Agenda

An opening look at the forces shaping public power and joint action agencies, including affordability, reliability, load growth, and evolving member expectations. Hear how joint action leaders are positioning their organizations to support members in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Scott Corwin, President & CEO, American Public Power Association; and Mike Peters, President & CEO, WPPI Energy, and Chair, APPA Board of Directors
 

Artificial intelligence and data centers are reshaping electricity demand forecasts across the country. This keynote examines the drivers behind projected load growth, the implications for utilities and policymakers, and the factors that could alter the trajectory in the years ahead.

Alex Epstein, author, energy theorist, and the founder and president of the Center for Industrial Progress

Utilities are facing rising costs, longer procurement timelines, and growing pressure to maintain affordable rates. This session explores the market and supply chain trends affecting public power utilities and how joint action agencies can help members navigate increasing financial challenges.

As reserve margins tighten and extreme weather events become more frequent, resource adequacy planning is taking on new urgency. This session examines regional reliability challenges, capacity market trends, and strategies for maintaining reliable service in an increasingly constrained environment.

John Bear, President & CEO, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

Natural gas remains a critical component of the nation's generation portfolio, but questions remain about fuel availability and infrastructure expansion. Get an update on production trends, pipeline development, supply risks, and the outlook for supporting future generation growth.

Mike Howard, Chairman & CEO, Howard Energy Partners

Interest in advanced nuclear technologies is growing, but questions remain about deployment timelines, economics, and regulatory pathways. This session provides a practical assessment of the current state of the industry and the potential role of new nuclear technologies in future resource portfolios.

As utilities face rapid load growth, long generation development timelines, and increasing reliability challenges, many are looking to maximize the value of existing grid assets. This session explores how public power utilities can use battery energy storage systems (BESS), behind-the-meter and behind-the-wholesale-meter generation, customer backup generation, virtual power plants, and demand response to support reliability, resilience, and affordability.

Matthew Plante, President & Co-founder, Voltus

Today's joint action agencies provide far more than power supply. Through peer perspectives and real-world examples, this session highlights innovative member services, emerging applications of artificial intelligence, and new ways agencies are delivering value to their communities.

Jolene Thompson, President & CEO, American Municipal Power, Inc.