Fall Conference

Thanks for Attending!
Attendees had the opportunity to connect with the leaders shaping Connecticut's energy future at the CPES annual conference. This highly anticipated event brought together energy executives, innovators, policymakers, regulators, and industry professionals for a day of thought-provoking discussions, strategic networking, and insights into the trends and innovations driving the state's evolving energy landscape.

Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, gain valuable industry knowledge, or showcase your organization to a highly engaged audience, this annual conference offers opportunities to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of energy in Connecticut.

Conference Agenda

Registration & Light Breakfast

Opening Remarks from CPES President Kate Boucher and Welcoming Remarks from Dean Zhan Li of the Fairfield University School of Business

Panel 1 - Load Growth: The Region's New Reality

Networking Break

Keynote with CT DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino

Panel 2 - Resiliency Redefined: Affordability, Electrification, and Security

Lunch

Panel 3 - The Business of Communicating Energy in 2026

Panel 4 - Innovation at the Meter: AMI, Rate Design, and How Data is Shaping the Competitive Market

Networking Break

Fireside Chat - Politics and Policy: A Discussion with PURA Vice Chairman David Arconti and Representative Tracy Marra

Featured Speakers & Panel Descriptions

Panel 1 - Load Growth: The Region's New Reality
9:15-10:15 AM

Betsy Schaefer
FuelCell Energy

In light of the rapid load growth facing the northeast, how will Connecticut rise to meet the demand? The state already faces a growing need to build more generation and transmission infrastructure, and the looming potential impacts of data centers could exacerbate the forecasted surge in demand. In panel one's discussion, "Load Growth: The Region's New Reality," panelists will speak on what it will take to create the infrastructure needed to support our new paradigm.

Keynote - CT DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino
10:30-10:45 AM

Hear firsthand from CT DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino as she shares her perspective on the future of Connecticut's energy landscape.

Panel 2 - Resiliency Redefined - Affordability, Electrification, and Security
10:45-11:45 AM

Stephan Hartmann
Earthlight Technologies

Is the current energy system truly resilient if consumers are unable to afford its prices? Panel two's discussion will explore a broader definition of resilience that addresses affordability, electrification, energy distribution, and infrastructure security. Panelists will also discuss challenges related to the forecasted increase in energy demand and the opportunities it establishes for a more secure, reliable, and affordable future.

Panel 3 - The Business of Communicating Energy in 2026
12:45-1:45 PM

John Moritz
CT Mirror

Today's journalists and communications professionals must make energy industry news resonate with the public, a task that is becoming difficult as energy issues become increasingly complex, interconnected, and consequential. Panel three's discussion, "The Business of Communicating Energy in 2026," will provide expert perspectives on strategies for turning technical information into compelling stories that inform audiences, spark engagement, and help the public understand the challenges facing our future energy landscape.

Panel 4 - Innovation at the Meter - AMI, Rate Design, and How Data is Shaping the Competitive Market
1:45-2:45 PM

Richard Spilky
Constellation

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is transforming the way utility providers support the grid and manage resources. From enabling innovation among competitive retail suppliers through timely data access to modernizing meter infrastructure, evolving rate design, and applying time-of-use lessons from states beyond Connecticut, panel four's discussion will explore the opportunities ahead. Additionally, the conversation will consider vehicle-to-grid technology as a resilience resource, and weigh the role of energy efficiency investments against new infrastructure buildout.

Fireside Chat - Politics and Policy - A Discussion with PURA Vice Chairman David Arconti and Representative Tracy Marra
3:00-4:00 PM

Cost allocation and energy affordability have become major political issues in Connecticut, dominating local campaigns ahead of the November midterm elections. In this discussion, CT PURA Commissioner David Arconti and State Representative Tracy Marra will explore the balance between ratepayer and taxpayer responsibility, electricity costs, utility regulation and accountability, energy reliability and security, and the state’s clean energy goals, while offering perspectives on the direction of Connecticut’s future energy policy and legislation.