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 Headshot
Bill Bottiggi
General Manager | Braintree Electric Light Department
Greg Acerra
Owner | Fireking Baking Company
Rachel Wilson Headshot
Rachel Wilson
Southeast Energy Market Development Lead | Google LLC

From Threat Intelligence to Business Resilience: How Public Power Executives Are Leading on Enterprise 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 Headshot
Bluma Sussman
VP, Stakeholder Engagement | Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center
Travas Deal Headshot
Travas Deal
CEO | Colorado Springs Utilities
Timothy Pospisil Headshot
Timothy Pospisil
Chief Security Officer | Nebraska Public Power District
Scott Smith Headshot
Scott Smith
Chief Information Security Officer | Bryan Texas Utilities

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.

Speakers

Slaughter, Carolyn
Carolyn Slaughter
Senior Director Environmental Policy | American Public Power Association

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
Watson Collins Headshot
Watson Collins
Sr. Technical Executive | EPRI
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 Headshot
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

Lunch (on your own)

Flexible, Resilient, Ready: A Public Power Playbook for Modern Engine Plants

Resource Adequacy/Load Growth
Breakout

Get a practical roadmap for planning, deploying, and operating modern reciprocating engine (RICE) plants for public power. This session highlights why fast start engines provide flexible, dispatchable capacity and support peak reliability, black start capability, and microgrids for critical services. Presenters will compare technology and procurement decisions through a municipal lens, share key commissioning lessons and performance metrics, and show how data driven remote support can improve availability and reduce outages.

Speakers

Andrew Phillips Headshot
Andrew Phillips
Business Development Manager | Wartsila

Light Up Navajo: What it Is and How to Participate

Transmission and Distribution
Breakout

Light Up Navajo is a partnership between the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and the American Public Power Association to bring electricity to families in the Navajo Nation for the very first time. Learn why the initiative matters to the communities it serves and for the utilities that participate, including the impact the program has had since it began. Get a sense of what the volunteer crews experience as they help extend power lines and what your utility needs to know if it wants to get involved. Hear firsthand experiences, logistical considerations, and steps to join this life‑changing effort to strengthen communities and improve quality of life across the Navajo Nation.

Speakers

Wally Haase Headshot
Wally Haase
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority | General Manager
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