The projections for demand from data centers can vary drastically and continue to skyrocket in some areas of the country. Examine what’s driving the dramatic increase in interconnection requests coming from data centers, how much is attributable to the rise in use of artificial intelligence, and what may happen with electric demand when technology and the AI industry continues to evolve. Discuss the uncertainty related to data center forecasts and how much is known and still unknown about phantom loads, the ongoing evolution of chips, cooling efficiencies, approaches to AI training, the competitive dynamics of the AI industry, and likelihood of failure. Understand the differences between training models and inference applications and what that means for load requirements. Evaluate the potential risks and opportunities AI poses to utilities, including demands on infrastructure and long-term financial health.

Topics:

• How utilities are preparing for projected power demand from data centers
• The distinction between typical data centers and AI-driven data centers in terms of load and goals
• Where AI is headed next and what it could mean for demand and energy efficiency
• Recent regulatory filings and decisions that could shape AI’s evolution
• Potential utility applications for AI, including forecasting locational demand, integrating variable resources, improving situational awareness, and increasing efficiency of transmission systems

Strong leadership — whether at the board, executive, or operational level — requires more than reviewing financial reports. It requires the ability to interpret what the numbers reveal about organizational health, strategic risk, and long term sustainability. Whether you’re a board member, CEO, general manager, or another utility leader, you need to be able to confidently analyze financial statements and use them to guide high level decision making. Through a public power lens, break down the elements of core utility financial statements — the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement — and discover the metrics that matter most for executive oversight, including liquidity, debt capacity, operating margins, and reserve strength. Explore how financial performance connects directly to rates, capital planning, workforce and infrastructure investments, and long term resilience. Review practical examples in plain language to gain familiarity with how to spot trends, identify emerging risks, ask sharper questions, and strengthen financial stewardship across your organization.

Topics:

• The key types and components of financial statements
• Indicators of organizational and financial health
• What else to look for in balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow
• Translating financial analysis to planning and strategy

When a crisis strikes, leaders are expected to respond with speed, clarity, and confidence—often in highly charged situations where instincts can work against effective communication. In today’s fast moving media environment, successful crisis communications requires a strategic approach focused on de escalation, trust building, and keeping stakeholders informed. This fast paced session provides practical guidance for managing high stakes situations before they spiral out of control. Participants will learn how to protect credibility, calm stakeholders, and maintain control of the narrative when it matters most.

Topics include:

• Establishing and maintaining control of the message
• Using social media to inform rather than inflame
• Working effectively with reporters during a crisis
• Navigating differences across TV, print, radio, and online media
• Responding when legal guidance conflicts with communication needs
• Communicating during extreme crisis events, including mass casualty incidents

Most utility governance officials must quickly learn the roles, responsibilities, and expectations that come with the job. Get a comprehensive overview of public power and the duties and legal obligations of people on the governing board, including city council members. Review the nuts and bolts of governance requirements, such as open meetings and records, fiduciary responsibilities, charters and bylaws, conflicts of interest, and interaction with regulatory agencies. Learn what you can do to encourage effective board meetings and productive communication between your fellow board members, utility staff, and stakeholders. Swap strategies for successful board operations.

Topics: 
•    Advantages of the public power model 
•    Duties and obligations of governing board members
•    Common challenges and sticky situations for board members
•    Making the most of your experience

Whether you’re new to the electric utility world or looking to keep pace with the rapidly evolving energy industry landscape, this course offers a practical, non-technical overview of how electric systems work. Get a solid grounding of how public power utilities operate — from energy source to meter — gaining insight into the latest trends in how utility infrastructure is built, operated, and maintained. Examine the forces transforming the industry and how regulatory structures and market dynamics are reshaping traditional business models. Learn how leading utilities are adapting their strategies and practices to maintain financial strength, enhance operational resilience, and ensure long term sustainability.

Utility staff and leaders of all levels, policymakers, and anyone who is supporting a utility’s strategic reset are welcome in this dive into the fundamentals and emerging trends shaping the sector. Leave ready to participate more confidently in your utility’s planning, oversight, and strategic decision making — and with a copy of APPA’s Electric Utility Basics manual to keep as a reference guide.

Topics:
•    Electric utility regulations and business models 
•    The regional generation and transmission grid
•    Your local public power system
•    Trends and challenges in electric utility management

Lunch is included with this workshop. 

Doors open at 7:30 am. Please be seated by 8:30 am for breakfast service.

Installation of the 2026-2027 Board Chair

Closing Keynote: Going for the Gold — Leadership Lessons from the Captain of the “Miracle on Ice”
End the National Conference on a high note with an unforgettable keynote from Mike Eruzione, captain of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team and the central figure of the hit film Miracle. As the leader who helped orchestrate one of the greatest upsets in sports history, Eruzione brings a powerful message about what it really takes to lead, inspire, and achieve the impossible.

Drawing from his Olympic journey, Eruzione shares stories of resilience, teamwork, and the unwavering belief that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they commit to a common goal. He explores how the principles that fueled the “Miracle on Ice”—trust, accountability, preparation, adaptability, and heart—apply just as powerfully to today’s organizational, leadership, and community challenges.

This closing keynote will remind you why leadership matters, how teams triumph, and what it means to “go for the gold” in your organization and your community. A perfect finale for a week dedicated to learning, connection, and the power of public power leaders working together.

Learn more about Eruzione in Netflix's new documentary, "Miracle: The Boys of 80."