Get an update on the evolving regulatory landscape for fusion energy and why and how fusion can be separated from energy technologies relying on nuclear fission. Discuss the key roles fusion centers can play in regional innovation and the opportunities for utilities, municipalities, research institutions, and the industrial sector to engage with fusion commercialization efforts.
Communicating about rate increases is never easy — especially when complex financial drivers must be explained to elected officials and customers in clear, accessible terms. Share practical strategies for turning technical data into simple, credible narratives that build understanding and trust. Review how other utilities have framed key messages on rates and tailored explanations for governing boards, councils, and customers. Collect tools to make rate conversations more transparent, effective, and less contentious, including how to align communication with financial planning.
Public power utilities are more than providers of reliable electricity — they are catalysts for local economic growth. Explore how public power utilities can leverage infrastructure investments, partnerships, and innovative programs to drive community development, attract businesses, and support workforce readiness. Walk through how utilities can align operational strategies with broader economic goals, ensuring that communities remain competitive and vibrant.
As AI rapidly expands, the policy discussion around its use increasingly overlaps with energy policy, whether in Congress or in regulatory discussions at FERC. Explore how the crossroads of energy and AI affect public power utilities and what trends you need to watch to keep your operations aligned. Learn how load growth considerations, data, and cybersecurity issues are shaping the fast‑moving policy environment and emerging rules.
Electrification, evolving technologies, expensive on peak pricing and rising customer expectations are changing the structure and components of energy efficiency and electrification programs, and how they interact with demand response. This session explores how Massachusetts public power utilities are using demand response programs to manage peaks, support electrification, and prepare for a more dynamic grid. Chat with a panel of professionals from Northeastern public power providers on what practical steps they have taken to adapt and improve their demand-response 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
