way a utility earns net income in the future. These factors may also affect the evolving role of utilities as they endeavor to ensure reliable service at just and reasonable rates, compete in new markets, and enable customers to become increasingly active participants in the energy marketplace.This webinar series is a collaborative effort between the American Law Institute and the Environmental Law Institute.