In addressing the climate-change crisis, much Federal and state policy targets a phasing out of natural gas from power generation, direct use, etc. The same policies are directed at oil. But as soon as supply falls short of demand and prices fly up, there’s a political reaction that includes demanding more supply. And the U.S. Energy Administration and International Energy Agency both say a lot of oil and gas will still be consumed 30 years from now. How does this all fit together, and how does gas find the right fit for its long-term role? Is a stable, sustainable long-term energy policy possible when it can only survive one administration at a time? How must gas fit in, what needs to be done, and what happens to different industry sectors along the way. And how does oil fit in?

As natural gas markets evolve through energy transition, challenges are encountered that demand improvements in technology solutions to accommodate and streamline transactions. In addition, independent certification and verification of low carbon intensity is being demanded across the value chain. Fortunately, leading technology providers are rising to this challenge with innovative solutions to anticipate the evolution. This panel will introduce several examples of solutions that are available now to optimize efficiency of transactions and coalesce a fragmented market. Examples will be presented from a practical, non-technical, commercially oriented perspective. Technologies underlying these innovations include cloud-based access from anywhere, customizable APIs, EDI, encryption and cybersecurity, simulation software, predictive analytics, blockchain, etc.

End users of natural gas include Gas Distribution Utilities (Commercial & Residential), Industrial (Petrochem, Process, Heat) and PowerGeneration. Gas Buyers representing these entities often have a different perspective than other stakeholders across the value chain when it comes to market conditions, developments, and issues. Whether regulated or unregulated, Gas Buyers exist at the end of the value chain, essentially faced with reacting to market developments that are generally out of their control. Creative negotiation of commercial purchasing terms are vital to these constituents ensuring flexibility, security of supply, and competitive prices. This panel will shed light on gas buyer perspectives on a number of topical issues.

Natural Gas – Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain: US LNG Demand is set to grow by over 17 Bcf/d from 2025-2030, but US supply is growing too fast. Unconstrained, US natural gas production would grow by 3 Bcf/d from YE22 to YE23.

Paul De Moudt, Shell's General Manager for LNG Trading in North America, will provide a look-back at the 2022 global LNG market and discuss key trends and considerations for 2023 and beyond.

Recent events have highlighted the importance of an orderly energy transition—providing an energy system that is not only lower carbon, but also secure and affordable. Join us for a discussion on (i) what an orderly transition might look like for the natural gas consumer; (ii) lower-carbon products that can be incorporated in gas procurement strategies today—at scale—including carbon offsets, certified natural gas, and renewable natural gas; and (iii) future low carbon energy systems, including hydrogen and CCUS.

Policy, regulatory and NGO resistance to continued development of natural gas markets is building. This panel examines several innovative solutions being employed by leading stakeholders to overcome these headwinds. Examples include virtual pipeline, mobile energy solutions, RNG, project development and construction, as well as traditional pipeline transportation innovations.

•Resiliency and abundance of Natural Gas
•Macro fundamentals and energy policy
•New technologies and renewables role
•Natural Gas and inflation

With the energy transition process underway in earnest, the industry is responding remarkably by innovating with a range of low-carbon energy alternatives, including RNG, RSG, Certified Gas, Carbon Capture, Carbon Offsets, H2 solutions, and more. This panel examines the challenges faced with introducing these new offerings, as well as examples of how several of these innovative solutions are expediting the transition to a lower-carbon energy future.

Please join our hosts, the Corporate Sponsors, at a cocktail reception in your honor. Don’t make your dinner plans too early as hors d’oeuvres and an open bar will be the highlight of this extremely well attended session!

This panel is comprised of four key natural gas industry trade associations spanning various aspects of the value chain. Panelists will share various initiatives underway with their organizations to assist association members in overcoming challenges and meeting objectives. Discussion will include advocating on behalf of the industry with policymakers, regulators, other stakeholders and the public at large. Particular emphasis will be focused on new lower carbon product offerings including RNG, RSG, Certified Gas, etc.

As a retired Army Colonel, I will talk about how I fought for our country’s freedoms. Freedom of Choice is my favorite discussion. When it comes down to it I do not the federal government telling us we need to go to Electrification. This not having Freedom of Choice is impacting pipelines growth, maintenance of our pipelines, smarter ways to do more with RNG.

This presentation will provide an overview of our market leading CH4-Sensor and Technology and provide the audience with some case studies.

The path to net zero for a natural gas consumer is complex. Join us for a discussion on (i) what the energy transition might look like for a gas consumer; (ii) bridge products that can be incorporated in gas procurement strategies today—at scale—including carbon offsets, certified natural gas, and renewable natural gas; and (iii) future low carbon energy systems, including hydrogen and CCUS.

The discussion will focus around the crucial role that natural gas and its infrastructure play in fulfilling our energy needs today and tomorrow, with a specific focus on the Midwest. Additionally, discussion around the multi-faceted approach at the LDC level to transition into the Future of Energy.

Leading industry analysts offer an up to the minute assessment of market conditions, with supporting data and contextual analysis. Highlights include Freeport shut-down implications, power-gen demand, crude & NGl prices, Canadian imports, midstream effects, This information provides an excellent foundation and factual reference point for the overall Forum agenda and ensuing discussions.

The focus will be on the global and US economic outlook and the likelihood of a recession in 2023. This will include an examination of recent energy market developments and the ongoing monetary policy response to elevated inflation readings.

Presenting industry’s perspective on interstate gas transmission permitting reform opportunities being discussed in DC and the role natural gas plays to ensure reliability of electric generation.

The midstream segment consists of much more than simply pipelines. It is a sophisticated value chain involving permanent operational facilities combined with a wide range of solution and service offerings leveraging commercial, financial and technology capabilities. This Panel is composed of experts representing three different aspects of the midstream value chain: i) independent data analytics company focused on climate ESG data for emission-intensive companies; ii) mobile LNG and CNG service provider (virtual pipeline); iii) Canada’s largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company; and iv) a major energy infrastructure operator. The Panel will examine various aspects of the midstream segment, highlighting the latest project updates, as well as new innovations. Perspectives on the role of midstream’s role in the energy transition will also be addressed.

Joe Bastardi is a well-known expert meteorologist and a regular speaker at the Forums. He has recently appeared on Tucker Carlson and other media outlets sharing his insight and expertise as it relates to climate concerns, hurricanes and other weather-related events affecting the country. Joe will lay out the factors behind his forecast for December 2022 to bring a return of winter as we used to know it. Joe’s forecasting and accompanying analysis is presented in a way that allows natural gas market participants to anticipate impacts of weather-related events and plan accordingly.

• Intro/high level on statistics of females in the industry and at leadership positions
• Celebration of how far we’ve come - some successes we’ve had with increasing female participation in the industry and speakers at the LDC forums.
• What are other ways we can support women in energy?
o Sponsorship/mentorship/allyship
o Providing opportunities
o Diverse exposure
• Leveraging Energy Transition as a means to attract more women, the industry is transforming (again) and we can use this transformation as an opportunity to bring in women at various levels to drive energy transition. We need new skills for hydrogen, renewables, new ideas and new ways of collaborating to execute energy transition- start now with women in these fields at various levels or use this as an opportunity to train women in these areas.

Washington, DC is a busy place in a normal year. This year, being an election year, means there is even more activity. In addition to possible changes to the majority in Congress, the President and his Administration is very active. Listen in to this presentation to learn about all that is going on, especially as it relates to natural gas distribution operators and all in the natural gas supply chain. You may even hear who is going to win in the November elections! You will hear a prediction at least! Also, if you think your opinion doesn’t matter to policymakers, you definitely want to attend this session. You will learn that you should engage and how to get your voice heard. Don't miss it!

Oil and gas assets and infrastructure have emerged as the biggest target for cyberattacks over the last five years. On top of that, the majority of breaches can be traced to a third party or external user. Preventing these breaches is a top priority of cybersecurity teams and must be a coordinated effort among not just security, but also third-party risk management, compliance, and even the business line where these third parties are being engaged. An evaluation from a former counterintelligence agent unearths an approach many organizations have yet to consider – one that assesses the person, or identity, not just the third-party vendor as an organization. Identity security is becoming an essential component of third-party risk, particularly as the alternative workforce grows and many companies place more trust in third parties. The fact that most organizations lack a proven means of managing, controlling and monitoring third party access presents significant risk. During this session, we’ll shed more light on this topic and discuss straightforward ways to close the identity gap in third-party risk.

This Panel of Utility and Industrial Gas Buyers bring their unique perspectives on various aspects across the commercial natural gas chain. Topics include:

Current Market Conditions (Supply, Demand, Pricing):
1. Do you see current commodity pricing continuing at current levels? Is price volatility an issue? How do these conditions affect your gas purchasing strategies?
2. Have there been any recent unusual weather events that have presented challenges for your operations?
3. Does global demand for natural gas and increased LNG exports from the United States affect your supply strategy?

Supply Arrangement Preferences
1. Are suppliers (producers/marketers) meeting your expectations for effective supply arrangements? What more could they be doing?
2. Given current market conditions, many oil & gas producers have adjusted strategies and market approaches. As a result, have you made changes to your gas supplier line-up?
3. Does your company make purchases of renewable natural gas (RNG)? Do you encounter a price premium for RNG? What is your strategy for addressing any price premium?
4. What is your strategy for managing storage going into winter 2022/2023?

Energy Transition
1. What expectations do you have for suppliers (producers/marketers) to develop new product offerings incorporating a lower carbon footprint (e.g. carbon offsets, carbon capture, RNG, etc.)
2. Are the renewable percentage targets being imposed by various lawmakers practically achievable?
3. In order to meet low carbon targets being set by policy makers, what do you expect the price impact to be on ratepayers?
4. Are low carbon affecting your purchasing strategies?
5. Are ESG policies affecting your purchasing strategies?
6. Has your company set GHG goals for itself? How do these affect your gas purchasing strategies?

Midstream
1. Are there currently constraints in obtaining sufficient pipeline capacity to meet requirements? Do you expect constraints this winter?
2. New pipeline expansion projects are becoming increasingly difficult to complete. Do you expect insufficient pipeline capacity in the future to be problematic in meeting demand requirements?
3. In light of challenges with obtaining new pipeline capacity, are you employing innovative delivery solutions such as virtual pipeline, small-scale LNG, CNG, etc.?

Regulatory / Policy
1. What are the implications of current policy mandates (federal, state, local) on your gas supply arrangements?
2. Are net zero and very low carbon intensity targets achievable by the dates being mandated?
3. How do prohibitions on new gas connections impact your operations?

Utility Buyers
1. What constraints do regulatory requirements place on your ability to structure gas supply arrangements?
2. What challenges do you encounter in obtaining regulatory approval for gas supply plans?

Industrial Buyers
1. How significant is the price of natural gas in managing your operations?
2. How much of an impact do recent higher commodity prices have on the price of products you manufacture?
3. How do you manage natural gas price volatility in your operations?