Evolving Demand-Side Management for Changing Times

Energy Resources
Breakout

New requirements, funding, codes, and rising customer expectations are changing the structure and components of energy efficiency and electrification programs. Chat with a panel of professionals from Northeastern public power providers on what practical steps they have taken to adapt and improve their demand-side management portfolios. Discuss strategies for improving participation, streamlining delivery, targeting high-impact end users, updating existing offerings or launching new programs that fit your community’s needs. 

Speakers

Kevin Bleau Headshot
Kevin Bleau
Energy Resources Manager | Belmont Municipal Light Department
Zoe Eckert Headshot
Zoe Eckert
Sustainable Energy Program & Policy Senior Manager | Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company

Public Power’s Experiences with Data Centers

Resource Adequacy/Load Growth
Breakout

As data center and other high‑density load requests grow nationwide, public power utilities are facing new challenges around resource adequacy, system planning, and community expectations. Hear from utilities that are already working with data centers about what’s working, what’s changing, and what to watch for. Discuss how to evaluate proposals, structure effective partnerships, and balance reliability, affordability, and community engagement amid rapid load growth.

Speakers

Manuel Pineda
Manuel Pineda
Deputy City Manager | City of San Jose
David Plotz Headshot
David Plotz
General Manager | Lewis County PUD

Break With Sponsors

Networking

A View from the Other Side: What Large Customers Want

Community/Communications
Breakout

Large commercial and industrial customers play a critical role in the health and vibrancy of public power communities — but what do they really need from their local utility? In this engaging panel, hear directly from major energy users about their expectations, priorities, and experiences partnering with public power utilities. Reflect on what matters most to businesses when it comes to reliability, communication, rates, sustainability goals, and long‑term planning.

Speakers

Bill Bottiggi
General Manager | Braintree Electric Light Department
Greg Acerra
Owner | Fireking Baking Company

How Public Power Executives Use Security Intelligence to Mitigate Risk

Grid Security/Relibaility
Breakout

Cyber and physical security risks have become core business risks – with operations, finances, and public trust potentially vulnerable in an attack. Hear from a panel of public power senior leaders on how they are engaging with the E-ISAC to inform enterprise risk decisions, protect sensitive data, and strengthen organizational resilience. Learn how security intelligence and industry collaboration are influencing investment priorities, reducing exposure and cost, and helping leadership teams move from reactive response to proactive risk management.

Speakers

Bluma Sussman
VP, Membership Programs and Services | Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center

Environmental Regulations and Public Power

Advocacy/Policy
Breakout

Get the latest look at the administration’s regulatory agenda and what changes would mean for public power. Discuss how public power can brace for these changes and embrace potential opportunities that arise from new rules and compliance.

Collaborating for Fleet Electrification Success

Innovation/Technology
Breakout

Fleet electrification is transforming the energy landscape and public power utilities are uniquely positioned to lead this change. Hear about new initiatives in fleet electrification, including buses, trains, and more. Explore how collaboration and a willingness to rethink traditional approaches can lead to success for utilities, municipal leaders, contractors, EV manufacturers, and funding partners alike. Discuss possibilities and ideas for working across sectors to navigate the challenges and opportunities of electrification.

Speakers

Katelyn Leahy Barb Headshot
Katelyn Leahy Barb, CEM, CEA
Senior Manager, Energy Transformation | Energy New England
Scott Corwin
Scott Corwin
President & CEO
American Public Power Association

What Public Power Needs to Know About Today's Gas Market

Energy Resources
Breakout

Gas-fired generation remains a cornerstone of reliability for power producers nationwide — but the market is changing fast. Accelerating load growth, evolving emissions requirements, and shifting market signals are reshaping how gas plants are planned, built, and operated. Take a focused look at the gas generation landscape and its implications for public power utilities. Hear an EPC contractor’s perspective on what’s driving costs and development timelines, and what practical considerations utilities evaluating gas resources should weigh.

Speakers

Albert Gabberty
Business Development \ Power | Burns & McDonnell

Opportunities and Perils of Data Center Load Growth

Resource Adequacy/Load Growth
Breakout

Data centers can be a great engine for economic growth in some areas, but their development can be detrimental in other communities. With a thoughtful and focused approach public power entities can utilize data centers as a catalyst for investments to reduce system constraints and increase resilience. Get an overview of the current state of the data center industry and how to assess if your customer is credible.

Speakers

Nur Bernhardt Headshot
Nur Bernhardt
Vice President | Cloverleaf Infrastructure
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