Public power utilities deliver reliable, safe, community-owned energy—but many struggle to clearly communicate what makes them unique. This session offers practical, scalable strategies to help utilities tell their story both externally and internally. A panel of Northeast public power professionals will share real-world examples of outreach campaigns, messaging tactics, and employee education initiatives that build customer trust, boost engagement, and deepen understanding of public power’s value. Special emphasis will be placed on aligning external communications with internal education, ensuring frontline employees—such as customer service representatives and lineworkers—are confident, knowledgeable ambassadors. Participants will leave with actionable ideas and adaptable tactics to consistently and effectively communicate the public power story.

Distributed front-of-the-meter battery energy storage systems (BESS) and flexible loads are transforming how public power utilities manage costs and reliability. This session focuses on practical, public power-centric strategies for deploying these resources to strengthen system performance while leveraging existing infrastructure. Learn how distributed storage can reduce peak demand, lower wholesale exposure, and defer costly capital upgrades—all while providing fast, dispatchable capacity that supports resource adequacy, integrates renewables, and fills operational gaps during system stress. Panelists will share real-world approaches to planning, coordination, and implementation, offering actionable insights for utilities of all sizes.

Stay current on the regulatory issues shaping public power. This session provides a concise overview of key FERC and NERC priorities, emerging reliability and market topics, and the federal trends affecting utility planning and operations. Speakers will also touch on how federal antitrust reviews intersect with FERC oversight—an increasingly important factor as utilities pursue new generation and infrastructure projects in a high‑demand environment. Attendees will gain practical insight into what’s changing, what to watch, and how to prepare for evolving federal scrutiny of utility actions and investments.

Get the inside scoop on how Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor rate your credit and municipal bond issues directly from representatives from all three agencies. Learn how each views the latest global trends and utility threats as working for and against public power – and your utility’s - financial strength in a competitive market. Discuss the steps your boards and managers should take to put your utility in the best position to raise capital.

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. This session highlights why the initiative matters—both for the communities it serves and for the utilities that participate. Learn how volunteer crews help extend power lines, the impact the program has had so far, 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.