Energy at a Crossroads: A Cal Alumni of Silicon Valley Energy Forum

Join Cal Alumni of Silicon Valley for a half day forum on California’s energy future, rising costs, wildfires, and grid strain.
About this Event

Energy at a Crossroads

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

Keynote Speaker:

Professor Severin Borenstein

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.

Alumni Panel:

• Ella Foley Gannon, Partner, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP (Moderator)
• Anson Liang, Co-Founder of Jackery and Creator of PluginSolarUS
• Jill W. Moraski, PhD, Energy Associate, The Brattle Group
• Alex Luce, Co-founder and CEO, Amplify Computing

Industry Presentation:

Wildfire Mitigation Presentation by Jay Leyno, Senior Director – Wildfire Mitigation, PG&E

A presentation on PG&E's wildfire mitigation strategies, including the infrastructure investments, technology, and operational changes being made to reduce wildfire risk across California.

Program:

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

Thank you Morgan Lewis& Bockius LLP for hosting this event.

Look forward to seeing you there!