Watts at Stake: Silicon Valley’s Energy Crossroads
Microgrids
Santa Clara Valley IEEE Power & Energy and Industry Applications Societies invites you to a Cal Alumni of Silicon Valley Energy Forum
Co hosted by SF/OEB PES and SFBAC Life Members. Join us in person June 16 in Palo Alto for a half day energy forum:
Time: 10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM PST
Cost: $30 LESS 25% IEEE discount
RSVP Registration is at the Cal Alumni site: Reserve Now
Hint: Enter the code CASVJUNE25 during Eventbrite registration in the “discount code” box at the bottom of the Eventbrite/payment page for and click “apply” before completing payment.
Note: Registration is effectively non refundable. The Eventbrite site needs your title and company name for badges, but it is your option to join the Cal Alumni mailing list.
PES/IAS Chapter Page: https://r6.ieee.org/scv-pesias/
Reservation URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/energy-at-a-crossroads-a-cal-alumni-of-silicon-valley-energy-forum-tickets-1988570674418
About the talk:
California sits at the center of three colliding forces: surging electricity demand driven by data centers and electrification, rising costs that are squeezing households and businesses, and wildfire risk that is reshaping how utilities build, maintain, and protect the grid.
What does this mean for rates, reliability, and the future of the state's energy system? And what can actually be done about it?
Cal Alumni of Silicon Valley is hosting a half-day energy forum bringing together academic research, alumni perspectives, and industry experience. Professor Severin Borenstein, Faculty Director of the Energy Institute at Haas, will deliver a keynote on how data centers are affecting electricity markets and what practical steps exist to make energy more affordable. An alumni panel will explore energy topics from across the Cal community. And PG&E will present on the wildfire mitigation strategies they are deploying to protect California's grid.
Whether you work in energy, tech, policy, or are simply a ratepayer who wants to understand what is driving your bill, this is a conversation worth being part of.
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
Address: 1400 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- 1400 Page Mill Rd
- Palo Alto, California
- United States 94304
- Building: Morgan Lewis & Brockius
Speakers
Prof. Borenstein
Impact of data centers on wholesale and retail electricity markets
Biography:
Faculty Director, Energy Institute at Haas, UC Berkeley
One of the country's most cited energy economists, Professor Borenstein has shaped how policymakers, utilities, and the public understand electricity markets, rate design, and the economics of renewable energy. He serves on the Board of Governors of the California ISO and has advised state and federal agencies on energy policy. His keynote will address the impact of data centers on wholesale and retail electricity markets and practical approaches to lowering energy costs.
Agenda
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.: Arrival, seating, and light refreshments
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.: Keynote by Professor Severin Borenstein
11:15 - 12:00 p.m.: Alumni Panel Discussion
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch hosted by Morgan Lewis
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.: PG&E presentation
1:45 - 2:00 p.m.: Closing remarks and networking
Details: https://r6.ieee.org/scv-pesias/events/ rates, reliability, and the future of the state's energy system