Communicating rate increases is never easy—especially when complex financial drivers must be explained to elected officials and customers in clear, accessible terms. This session shares practical strategies for turning technical data into simple, credible narratives that build understanding and trust. Using real‑world examples, presenters will show how to frame key messages, align communication with financial planning, anticipate concerns, and tailor explanations for governing boards, councils, and customers. Attendees will leave with tools to make rate conversations more transparent, effective, and less contentious.

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. This session brings together utilities already working with data centers to share what they’ve learned—what’s working, what’s changing, and what to watch for. Through real‑world case studies, hear how public power providers are evaluating proposals, structuring partnerships, and balancing reliability, affordability, and community engagement amid rapid load growth.

Energy efficiency and electrification programs are evolving quickly as utilities respond to new requirements, funding, codes, and rising customer expectations. This panel features Northeast public power professionals sharing real-world examples of how they’ve adapted their demand-side management (DSM) portfolios. Hear how utilities refined programs, improved participation, streamlined delivery, and targeted high-impact end uses. Attendees will leave with practical ideas they can apply immediately—whether updating existing offerings or launching new ones in a changing landscape.

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 their hometown utilities. The panel will explore what matters most to businesses when it comes to reliability, communication, rates, sustainability goals, and long‑term planning.

Get the latest look at the administration’s regulations agenda, review the implications for public power; and discuss how public power can brace for these changes and embrace potential opportunities that arise.