It was one of those things you don’t forget. Years later, it's still with you. It wasn't a Eureka! moment and it wasn’t an epiphany, but it's a firm memory from the mid-1980s.

Free markets are ruthless, creating both wealth and disruption. Just ask the multitudes who have toiled in telecommunications, railroads, and journalism. Now, it’s time for the utility industry to evolve and to maintain its relevance.

That’s the topic of discussion to be held at the Public Utilities Fortnightly’s conference on November 17-18 in Scottsdale, Arizona, where a plethora of industry experts will gather to discuss and to debate exactly what role utilities will play in a redefined energy market place.