Groton - The 18th Annual New England Energy Conference and Exposition will focus on "New England Energy Policy: What Are We Trying To Achieve?" on May 17 and 18 at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa.

The public conference, which includes keynote speaker Cheryl

LaFleur, commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, at dinner on May 17, has been organized by the Boston-based New England Energy & Commerce Association and the Middletown-based Connecticut Power & Energy Society.

The second day of the conference features several panel discussions with a wide variety of industry experts and public policy advocates, including nominated Commissioner Daniel Esty of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, which is expected to be redefined as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Pamela F. Faggert, vice president and chief environmental officer for Dominion Resources Services, the parent company of Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, which owns Millstone Power Station, is participating in one of several panel discussions.

"For the New England region, all the players are coming in to talk about where we are going with energy, and hopefully we'll have a really good discussion not only at the federal level but also (concerning) what the state's doing," said Paul Brady, executive director of the CPES.

A Lake of Isles golf tournament is scheduled for the morning of May 17.

Talks will focus on impacts that are shaping the industry and as well as on how to supply the region's energy needs. Topics include public policies and programs promoting renewable energy and efficiency, environmental regulations affecting the existing power plant fleet, changes in financial markets, electricity transmission planning policies, and emerging technologies.

Fees to attend range from $100 for one day for a booth worker to $395 for both days for a member and $495 for a nonmember. Fees are due by May 3.

For more information, visit www.neca-cpesconferences.org or contact Lois Lawson of the Northeast Energy & Commerce Association at (781) 449-5959 or lois@necanews.org.