Second Annual
Welcome to the NPUC Decarbonization Solutions Forum!
The National Public Utilities Council (NPUC), in partnership with Motive Power and Zpryme, will host the 2nd annual NPUC Decarbonization Solutions Forum in New York City on Thursday, May 30, 2024!
Utilities are at the forefront of the journey towards a net-zero carbon future, as they navigate the complex challenges of fulfilling customer commitments, sustainability goals, and economic demands in a time of regulatory uncertainty.
The Decarbonization Solutions Forum serves as a collaborative platform that fosters the exchange of learnings and best practices acquired while addressing common obstacles that slow the clean energy transition.
This year’s forum is set to be particularly impactful, with sessions focused on addressing critical decarbonization challenges such as funding, regulatory frameworks, and the adoption of emerging technologies. The forum offers a unique chance to connect with industry thought leaders and advance decarbonization initiatives.
Together we can take action and accelerate the journey to a clean energy future.
The purpose of this Forum is to…
Knowledge Exchange
Enable two-way knowledge, set the stage for knowledge sharing and collaborative action on real-world decarbonization solutions for utilities
Key Input
Capture key industry input on recommended roadmaps and transformations needed to accelerate net zero programs
Problem Solving
Tackle industry-wide challenges alongside utilities peers through facilitated workshops and solutions sharing
Sustainability Awareness
Increase awareness in resources available to utilities in meeting growingly aggressive sustainability targets
Speakers
Zack Valdez
Strategic Advisor
DOE
Damali Harding
US Managing Principal
The Regulatory Assistance Project
Silvia Khurrum
Project Manager, Buildings Decarbonization – Research and Development
Con Edison
Gregory Frank
Founder and Educational Experience Designer
E2 Adventures
Steven Cohen
Senior Vice Dean of Columbia’s School of Professional Studies and a Professor in the Practice of Public Affairs
Columbia University
Susanne DesRoches
VP, Clean and Resilient Buildings
NYSERDA
John Bernecker
Senior Advisor for Transmission
NYSERDA
John Carroll
Principal Engineer
Southern Company
and many more.
Agenda
8:30 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 - 9:10 AM
Introduction | The NPUC Decarbonization Solutions Forum
Kick-off of the NPUC’s 2nd Annual Decarbonization Solutions Forum! An overview outlining the forum’s key goals for driving decarbonization strategies across the utility sector.
9:10 - 9:45 AM
Welcome | The Big Green Apple: Con Ed’s Playbook for Urban Decarbonization.
Learn about Con Ed’s journey pioneering decarbonization in New York City! This session spotlights Con Ed’s successes and obstacles with heat pumps, weatherization, and urban sustainability initiatives. Gain insights from a utility driving green solutions in one of the world’s largest cities.
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Tech Talk | Next-Gen Power: Technology and Talent Success Stories from the Energy Transition Frontlines.
A tech talk exploring emerging technologies and workforce empowerment for the energy transition. Real-world success stories showcase how technological innovations and skilled personnel have advanced the energy sector’s capabilities. Utilities will learn strategies to drive similar transformations through technological solutions and talent development.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Networking Break
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Panel Discussion | Connecting the Dots: Overcoming Obstacles in Transmission Expansion.
A panel discussion exploring challenges and innovative strategies for expanding transmission infrastructure. This session examines ideation and development processes crucial to overcoming physical, regulatory, and technological obstacles, offering strategic insights to effectively connect and enhance power grids.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Keynote | Capturing Tomorrow: Breakthroughs in Carbon Management from the National Carbon Capture Center
A keynote showcasing the work of the National Carbon Capture Center in Wilsonville, Alabama, where breakthroughs in next-generation carbon management technologies are accelerating the development, commercialization, and deployment of solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and industrial sources.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Interactive Game | Connections Through Impact
Connections through Impact is an interactive card game designed to elicit creative discussions and approach sustainability problems from different perspectives. The goal is to explore connections between global industries, sustainability challenges, and individual corporations.
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Panel Discussion | Green Wave: Global Insights and the U.S. Policy Landscape.
A panel discussion examining global environmental trends and emerging U.S. legislation. This session explores how international perspectives influence U.S. policy development, offering strategic insights to navigate evolving global movements and national regulatory shifts.
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Panel Discussion | Seeing Green: How Impact Investing is Reshaping the Energy Sector.
A panel discussion on impact investing’s transformative power in the energy sector. This session explores how emerging funding sources like SEC/DOE initiatives, private investments, and new laws like California’s emissions bill influence utility operations, rate cases, sustainability reporting, and performance benchmarks.
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Networking Break
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Workshop | Future-Proof Metrics: Navigating the New Norms in Energy Regulation and Reporting.
A roundtable/workshop on the shifting energy regulation and reporting metrics landscape. Discussions will focus on practical strategies to effectively capture and leverage data to drive current and future utility goals, ensuring adaptability amid rapid regulatory changes.
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Recap & Closing
Wrapping up the day, we’ll attempt to connect the dots between impact investing, regulatory trends, emerging tech, and other forum topics. The final session will identify actionable next steps for navigating the evolving energy landscape, together.
6:00 PM
Reception & Dinner