Course Topics

Smart grid, green energy, electric cars—in this time of unprecedented industry change, today’s utility leaders must maintain healthy power companies in order to keep the economy running as we transition to climate-safe forms of energy.

Knowledge is an organization’s most valuable and strategic resource, and a knowledge advantage, skillfully applied, is a competitive advantage. The UEC Summit provides in-depth knowledge and up-to-the-minute information on critical issues shaping the industry’s future. Courses include:

Utility of the Future explores the opportunities, risks, uncertainties, and tipping points of this critical industry. Topics include new technologies, climate change, energy security, customer impact, and evolving regulatory and business models.
Scott Morris, Avista Corp.
Robert Rowe, NorthWestern Energy
Larry Weis, Austin Energy

Capital Markets and Financial Update examines current market issues impacting utilities. Topics include debt and equity markets update, utility capital market perspectives, and recent utility M&A activity.
J. Frank Russell, Concentric Energy Advisors

Customer Experience explores how the design and management landscape are changing and how  customer experiences are being integrated into product and service design. Topics include mapping the
current state experience, product and service design, identifying and communicating the ROI, and building the business case.
Roy Barnes, Blue Space Consulting

Energy for a Smart Future offers a strategic perspective on what utilities are doing to manage opportunities and challenges in the evolving energy marketplace. Topics include consumer behaviors and perceptions, business value drivers, and the smart grid journey.
Don Kopczynski, Energy Services, Avista Corp.

Current Issues Facing Utility CFOs explores strategic initiatives and enterprise risk management issues. Topics include strategic planning, risk management, communication, and managing stakeholders.
Darrel Anderson, IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power
Brian Bird, NorthWestern Corporation
Mark Thies, Avista Corp.

Advanced Technologies and Cyber Security explores this ever changing landscape and how to navigate the latest rules and regulations while ensuring a cyber security program that works. Topics include corporate information security, critical security failings, and meeting the challenges ahead.
David Harkness, Xcel Energy

Regulatory Panel moderated by Ric Gale, Gale Energy Consulting, LLC

State of the Energy Industry presents detailed information on how the industry is changing to meet the needs of a high-cost, low-carbon energy world. Topics include rising costs and prices, climate change, energy efficiency, regulatory uncertainty, environmental compliance, and the aging workforce.
David Owens, Edison Electric Institute

Environmental Collaboration offers new insight on how the energy industry can meet the challenges of global warming. Topics include making energy efficiency and renewable energy a profit center, creating diversified resource portfolios, enhancing reliability and reducing congestion, and responding to financial risks and societal concerns associated with greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
Ralph Cavanagh, Natural Resources Defense Council

Industry and the Environment—A Dialogue brings renowned experts David Owens and Ralph Cavanagh together for a fresh perspective on how the utility industry and environmental organizations are collaborating to solve today’s challenges.
Ralph Cavanagh, Natural Resources Defense Council
David Owens, Edison Electric Institute