{y<}
{yn}

{yl}

{y>}{o<}
{on}

{ol}

{o>}{w<}
{wn}

{wl}

{w>}{d<}
{dn}

{dl}

{d>}{h<}
{hn}

{hl}

{h>}{m<}
{mn}

{ml}

{m>}{s<}
{sn}

{sl}

{s>}
Twentieth Anniversary Utility Perspectives 2023 Nashville Join us to celebrate 20 years of Harmonizing energy, October 15-17, 2023
{y<}
{yn}

{yl}

{y>}{o<}
{on}

{ol}

{o>}{w<}
{wn}

{wl}

{w>}{d<}
{dn}

{dl}

{d>}{h<}
{hn}

{hl}

{h>}{m<}
{mn}

{ml}

{m>}{s<}
{sn}

{sl}

{s>}
Twentieth Anniversary Utility Perspectives 2023 Nashville Join us to celebrate 20 years of Harmonizing energy, October 15-17, 2023

PLEASE ENJOY THE UTILITY PERSPECTIVES
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO

Twentieth Anniversary Utility Perspectives 2023 Nashville Join us to celebrate 20 years of Harmonizing energy, October 15-17, 2023
Meeting Convenes – Matt Compher, Vice President of Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services8:00 A.M.
Opening Comments: Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services8:10 A.M.
Welcome to Nashville: Harry Sideris, EVP – Duke Energy8:30 A.M.
Keynote Speaker: Senator Joe Manchin9:00 A.M.
Leadership Through the Clean Energy Transition
Moderator
Pat Wood, III
Panelists
Calvin Butler, CEO – Exelon  |  Harry Sideris, EVP – Duke Energy  |  Caroline Winn, CEO – San Diego Gas & Electric
Synopsis
The energy transition to a cleaner future is evolving in real time. Coupled with rising demand for electricity and commitment to a more resilient, reliable, and affordable grid, our CEOs are managing record levels of infrastructure investments. This panel will entertain how utilities are succeeding in this dynamic time of change.
9:45 A.M. – 10:45 A.M.
Break10:45 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Managing Risks and Opportunities of the Energy Supply Chain
Moderator
Scott Aaronson, SVP – EEI
Panelists
Lloyd Yates, CEO – NiSource  |  Tami Barron, SVP Supply Chain – Southern Company  |  Anthony Allard, EVP – Hitachi Energy, North America | Craig Rhoades, SVP Supply Chain, Fleet Operations & Property Management – AEP
Synopsis
The global supply chain impacting energy and infrastructure has dramatically changed. The energy transition is in full force, creating many new challenges within the established supply networks requiring a different approach. The unprecedented demand outlook for critical electrical equipment, experienced professionals and skilled labor requires a new type of planning and partnering. Additionally, the commitment to increasing local and diverse subcontracting requires a new way of thinking.  This panel will bring perspectives from industry leaders developing strategies and taking action to manage their business risks and opportunities.
11:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
Fireside Chat & Lunch: Calvin Butler and Cal Ripken, Jr.12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Distinguished Lifetime Award: Tom Kuhn1:15 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
The Role of Natural Gas in the Energy Transition
Moderator
Karen Harbert, CEO – American Gas Association
Panelists
Sasha Weintraub, SVP and President, Natural Gas Business – Duke Energy  |  Julie Williams, SVP/Continuous Improvement & Optimization – Southwest Gas  |  Dustin Bashford, Segment President – Tallgrass Energy  
Synopsis
America’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, regional electrification movements and regional gas bans. 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.
1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Delivering Under the Modern Regulatory Compact
Moderators
Phil Moeller, Executive Vice President – EEI
Panelists
Phillip May, President – Entergy of LA  |  Matt Ketschke, President – Con Ed of New York  |  Wade Smith, COO – Puget Sound
Synopsis
Navigating today’s regulatory environment presents unique challenges. From permitting constraints to load and interconnection queues to reliability and resiliency concerns, utilities must continue to find ways to deliver value in a complex environment. This panel will discuss the biggest challenges – and solutions – to today’s federal and local regulatory environment.
2:30 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.
Break3:15 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Transmission – Enhancing and Achieving a Decarbonized Energy Environment
Moderator
The Honorable Neil Chatterjee, Senior Advisor – Hogan Lovells
Panelists
Ed DeVarona, VP, Transmission and Substation – Florida Power & Light Company  |  Kristen Senechal, EVP Transmission – LCRA  |  Bill Quinlan, President of Transmission – Eversource  
Synopsis
Transmission is critical to achieving a timely and successful energy transition, given its role in connecting customers and communities to carbon free power. Our electric transmission utilities, regional transmission organizations, and independent system operators are balancing the complexity of integrating decarbonized generation, modernizing the existing and aging electrical system, and developing new transmission facilities to support our energy transitions, all while enhancing energy affordability and supporting inclusive economic growth.  This panel will explore the critical role that high-voltage electric transmission infrastructure plays in the transition to a clean resilient energy future both enabling clean generation access to markets and connecting communities and customers to those clean energy resources
3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Closing Comments & Adjourn4:30 P.M.
Breakfast & Keynote Speaker: Julien Dumoulin-Smith
State of the Utility Financial Market: Julien Dumoulin-Smith, Managing Director, Americas Equity Research – US Power, Utilities, Clean Energy and LNG @ Willow Pond Ballroom at 1 Hotel
7:00 A.M.
Meeting Convenes: Matt Compher, Vice President, Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services8:00 A.M.
Opening Comments: Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services8:05 A.M.
Local Charity Introduction – Duke Austin & Harry Sideris8:15 AM - 8:30 A.M.
Total Cost of Energy
Moderator
Joseph P. Kennedy III, President – Citizens Energy
Panelists
Rod West, President – Entergy  |   Bentina Terry, SVP, Customer Strategy – Georgia Power  |  Jason Wells, President and COO – CenterPoint Energy  |  Robert Kenney, President – PSCo Xcel Energy
Synopsis
Utilities face customer affordability challenges that have been building for years. As electricity supply and demand evolves, and required infrastructure investments exponentially increase, utilities and regulators must rethink the fundamentals of cost allocation, rate design, competitive customer options, customer incentive programs, and brand management. “Who should pay for grid modernization? How do you effectively educate customers about necessary investments and actions they can take to proactively manage their bills?”  This experienced panel will provide actionable utility management insights, considerations, and best practices leveraged to engage with regulators and to mitigate the impact on shareholders and customers alike.
8:30 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
Evolving Growth of EV Infrastructure
Moderator
Hossein (Hoss) Hassani, VP Charging & Energy – General Motors
Panelists
Allen Ritchie, CEO – Altec  |  Mathias Carlbaum, CEO – The Navistar/ International Trucks  | Jim Lager, Executive VP – Penske
Synopsis
Every global automobile manufacturer is trying to catch Tesla in producing and serving the changing needs of consumers.  Further, automobile and truck manufacturers are racing to supply the market with electric large fleet in the next few years. The result will be an exponential growth in electric demand and higher expectations around enhanced reliable service. Utilities can no longer use their planning models from the past and must find innovative and affordable designs to increase capacity and integrate charging stations into their planning, design and operations. What’s more, the solution must integrate resiliency and affordable designs to serve all customers. These changes will place added burden on operations and our industries must come together and develop collaborative solutions to quickly address this important topic. This panel will include the leaders in automobile and large fleet manufacturing, and they will share their experiences, their expectations, and their ideas on how we all come together and timely address this challenge.
9:30 A.M - 10:30 AM
Break10:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M
Leading America to a Clean Energy Future
Moderator
Abby Hopper, President & CEO – SEIA
Panelists
Hunter Armistead, CEO – Pattern Energy  |  David Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer – Engie  |  Trevor Sholly, VP, EPC & Program Management – Orsted  |  Martin Hermann, CEO – BrightNight 
Synopsis
With America at the forefront of a clean energy transformation, renewables are no longer a niche market and are growing like a tsunami. We will gain insight into where the market is going and the roadblocks that are inevitable, from interconnection congestion to permit delays, changing PPA rates, system upgrade timelines, supply chain bottlenecks and regulatory hurdles. The industry needs to overcome these numerous obstacles to achieve carbon neutrality goals. Learn how public and private sectors can work together more efficiently to achieve the requirements stated by utilities, government, and corporations to take advantage of the exponential opportunities and overcome industry challenges.
10:45 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
Powering Through – Revamping the Modern Electric Grid
Moderator
Steve Hauser, CEO – AEIC
Panelists
Scott Batson, SVP & Chief Distribution Officer – Duke Energy  |  David Velazquez, EVP Utility Operations – Exelon  |  Lynnae Wilson, SVP Electric Business – CenterPoint Energy  |  Aftab Khan, SVP Engineering – Eversource Energy  
Synopsis
The Electric Distribution panel brings together industry experts and thought leaders to discuss key topics shaping the future of electric distribution. The panel will explore the significant increase in load demand, as well as the profound impact of electrification on the electrical grid, examining the challenges and opportunities presented by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and distributed generation. Additionally, the discussion will focus upon the critical aspect of capital deployment, addressing strategies and innovative financing models to support necessary investments in grid modernization, resilience and storm hardening due to climate change. The panel promises to be an insightful and forward-thinking exchange of ideas, shedding light on the evolving landscape of electrical distribution and the strategies required to meet the demands of an electrified future.
11:45 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Closing Comments & Adjourn (Lunch Available)12:30 P.M.
Meeting Convenes – Matt Compher, Vice President of Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services8:00 A.M.
Opening Comments: Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services8:10 A.M.
Welcome to Nashville: Harry Sideris, EVP – Duke Energy8:30 A.M.
Keynote Speaker: Senator Joe Manchin9:00 A.M.
Leadership Through the Clean Energy Transition
Moderator
Pat Wood, III
Panelists
Calvin Butler, CEO – Exelon  |  Harry Sideris, EVP – Duke Energy  |  Caroline Winn, CEO – San Diego Gas & Electric
Synopsis
The energy transition to a cleaner future is evolving in real time. Coupled with rising demand for electricity and commitment to a more resilient, reliable, and affordable grid, our CEOs are managing record levels of infrastructure investments. This panel will entertain how utilities are succeeding in this dynamic time of change.
9:45 A.M. – 10:45 A.M.
Break10:45 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Managing Risks and Opportunities of the Energy Supply Chain
Moderator
Scott Aaronson, SVP – EEI
Panelists
Lloyd Yates, CEO – NiSource  |  Tami Barron, SVP Supply Chain – Southern Company  |  Anthony Allard, EVP – Hitachi Energy, North America | Craig Rhoades, SVP Supply Chain, Fleet Operations & Property Management – AEP
Synopsis
The global supply chain impacting energy and infrastructure has dramatically changed. The energy transition is in full force, creating many new challenges within the established supply networks requiring a different approach. The unprecedented demand outlook for critical electrical equipment, experienced professionals and skilled labor requires a new type of planning and partnering. Additionally, the commitment to increasing local and diverse subcontracting requires a new way of thinking.  This panel will bring perspectives from industry leaders developing strategies and taking action to manage their business risks and opportunities.
11:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
Fireside Chat & Lunch: Calvin Butler and Cal Ripken, Jr.12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Distinguished Lifetime Award: Tom Kuhn1:15 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
The Role of Natural Gas in the Energy Transition
Moderator
Karen Harbert, CEO – American Gas Association
Panelists
Sasha Weintraub, SVP and President, Natural Gas Business – Duke Energy  |  Julie Williams, SVP/Continuous Improvement & Optimization – Southwest Gas  |  Dustin Bashford, Segment President – Tallgrass Energy  
Synopsis
America’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, regional electrification movements and regional gas bans. 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.
1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Delivering Under the Modern Regulatory Compact
Moderators
Phil Moeller, Executive Vice President – EEI
Panelists
Phillip May, President – Entergy of LA  |  Matt Ketschke, President – Con Ed of New York  |  Wade Smith, COO – Puget Sound
Synopsis
Navigating today’s regulatory environment presents unique challenges. From permitting constraints to load and interconnection queues to reliability and resiliency concerns, utilities must continue to find ways to deliver value in a complex environment. This panel will discuss the biggest challenges – and solutions – to today’s federal and local regulatory environment.
2:30 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.
Break3:15 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Transmission – Enhancing and Achieving a Decarbonized Energy Environment
Moderator
The Honorable Neil Chatterjee, Senior Advisor – Hogan Lovells
Panelists
Ed DeVarona, VP, Transmission and Substation – Florida Power & Light Company  |  Kristen Senechal, EVP Transmission – LCRA  |  Bill Quinlan, President of Transmission – Eversource  
Synopsis
Transmission is critical to achieving a timely and successful energy transition, given its role in connecting customers and communities to carbon free power. Our electric transmission utilities, regional transmission organizations, and independent system operators are balancing the complexity of integrating decarbonized generation, modernizing the existing and aging electrical system, and developing new transmission facilities to support our energy transitions, all while enhancing energy affordability and supporting inclusive economic growth.  This panel will explore the critical role that high-voltage electric transmission infrastructure plays in the transition to a clean resilient energy future both enabling clean generation access to markets and connecting communities and customers to those clean energy resources
3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Closing Comments & Adjourn4:30 P.M.
Breakfast & Keynote Speaker: Julien Dumoulin-Smith
State of the Utility Financial Market: Julien Dumoulin-Smith, Managing Director, Americas Equity Research – US Power, Utilities, Clean Energy and LNG @ Willow Pond Ballroom at 1 Hotel
7:00 A.M.
Meeting Convenes: Matt Compher, Vice President, Safety Health Environmental & Quality – Quanta Services8:00 A.M.
Opening Comments: Duke Austin, President & CEO – Quanta Services8:05 A.M.
Local Charity Introduction – Duke Austin & Harry Sideris8:15 AM - 8:30 A.M.
Total Cost of Energy
Moderator
Joseph P. Kennedy III, President – Citizens Energy
Panelists
Rod West, President – Entergy  |   Bentina Terry, SVP, Customer Strategy – Georgia Power  |  Jason Wells, President and COO – CenterPoint Energy  |  Robert Kenney, President – PSCo Xcel Energy
Synopsis
Utilities face customer affordability challenges that have been building for years. As electricity supply and demand evolves, and required infrastructure investments exponentially increase, utilities and regulators must rethink the fundamentals of cost allocation, rate design, competitive customer options, customer incentive programs, and brand management. “Who should pay for grid modernization? How do you effectively educate customers about necessary investments and actions they can take to proactively manage their bills?”  This experienced panel will provide actionable utility management insights, considerations, and best practices leveraged to engage with regulators and to mitigate the impact on shareholders and customers alike.
8:30 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
Evolving Growth of EV Infrastructure
Moderator
Hossein (Hoss) Hassani, VP Charging & Energy – General Motors
Panelists
Allen Ritchie, CEO – Altec  |  Mathias Carlbaum, CEO – The Navistar/ International Trucks  | Jim Lager, Executive VP – Penske
Synopsis
Every global automobile manufacturer is trying to catch Tesla in producing and serving the changing needs of consumers.  Further, automobile and truck manufacturers are racing to supply the market with electric large fleet in the next few years. The result will be an exponential growth in electric demand and higher expectations around enhanced reliable service. Utilities can no longer use their planning models from the past and must find innovative and affordable designs to increase capacity and integrate charging stations into their planning, design and operations. What’s more, the solution must integrate resiliency and affordable designs to serve all customers. These changes will place added burden on operations and our industries must come together and develop collaborative solutions to quickly address this important topic. This panel will include the leaders in automobile and large fleet manufacturing, and they will share their experiences, their expectations, and their ideas on how we all come together and timely address this challenge.
9:30 A.M - 10:30 AM
Break10:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M
Leading America to a Clean Energy Future
Moderator
Abby Hopper, President & CEO – SEIA
Panelists
Hunter Armistead, CEO – Pattern Energy  |  David Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer – Engie  |  Trevor Sholly, VP, EPC & Program Management – Orsted  |  Martin Hermann, CEO – BrightNight 
Synopsis
With America at the forefront of a clean energy transformation, renewables are no longer a niche market and are growing like a tsunami. We will gain insight into where the market is going and the roadblocks that are inevitable, from interconnection congestion to permit delays, changing PPA rates, system upgrade timelines, supply chain bottlenecks and regulatory hurdles. The industry needs to overcome these numerous obstacles to achieve carbon neutrality goals. Learn how public and private sectors can work together more efficiently to achieve the requirements stated by utilities, government, and corporations to take advantage of the exponential opportunities and overcome industry challenges.
10:45 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
Powering Through – Revamping the Modern Electric Grid
Moderator
Steve Hauser, CEO – AEIC
Panelists
Scott Batson, SVP & Chief Distribution Officer – Duke Energy  |  David Velazquez, EVP Utility Operations – Exelon  |  Lynnae Wilson, SVP Electric Business – CenterPoint Energy  |  Aftab Khan, SVP Engineering – Eversource Energy  
Synopsis
The Electric Distribution panel brings together industry experts and thought leaders to discuss key topics shaping the future of electric distribution. The panel will explore the significant increase in load demand, as well as the profound impact of electrification on the electrical grid, examining the challenges and opportunities presented by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and distributed generation. Additionally, the discussion will focus upon the critical aspect of capital deployment, addressing strategies and innovative financing models to support necessary investments in grid modernization, resilience and storm hardening due to climate change. The panel promises to be an insightful and forward-thinking exchange of ideas, shedding light on the evolving landscape of electrical distribution and the strategies required to meet the demands of an electrified future.
11:45 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Closing Comments & Adjourn (Lunch Available)12:30 P.M.

Thank you for your interest in Utility Perspectives 2023.

Please complete and submit the following form to register.

All fields marked with a star (*) are required.

Each Attendee will be highlighted in the UP directory.
Please upload your personal headshot here or email it to [email protected]

SPECIAL RATES ARE AVAILABLE
FOR QUANTA’S UTILITY PERSPECTIVES

UTILITY PERSPECTIVES IS HOSTED BY:

Quanta Services Logo

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.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT
THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME
IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Country Music Hall of Fame logo

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.

MEET YOUR HOST: