According to the Electric Power Research Institute, data centers could consume 9%-17% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030 — more than double current use. Dive into these projections and discuss what the rising electricity demand can mean for affordability across the U.S. Learn what policies and rate structures across public power are helping to protect existing customers and mitigate risk as development presses on.
Labor and employment issues continue to evolve, creating new challenges for public power utilities and HR leaders. This session provides an update on the most pressing hot topics impacting the workplace today—from changing regulations and case law to workforce expectations, negotiations, and compliance considerations. Attendees will gain practical insights and real-world perspectives to help navigate emerging labor trends, manage risk, and support a stable and productive workforce in the public power sector.
Get a clear, practical overview of the current interest rate environment and what it means for public finances. Gain insight into how and why interest rates change, how Federal Reserve policy influences the market, and what those shifts mean for managing both bond proceeds and general operating cash. Discuss common treasury considerations including liquidity needs, compliance and arbitrage, as well as investment options and best practices for responsibly managing public funds.
AI is quickly becoming a strategic priority for public power utilities, but many efforts stall because organizations focus on how to use certain tools before addressing their data, governance, and organizational readiness. Evaluate the questions leaders need to ask to assess whether their utility is truly prepared to invest in AI. Explore a practical AI readiness framework, evaluate real-world use cases, and discuss how to develop a structured approach to prioritizing initiatives that deliver measurable value.
Connect with colleagues from joint action agencies and state and regional associations to swap ideas and strategies on the business and finance topics of your choice.
Depending on your stance, AI is either a risk, a tool, or somewhere in-between. Review the key risks, limitations, and best practices for using AI in risk management to ensure your utility applies it effectively and avoids common pitfalls. Walk through key considerations when evaluating AI tools and test out some practical use cases to gain familiarity with how to apply AI safely and effectively in your own risk management work.
Especially in volatile times, your financial forecasting strategy needs to shift, including conducting risk-adjusted modeling, to bring clarity to the breadth of financial implications surrounding uncertainty. Learn strategies for effective forecasting and how to build structures that remain stable yet flexible in turbulent conditions. Hear from public power utilities that leverage financial forecasting as an everyday tool, including tips for how they communicate with governing bodies to ensure shared understanding.
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the workplace, the greatest opportunity for driving organizational impact is in how well AI can enhance – not supplant - human intelligence. Learn practical ways HR and utility leaders can integrate technology with workforce expertise to improve productivity, enhance workforce planning, and support smarter organizational outcomes. Grow your awareness of the array of emerging AI tools public power utilities can leverage to strengthen the human capabilities that remain essential to leadership, decision-making, and operational success.
Connect with colleagues from other small public power utilities to swap ideas and strategies on the business and finance topics of your choice.
Connect with colleagues from other large public power utilities and organizations, including joint action agencies, to swap ideas and strategies on the business and finance topics of your choice.
