Groundhog Day: The Making of California Energy Policy and Cyclical Crisis

Abstract: The discussion will trace the origins and development of California’s energy policy, examine the attempt to “deregulate” electricity, relive the energy crisis, and discuss resent issues such as regionalization and 100 percent RPS.  Mr Foster will also trace his own improbable career from floor covering installer to President of SCE and Mayor of Long Beach, demonstrating that there is upward mobility, even for former UC Davis graduate students!

Bio: Bob Foster's career spans more than 40 years, beginning with his career as Chief Consultant to the California State Senate Energy Committee, later advancing to Deputy Director of the California Energy Commission, then operating his own consulting firm, and culminating with his serving as President of Southern California Edison (SCE), where he worked for 21 years retiring in early January 2006.

He has been at the forefront of energy efficiency and renewables; pioneering the first energy standards for buildings in the nation in 1972 and leading Edison's renewable energy policy, which was implemented before State requirements. He has been one of the leading policy developers in the energy space. Bob was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California Independent System Operator in 2008 and reappointed by Governor Gerry Brown in 2012. He served as Chairman from 2011 to 2014. He also entered the political arena, serving two terms as the Mayor of Long Beach until his retirement in July 2014.

Presently, Foster heads his own consulting firm, Prometheus Advisors. His clients include energy, water, development, and engineering companies. He currently serves as a director on American Transmission Company, EPCOR, Southwest Generation, and TTSI, and the Advisory Board of GRIDCO SYSTEMS. He also served as a director of S Power from September 2014 until its sale in 2017. He was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger and reappointed by Governor Brown to serve as Chair of the California Independent System Operator, an entity that operates the electrical grid in California. Foster served as Chair of the CAISO from 2011 until 2014.