A severe ice storm in December 2008 exposed significant vulnerabilities in New England’s overhead distribution systems, leading to extended outages and difficult restoration efforts. In response, the Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments invested in targeted system hardening, including the installation of spacer cable. This session shares lessons learned and examines how focused capital improvements can strengthen reliability and storm resilience.

There are myriad practical ways to incorporate AI into utility operations, from tools to bolster reliability, improve efficiency, and support customer service. Hear about real-world applications — from demand forecasting and anomaly detection to predictive maintenance, customer service automation, and energy theft detection. Learn what insights utilities have already gained from using AI and advanced analytics for grid modernization, including what precautionary steps and preparation is required before diving in. 

Presentation of National Awards
Recognizing excellence in public power leadership

What’s Ahead for the Global Economy and Energy Markets

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.