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PLEASE ENJOY THE UTILITY PERSPECTIVES
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO


Breakfast – Vineyard Terrace | 6:30 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. |
Meeting Convenes – Vice President of Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services | 8:00 A.M. |
Opening Comments – Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services | 8:10 A.M. |
Welcome to Napa – Patti Poppe, CEO – PG&E Corporation | 8:30 A.M. |
Local Charity Introduction – Duke Austin, Patti Poppe & Hands Across The Valley | 9:00 A.M. – 9:15 A.M. |
Unprecedented Change – Taking It To a New LevelModeratorThe Honorable Patrick Wood III, CEO – Hunt Energy NetworkPanelistsPatti Poppe, CEO – PGE | Rod West, Group President, Utility Operations – Entergy | Lloyd Yates, President and CEO – NiSourceSynopsisThe electric and gas sectors are evolving at an unprecedented pace. The three-pronged challenge of managing the clean energy transition, ensuring reliable service, and providing affordable power all land on the desk of the CEO. This is all happening at a time when significant weather events are placing the resiliency of our systems at the center of stakeholder and policy debates. During this panel, we will discuss the trade offs required and opportunities presented in this dynamic time. | 9:15 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. |
Break | 10:15 A.M. – 10:45 A.M |
Unlocking the Clean Energy TransformationModeratorHeather Zichal, President and CEO – American Clean Power AssociationPanelistsDavid Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer – Engie North America Inc. | Craig Cornelius, CEO – Clearway | Mike Garland, CEO – Pattern Energy | Ryan Pfaff, EVP of Grid and Distribution Scale Power – EDF Renewables North AmericaSynopsisSupport for renewable energy is high across government, the private sector and the public. However, roadblocks to deployment seem to arise at every turn. How will we achieve our clean energy future in time to meet our carbon reduction goals in the electric sector? | 10:45 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. |
Featured Speaker – Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical Strategist Peter Zeihan is an expert in geopolitics: the study of how place impacts financial, economic, cultural, political and military developments. He presents customized executive briefings to a wide array of audiences which include, but are not limited to, financial professionals, Fortune 500 firms, energy investors, and a mix of industrial, power, agricultural and consulting associations and corporations. Mr. Zeihan has been featured in, and cited by, numerous newspapers and broadcasts including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, AP, Bloomberg, CNN, ABC, The New York Times, Fox News and MarketWatch.
View Peter Zeihan's UP 2022 Presentation here | 11:30 P.M. – 12:30 P.M. |
Lunch – Carneros Ballroom | 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. |
Transmission –The Ultimate Enabler of DecarbonizationModeratorThe Honorable Neil Chatterjee, Advisor – Hogan LovellsPanelistsMichael Lamb, SVP Transmission – Xcel Energy | Shawn Schukar, President and Chairman – Ameren | Toby Thomas, SVP Energy Delivery – AEP Energy DeliverySynopsisRecent policy has recognized transmission as critical infrastructure worthy of investment. The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law has provided new incentives to enhance and expand transmission infrastructure, much of which will directly enable clean energy projects. What now? | 1:30 P.M. – 2:15 P.M. |
The Critical Role of Natural Gas in the Energy TransitionModeratorKaren Harbert, CEO – American Gas AssociationPanelistsJimmie Cho, COO – Southern California Gas Company | Micheal Dunn, COO – The Williams Company | Luke Littiken, SVP Gas – Xcel Energy | | Ross Turrini, COO NY Gas – National Grid – National GridSynopsisAmerica’s natural gas utilities and pipeline operators are balancing the complexity of renewable power integration, evolving federal, state and local policies & regulations and increased ESG expectations. The natural gas industry is embracing GHG reduction and decarbonization goals with investments in technology, existing infrastructure upgrades, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen all while facing challenges with soaring inflation, supply chain disruptions and regional electrification movements. This panel will discuss the critical role that natural gas and the existing infrastructure will play in the transition to a clean resilient energy future. | 2:15 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. |
Break | 3:15 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. |
Importance of Technology to Address Industry NeedsModeratorsNora Mead Brownwell, Founding Partner – Espy Energy Solutions LLCPanelistsEd Baine, President – Dominion Energy Virginia | Michael Pesin, Deputy Assistant Secretary – U.S. Department of Energy | Joe Svachula, SVP Transmission & Compliance – Exelon Corporation | Erik Takayesu, SVP – Southern California EdisonSynopsisElectricity is becoming ever more essential to achieve societal and economic goals. Given the breadth of needs facing utilities –including reliability, resilience, affordability, and decarbonization–setting the right framework for technology investment is essential to establishing priorities to address these challenges. This panel brings industry leaders speaking to practical examples and experience of how utilities can incorporate new and emerging technologies into its investment plans while balancing the many customer needs and requirements. | 3:30 P.M. – 4:15 P.M. |
Distribution – New Requirements and Emerging RisksModeratorScott Aaronson, Senior Vice President, Security and Preparedness – Edison Electric InstitutePanelistsJoe Bentley – SVP, Electric Engineering | Scott Doyle, EVP Utility Operations – CenterPoint Energy | Matt Ketschke, President – Con Edison of New YorkSynopsisWe’re seeing significant investment in our distribution systems to modernize the grid, provide sustainable resiliency and reliability solutions and integrate new customer/utility distributed energy resources. However, the industry faces headwinds in deploying capital, from supply chain issues, labor shortages, extreme weather conditions, rising natural gas prices, etc. How does the industry prioritize investments as the distribution grid is upgraded to meet evolving customer needs? | 4:15 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. |
Closing Comments & Adjourn | 5:00 P.M. – 5:15 P.M. |
Breakfast – Vineyard Terrace | 6:30 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. |
Meeting Convenes – Matt Compher, Vice President of Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services | 8:00 A.M. |
Opening Comments – Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services | 8:05 A.M. |
The Continuing Evolution of DEI: The Impact of Economic InclusionModeratorRalph Cleveland, President & CEO – AABEPanelistsCy Richardson, SVP – National Urban League | Traci R. Scott, Vice President Workforce Development Division – National Urban League FOR DEI | Lloyd Yates, President and CEO – NiSource |SynopsisThe Utility Industry has long led the efforts to diversify and develop supply chains. The value proposition is evident, and utilities have been at the forefront of identifying, mentoring and developing diverse businesses throughout the procurement process. With the anticipated growth in projects and spending related to the Energy Transition, utilities and their partners are being called upon to make “economic inclusion” a reality as a part of this transition. From a broad sense, “inclusion” is considered the intersection of three elements: Social Inclusion, Political Inclusion, and Economic Inclusion. The focus on “economic inclusion” has grown from the work of organizations like the World Bank and The Rockefeller Foundation. These institutions maintain that investments in expanding opportunity helps create economic growth that is lasting and sustainable. The panel will explore the future state of supplier diversity and development through the lens of “economic inclusion.” | 8:15 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. |
Featured Speaker – Travis Hester, Chief EV Officer, General Motors Travis has 26 years with General Motors. He has a diverse background, uniquely experienced in Go-To-Market Sales strategies and Product Development. Key roles have included President & Managing Director GM Canada, VP Global Product Development, and Chief Engineer for multiple brand/car lines. A change agent within GM, Travis has a passion and proven track record for strategy, innovation, and introduction of new technology. His notable achievements include Super Cruise – GM’s 1st Automated Driving System, the world’s first Rear Camera Mirror, managing the successful outcome of the Canadian Union negotiations in 2019 & his work transforming GM’s approach to eCommerce in 2021.
View Travis Hester's UP 2022 Presentation here | 9:00 A.M. – 9:45 A.M. |
Break | 9:45 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. |
Broadband For EveryoneModeratorGary Bolton, President & CEO – Fiber Broadband AssociationPanelistsSteve Mitchell, SVP – Corning Incorporated | Staci Pies, VP Public Policy and Government Affairs – Crown Castle | Bob Thompson, Founder and CEO – UnderlineSynopsisAs communities, schools and enterprise companies begin to plan their approach to post-pandemic operations the key infrastructure requirement will be access to broadband. The three main drivers that have emerged are people working from home, attending school through remote learning and telemedicine appointments with their doctors. Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) are just a few of the funding strategies set up to address digital divide and rural broadband availability. Additional challenges that we will face are finding the skilled teams to design, engineer and construct these networks. Over the next hour or so we will discuss what will be required to determine eligibility for funding and how to support both non-traditional telecom operators and experienced ISP’s scale efficient processes to build broadband infrastructure and leverage current infrastructure as much as possible. | 10:15 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. |
Electrifying Our LivesModeratorPhil Moeller, EVP – Edison Electric InstitutePanelistsJason Glickman, EVP Engineering, Planning & Strategy – PG&E Corporation | Dennis Kish, COO - EVgo | Joe Woomer, Vice President – Dominion EnergySynopsisConsumer demand is changing our infrastructure landscape –including how much, when, and where we need electricity. Customers are requiring more flexibility and cleaner sources of energy. What do we need to do to keep up? | 11:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M. |
Closing Comments & Adjourn | 12:00 P.M. |
Lunch – Vineyard Terrace | 12:00 P.M. |


Breakfast – Vineyard Terrace | 6:30 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. |
Meeting Convenes – Vice President of Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services | 8:00 A.M. |
Opening Comments – Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services | 8:10 A.M. |
Welcome to Napa – Patti Poppe, CEO – PG&E Corporation | 8:30 A.M. |
Local Charity Introduction – Duke Austin, Patti Poppe & Hands Across The Valley | 9:00 A.M. – 9:15 A.M. |
Unprecedented Change – Taking It To a New LevelModeratorThe Honorable Patrick Wood III, CEO – Hunt Energy NetworkPanelistsPatti Poppe, CEO – PGE | Rod West, Group President, Utility Operations – Entergy | Lloyd Yates, President and CEO – NiSourceSynopsisThe electric and gas sectors are evolving at an unprecedented pace. The three-pronged challenge of managing the clean energy transition, ensuring reliable service, and providing affordable power all land on the desk of the CEO. This is all happening at a time when significant weather events are placing the resiliency of our systems at the center of stakeholder and policy debates. During this panel, we will discuss the trade offs required and opportunities presented in this dynamic time. | 9:15 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. |
Break | 10:15 A.M. – 10:45 A.M |
Unlocking the Clean Energy TransformationModeratorHeather Zichal, President and CEO – American Clean Power AssociationPanelistsDavid Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer – Engie North America Inc. | Craig Cornelius, CEO – Clearway | Mike Garland, CEO – Pattern Energy | Ryan Pfaff, EVP of Grid and Distribution Scale Power – EDF Renewables North AmericaSynopsisSupport for renewable energy is high across government, the private sector and the public. However, roadblocks to deployment seem to arise at every turn. How will we achieve our clean energy future in time to meet our carbon reduction goals in the electric sector? | 10:45 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. |
Featured Speaker – Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical Strategist Peter Zeihan is an expert in geopolitics: the study of how place impacts financial, economic, cultural, political and military developments. He presents customized executive briefings to a wide array of audiences which include, but are not limited to, financial professionals, Fortune 500 firms, energy investors, and a mix of industrial, power, agricultural and consulting associations and corporations. Mr. Zeihan has been featured in, and cited by, numerous newspapers and broadcasts including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, AP, Bloomberg, CNN, ABC, The New York Times, Fox News and MarketWatch.
View Peter Zeihan's UP 2022 Presentation here | 11:30 P.M. – 12:30 P.M. |
Lunch – Carneros Ballroom | 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. |
Transmission –The Ultimate Enabler of DecarbonizationModeratorThe Honorable Neil Chatterjee, Advisor – Hogan LovellsPanelistsMichael Lamb, SVP Transmission – Xcel Energy | Shawn Schukar, President and Chairman – Ameren | Toby Thomas, SVP Energy Delivery – AEP Energy DeliverySynopsisRecent policy has recognized transmission as critical infrastructure worthy of investment. The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law has provided new incentives to enhance and expand transmission infrastructure, much of which will directly enable clean energy projects. What now? | 1:30 P.M. – 2:15 P.M. |
The Critical Role of Natural Gas in the Energy TransitionModeratorKaren Harbert, CEO – American Gas AssociationPanelistsJimmie Cho, COO – Southern California Gas Company | Micheal Dunn, COO – The Williams Company | Luke Littiken, SVP Gas – Xcel Energy | | Ross Turrini, COO NY Gas – National Grid – National GridSynopsisAmerica’s natural gas utilities and pipeline operators are balancing the complexity of renewable power integration, evolving federal, state and local policies & regulations and increased ESG expectations. The natural gas industry is embracing GHG reduction and decarbonization goals with investments in technology, existing infrastructure upgrades, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen all while facing challenges with soaring inflation, supply chain disruptions and regional electrification movements. This panel will discuss the critical role that natural gas and the existing infrastructure will play in the transition to a clean resilient energy future. | 2:15 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. |
Break | 3:15 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. |
Importance of Technology to Address Industry NeedsModeratorsNora Mead Brownwell, Founding Partner – Espy Energy Solutions LLCPanelistsEd Baine, President – Dominion Energy Virginia | Michael Pesin, Deputy Assistant Secretary – U.S. Department of Energy | Joe Svachula, SVP Transmission & Compliance – Exelon Corporation | Erik Takayesu, SVP – Southern California EdisonSynopsisElectricity is becoming ever more essential to achieve societal and economic goals. Given the breadth of needs facing utilities –including reliability, resilience, affordability, and decarbonization–setting the right framework for technology investment is essential to establishing priorities to address these challenges. This panel brings industry leaders speaking to practical examples and experience of how utilities can incorporate new and emerging technologies into its investment plans while balancing the many customer needs and requirements. | 3:30 P.M. – 4:15 P.M. |
Distribution – New Requirements and Emerging RisksModeratorScott Aaronson, Senior Vice President, Security and Preparedness – Edison Electric InstitutePanelistsJoe Bentley – SVP, Electric Engineering | Scott Doyle, EVP Utility Operations – CenterPoint Energy | Matt Ketschke, President – Con Edison of New YorkSynopsisWe’re seeing significant investment in our distribution systems to modernize the grid, provide sustainable resiliency and reliability solutions and integrate new customer/utility distributed energy resources. However, the industry faces headwinds in deploying capital, from supply chain issues, labor shortages, extreme weather conditions, rising natural gas prices, etc. How does the industry prioritize investments as the distribution grid is upgraded to meet evolving customer needs? | 4:15 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. |
Closing Comments & Adjourn | 5:00 P.M. – 5:15 P.M. |
Breakfast – Vineyard Terrace | 6:30 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. |
Meeting Convenes – Matt Compher, Vice President of Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services | 8:00 A.M. |
Opening Comments – Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services | 8:05 A.M. |
The Continuing Evolution of DEI: The Impact of Economic InclusionModeratorRalph Cleveland, President & CEO – AABEPanelistsCy Richardson, SVP – National Urban League | Traci R. Scott, Vice President Workforce Development Division – National Urban League FOR DEI | Lloyd Yates, President and CEO – NiSource |SynopsisThe Utility Industry has long led the efforts to diversify and develop supply chains. The value proposition is evident, and utilities have been at the forefront of identifying, mentoring and developing diverse businesses throughout the procurement process. With the anticipated growth in projects and spending related to the Energy Transition, utilities and their partners are being called upon to make “economic inclusion” a reality as a part of this transition. From a broad sense, “inclusion” is considered the intersection of three elements: Social Inclusion, Political Inclusion, and Economic Inclusion. The focus on “economic inclusion” has grown from the work of organizations like the World Bank and The Rockefeller Foundation. These institutions maintain that investments in expanding opportunity helps create economic growth that is lasting and sustainable. The panel will explore the future state of supplier diversity and development through the lens of “economic inclusion.” | 8:15 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. |
Featured Speaker – Travis Hester, Chief EV Officer, General Motors Travis has 26 years with General Motors. He has a diverse background, uniquely experienced in Go-To-Market Sales strategies and Product Development. Key roles have included President & Managing Director GM Canada, VP Global Product Development, and Chief Engineer for multiple brand/car lines. A change agent within GM, Travis has a passion and proven track record for strategy, innovation, and introduction of new technology. His notable achievements include Super Cruise – GM’s 1st Automated Driving System, the world’s first Rear Camera Mirror, managing the successful outcome of the Canadian Union negotiations in 2019 & his work transforming GM’s approach to eCommerce in 2021.
View Travis Hester's UP 2022 Presentation here | 9:00 A.M. – 9:45 A.M. |
Break | 9:45 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. |
Broadband For EveryoneModeratorGary Bolton, President & CEO – Fiber Broadband AssociationPanelistsSteve Mitchell, SVP – Corning Incorporated | Staci Pies, VP Public Policy and Government Affairs – Crown Castle | Bob Thompson, Founder and CEO – UnderlineSynopsisAs communities, schools and enterprise companies begin to plan their approach to post-pandemic operations the key infrastructure requirement will be access to broadband. The three main drivers that have emerged are people working from home, attending school through remote learning and telemedicine appointments with their doctors. Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) are just a few of the funding strategies set up to address digital divide and rural broadband availability. Additional challenges that we will face are finding the skilled teams to design, engineer and construct these networks. Over the next hour or so we will discuss what will be required to determine eligibility for funding and how to support both non-traditional telecom operators and experienced ISP’s scale efficient processes to build broadband infrastructure and leverage current infrastructure as much as possible. | 10:15 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. |
Electrifying Our LivesModeratorPhil Moeller, EVP – Edison Electric InstitutePanelistsJason Glickman, EVP Engineering, Planning & Strategy – PG&E Corporation | Dennis Kish, COO - EVgo | Joe Woomer, Vice President – Dominion EnergySynopsisConsumer demand is changing our infrastructure landscape –including how much, when, and where we need electricity. Customers are requiring more flexibility and cleaner sources of energy. What do we need to do to keep up? | 11:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M. |
Closing Comments & Adjourn | 12:00 P.M. |
Lunch – Vineyard Terrace | 12:00 P.M. |

Thank you for your interest in Utility Perspectives 2023.
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What makes Utility Perspectives the most inspiring industry event of the year is the opportunity to exchange dialogue with some of the most notable CEOs, COOs, Chairmen and other top executives representing the industry’s most influential organizations. Join the conversation with these organizations.











































































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PANEL PREVIEW
Breakfast – Vineyard Terrace | 6:30 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. |
Meeting Convenes – Vice President of Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services | 8:00 A.M. |
Opening Comments – Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services | 8:10 A.M. |
Welcome to Napa – Patti Poppe, CEO – PG&E Corporation | 8:30 A.M. |
Local Charity Introduction – Duke Austin, Patti Poppe & Hands Across The Valley | 9:00 A.M. – 9:15 A.M. |
Unprecedented Change – Taking It To a New LevelModeratorThe Honorable Patrick Wood III, CEO – Hunt Energy NetworkPanelistsPatti Poppe, CEO – PGE | Rod West, Group President, Utility Operations – Entergy | Lloyd Yates, President and CEO – NiSourceSynopsisThe electric and gas sectors are evolving at an unprecedented pace. The three-pronged challenge of managing the clean energy transition, ensuring reliable service, and providing affordable power all land on the desk of the CEO. This is all happening at a time when significant weather events are placing the resiliency of our systems at the center of stakeholder and policy debates. During this panel, we will discuss the trade offs required and opportunities presented in this dynamic time. | 9:15 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. |
Break | 10:15 A.M. – 10:45 A.M |
Unlocking the Clean Energy TransformationModeratorHeather Zichal, President and CEO – American Clean Power AssociationPanelistsDavid Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer – Engie North America Inc. | Craig Cornelius, CEO – Clearway | Mike Garland, CEO – Pattern Energy | Ryan Pfaff, EVP of Grid and Distribution Scale Power – EDF Renewables North AmericaSynopsisSupport for renewable energy is high across government, the private sector and the public. However, roadblocks to deployment seem to arise at every turn. How will we achieve our clean energy future in time to meet our carbon reduction goals in the electric sector? | 10:45 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. |
Featured Speaker – Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical Strategist Peter Zeihan is an expert in geopolitics: the study of how place impacts financial, economic, cultural, political and military developments. He presents customized executive briefings to a wide array of audiences which include, but are not limited to, financial professionals, Fortune 500 firms, energy investors, and a mix of industrial, power, agricultural and consulting associations and corporations. Mr. Zeihan has been featured in, and cited by, numerous newspapers and broadcasts including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, AP, Bloomberg, CNN, ABC, The New York Times, Fox News and MarketWatch.
View Peter Zeihan's UP 2022 Presentation here | 11:30 P.M. – 12:30 P.M. |
Lunch – Carneros Ballroom | 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. |
Transmission –The Ultimate Enabler of DecarbonizationModeratorThe Honorable Neil Chatterjee, Advisor – Hogan LovellsPanelistsMichael Lamb, SVP Transmission – Xcel Energy | Shawn Schukar, President and Chairman – Ameren | Toby Thomas, SVP Energy Delivery – AEP Energy DeliverySynopsisRecent policy has recognized transmission as critical infrastructure worthy of investment. The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law has provided new incentives to enhance and expand transmission infrastructure, much of which will directly enable clean energy projects. What now? | 1:30 P.M. – 2:15 P.M. |
The Critical Role of Natural Gas in the Energy TransitionModeratorKaren Harbert, CEO – American Gas AssociationPanelistsJimmie Cho, COO – Southern California Gas Company | Micheal Dunn, COO – The Williams Company | Luke Littiken, SVP Gas – Xcel Energy | | Ross Turrini, COO NY Gas – National Grid – National GridSynopsisAmerica’s natural gas utilities and pipeline operators are balancing the complexity of renewable power integration, evolving federal, state and local policies & regulations and increased ESG expectations. The natural gas industry is embracing GHG reduction and decarbonization goals with investments in technology, existing infrastructure upgrades, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen all while facing challenges with soaring inflation, supply chain disruptions and regional electrification movements. This panel will discuss the critical role that natural gas and the existing infrastructure will play in the transition to a clean resilient energy future. | 2:15 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. |
Break | 3:15 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. |
Importance of Technology to Address Industry NeedsModeratorsNora Mead Brownwell, Founding Partner – Espy Energy Solutions LLCPanelistsEd Baine, President – Dominion Energy Virginia | Michael Pesin, Deputy Assistant Secretary – U.S. Department of Energy | Joe Svachula, SVP Transmission & Compliance – Exelon Corporation | Erik Takayesu, SVP – Southern California EdisonSynopsisElectricity is becoming ever more essential to achieve societal and economic goals. Given the breadth of needs facing utilities –including reliability, resilience, affordability, and decarbonization–setting the right framework for technology investment is essential to establishing priorities to address these challenges. This panel brings industry leaders speaking to practical examples and experience of how utilities can incorporate new and emerging technologies into its investment plans while balancing the many customer needs and requirements. | 3:30 P.M. – 4:15 P.M. |
Distribution – New Requirements and Emerging RisksModeratorScott Aaronson, Senior Vice President, Security and Preparedness – Edison Electric InstitutePanelistsJoe Bentley – SVP, Electric Engineering | Scott Doyle, EVP Utility Operations – CenterPoint Energy | Matt Ketschke, President – Con Edison of New YorkSynopsisWe’re seeing significant investment in our distribution systems to modernize the grid, provide sustainable resiliency and reliability solutions and integrate new customer/utility distributed energy resources. However, the industry faces headwinds in deploying capital, from supply chain issues, labor shortages, extreme weather conditions, rising natural gas prices, etc. How does the industry prioritize investments as the distribution grid is upgraded to meet evolving customer needs? | 4:15 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. |
Closing Comments & Adjourn | 5:00 P.M. – 5:15 P.M. |
Breakfast – Vineyard Terrace | 6:30 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. |
Meeting Convenes – Matt Compher, Vice President of Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services | 8:00 A.M. |
Opening Comments – Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services | 8:05 A.M. |
The Continuing Evolution of DEI: The Impact of Economic InclusionModeratorRalph Cleveland, President & CEO – AABEPanelistsCy Richardson, SVP – National Urban League | Traci R. Scott, Vice President Workforce Development Division – National Urban League FOR DEI | Lloyd Yates, President and CEO – NiSource |SynopsisThe Utility Industry has long led the efforts to diversify and develop supply chains. The value proposition is evident, and utilities have been at the forefront of identifying, mentoring and developing diverse businesses throughout the procurement process. With the anticipated growth in projects and spending related to the Energy Transition, utilities and their partners are being called upon to make “economic inclusion” a reality as a part of this transition. From a broad sense, “inclusion” is considered the intersection of three elements: Social Inclusion, Political Inclusion, and Economic Inclusion. The focus on “economic inclusion” has grown from the work of organizations like the World Bank and The Rockefeller Foundation. These institutions maintain that investments in expanding opportunity helps create economic growth that is lasting and sustainable. The panel will explore the future state of supplier diversity and development through the lens of “economic inclusion.” | 8:15 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. |
Featured Speaker – Travis Hester, Chief EV Officer, General Motors Travis has 26 years with General Motors. He has a diverse background, uniquely experienced in Go-To-Market Sales strategies and Product Development. Key roles have included President & Managing Director GM Canada, VP Global Product Development, and Chief Engineer for multiple brand/car lines. A change agent within GM, Travis has a passion and proven track record for strategy, innovation, and introduction of new technology. His notable achievements include Super Cruise – GM’s 1st Automated Driving System, the world’s first Rear Camera Mirror, managing the successful outcome of the Canadian Union negotiations in 2019 & his work transforming GM’s approach to eCommerce in 2021.
View Travis Hester's UP 2022 Presentation here | 9:00 A.M. – 9:45 A.M. |
Break | 9:45 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. |
Broadband For EveryoneModeratorGary Bolton, President & CEO – Fiber Broadband AssociationPanelistsSteve Mitchell, SVP – Corning Incorporated | Staci Pies, VP Public Policy and Government Affairs – Crown Castle | Bob Thompson, Founder and CEO – UnderlineSynopsisAs communities, schools and enterprise companies begin to plan their approach to post-pandemic operations the key infrastructure requirement will be access to broadband. The three main drivers that have emerged are people working from home, attending school through remote learning and telemedicine appointments with their doctors. Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) are just a few of the funding strategies set up to address digital divide and rural broadband availability. Additional challenges that we will face are finding the skilled teams to design, engineer and construct these networks. Over the next hour or so we will discuss what will be required to determine eligibility for funding and how to support both non-traditional telecom operators and experienced ISP’s scale efficient processes to build broadband infrastructure and leverage current infrastructure as much as possible. | 10:15 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. |
Electrifying Our LivesModeratorPhil Moeller, EVP – Edison Electric InstitutePanelistsJason Glickman, EVP Engineering, Planning & Strategy – PG&E Corporation | Dennis Kish, COO - EVgo | Joe Woomer, Vice President – Dominion EnergySynopsisConsumer demand is changing our infrastructure landscape –including how much, when, and where we need electricity. Customers are requiring more flexibility and cleaner sources of energy. What do we need to do to keep up? | 11:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M. |
Closing Comments & Adjourn | 12:00 P.M. |
Lunch – Vineyard Terrace | 12:00 P.M. |
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT
THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME
IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE


This site will be updated regularly as speakers and panels are confirmed for the October 2023 event.
Please check back for updates, further details, and registration information. Thank you!
For registration help and information on the 2023 event activities and schedule, contact Jacqui Weigman at 832-570-2043, or email [email protected]
If you have additional questions or suggestions about Utility Perspectives, contact Kenny Mercado at 713.724.4882.
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