This event brings the natural gas and electric utility executive community together to encourage discussion and foster new opportunities. Learn from subject matter experts regarding imminent opportunities and the challenges pressing utilities to adapt and flex in uncharted territories for best-in-class utility management. Topics covered in recent years include customer relations, global economic insights, new business models for utilities in a carbon constrained world, opportunities and challenges of big data, energy supply and demand forecasting, and visions for the utility of the future.
Member: $1,099 USD
Registration prices increases $150 after August 28, 2023. Registration includes a welcome reception on Sunday evening, all presentations, panel discussions, meals on Monday and Tuesday, and digital program materials via the event app. Guest tickets are available for $150 and allow for a personal guest (a spouse or partner who does not work in the energy industry) to accompany a registered attendee at the event. Guest registration includes meals and receptions. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).
Current participants in the Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders and Women in Leadership + Development programs can attend the 2023 Annual Meeting at no charge. The ticket option will be available for participants to select when they register.
Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders Program Alumni are invited to attend a portion of the 2023 Annual Meeting. Registration is $699 through August 28, 2023, after which the prices will increase by $150. Registration includes Monday evening’s Service Company event, all sessions and meals on Tuesday, and digital program materials via the event app. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).
7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Optional Networking Opportunities
Please see the Networking tab for more information.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Women in Leadership
Open to current WEI Women in Leadership mentors and mentees only.
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
WEI Executive Committee Meeting
Open to current WEI Executive Committee members only.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Registration Open
The registration desk will open early for attendees to pick up their name badge.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
WEI Board of Directors Meeting
Open to current WEI Board Members only.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Welcome Reception
All attendees welcome. Sponsored by KPMG.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Board of Directors Dinner
By invitation only. Open to WEI Board Members and invited guests. Sponsored by Burns & McDonnell.
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration Open
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by Black & Veatch.
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome + Opening Remarks
Speaker(s): Roger Dall'Antonia, President and CEO, FortisBC
The WEI 2023 Board Chair will welcome everyone to Vancouver, British Columbia.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
On the Edge: The Art of High-Impact Leadership
Speaker(s): Alison Levine, Mountain Climber, Explorer, Leadership Consultant, and Author of On the Edge, Keynote Speaker
Imagine yourself on the highest mountain in the world. You have to deal with the physiological effects of extreme altitude–along with bone-chilling temperatures, battering winds, and a climbing team that's counting on all of its members to make smart decisions. There's simply no room for poor judgment — one mistake or misstep can result in an "unrecoverable error." In any situation where lives on are the line or the stakes are exceptionally high–there's no better training ground for leaders than settings where people are pushed beyond their perceived limits. Drawing on her experience as team captain of the first American Women's Everest Expedition, Alison Levine makes a compelling case that the leadership principles that apply in the world of extreme adventure also apply to today's rigorously competitive business environments.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break
Sponsored by MasTec West.
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
AI-Powered Energy Revolution
Facilitator(s): Dan Fisher, Partner ENRC Tech Leader, KPMG LLP
Panelist(s): Dharmesh Ghandi, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, BC Hydro, Durga Kota, Chief Technology Officer, Fujitsu North America, Inc., Rebekah Eggers, Global Director, Client Engagement and Innovation, Energy & Resources, IBM Technology, IBM Americas
In today's rapidly evolving energy landscape, innovation is key as WEI members lead the way towards a clean energy future for all. Join our panel of experts as we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, privacy, cybersecurity, and innovation.
11:45 AM - 1:30 PM
Networking Lunch + The Global Economy
Speaker(s): Linda Nazareth, Future of Work Expert, Economist, and Author, Keynote Speaker
Europe, the U.S., oil prices, interest rates, population change, currency markets, the markets and more – what is the big picture and how do you make the right decisions to stay ahead of the curve? How does North America fit into the mix – and how do you plan for your own industry and investments? In this presentation Linda Nazareth looks at the economic outlook, the opportunities in the face of challenges, and the way that the larger picture will affect your own business interests.
Lunch sponsored by Technosylva.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Break
Sponsored by MasTec West.
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Sustainability + ESG: Empowering a Resilient Future
Facilitator(s): Paul Sakrzewski, CEO, Copperleaf Technologies Inc.
Panelist(s): Dale Friesen, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Government Affairs Officer, ATCO, Jeff Hanman, Senior Vice President, Sustainability and External Affairs, Teck Resources Limited, Diana Stephenson, Senior Vice-President, Customer and Corporate Affairs, BC Hydro, Joe Mazza, Vice President, Energy Supply & Resource Development, FortisBC
Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations have become imperative for organizations across all industries. Join us for a dynamic panel to explore how sustainability practices are driving positive change, both within the energy industry and beyond.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Concurrent Committee Meetings
By invitation only. Open to WEI Board Committee Members. The WEI Service Company Committee will also meet during this time.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Service Company Soiree
Join us for a fun filled evening sponsored by WEI’s Service Company Membership. For years, it has been a tradition for our service company members to host an event to celebrate the end of WEI’s fiscal year and a way to thank all the energy company members for their partnerships and sharing throughout the year. This reception style occasion is designed to promote interaction, networking, and reconnection with colleagues and members. There will be heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, a photo booth and live music – all in a casual environment with options to sit or stand. Open to all attendees so come join the fun!
7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Registration Open
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast + 2024 Western Energy Institute Theme
Speaker(s): Gillian Wright, SVP & Chief Customer Officer, Southern California Gas Company
Breakfast sponsored by Wood.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Networking Break
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Gaming the System: Engaging Customers through Intrinsic Motivation
Speaker(s): Jon Dies, Manager, Pipeline Integrity Projects, ATCO Natural Gas, Josh Ruddick, Engineering Supervisor, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Megan Poshka, Customer Service Operations Manager, Idaho Power Company, Travis Britanik, Director, Enterprise Strategy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Cassie Houser, Operations Superintendent, Snohomish County PUD, Lauren Briggs, Director, Resource Procurement and Planning, Tucson Electric Power
How can utilities entice customers to reshape their energy usage? Gamify it! Interactive load management is important for easing the energy transition. Learn how to increase customer participation and engagement by building in game elements to your utility’s customer-facing solutions.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Empowering Energy Utility Evolution: Leveraging OKRs for Upskilling Excellence
Speaker(s): Jacquie Bezuidenhout, Senior Manager, Engineering and Project Management, EPCOR Distribution and Transmission Inc., Pat Everitt, Manager, Benefits, Compensation and Analytics, Avista Corp., Rose Santos, Director, Northern Natural Gas Generation, SaskPower, Armando Torrez, Emergency Management Planning and Regulatory Manager, Southern California Gas Company, Jenn Watkins, Materials Manager, Central Lincoln PUD
The energy utility industry is rapidly evolving. Upskilling employees has become a critical strategy for energy utility companies to increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability. In a presentation focused on upskilling employees utilizing an Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework, we will highlight several key points. We’ll discuss why upskilling is important and how frameworks can be used to drive change. We’ll also explore what skills we heard are important to support the energy transition and present an example OKR that addresses building the skills required to ensure success as employees take on new roles and accountabilities.
We hope this presentation provides an opportunity to see potential OKRs in action, focusing on the skills executives, peers and colleagues highlighted as paramount in the utility workforce. Overall, this presentation will be timely and informative, providing valuable insights for companies looking to stay ahead in this quickly changing sector.
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
A Winning Playbook for Decarbonization Leaders
Speaker(s): Travis Allen, Strategic Account Manager, Altec, Inc., Frank Sanderson, Northern Division Director, Arizona Public Service Company, Kyna Alders, Slice Product Manager, Bonneville Power Administration, Bonneville Power Administration, Hamid Shaker, Manager, Advanced Analytics, ENMAX Corporation, Jaime Ulestad, Senior Manager, Business Systems, NW Natural, Jillian Rich, Manager, Enterprise Strategy, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Decarbonization is an energy transition unlike anything the utility industry has seen before. You have seen the statistics. It is a game changer in scope, scale and pace. Our presentation posits that, at its heart, a change of this magnitude requires a new style of leadership. Through our dynamic presentation, you will learn an easy-to-remember playbook you can deploy to help your organization win in the decarbonization game. We will also review real-life success stories that illustrate these strategies and tactics. Whether you are years into the decarbonization challenge or just getting started, come learn tools for being the leader your team needs you to be. you to be.
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Change is Constant: Lessons for Organizational Change Management Maturity
Speaker(s): Alex Banicki, Manager, Maintenance, Monitoring & Diagnostics Engineering, Portland General Electric, Ronni Deol, Environmental Program Manager, FortisBC, Jeff Feinberg, Senior Manager, Energy Services and Customer Innovations, Snohomish County PUD, Nermina Rucic-O'Neill, Power Engineering Manager, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Annemarie Steinhoff, Director T&D Engineering, Arizona Public Service Company, Steve Wall, Gas Supply & Transportation Specialist, Dominion Energy
The pandemic showed our industry that driving quick and effective change is possible. Whether leading organizational change management with remote/hybrid work environments or adapting programs to meet goals, utilities moved at record pace to ensure the pandemic did not limit our ability to serve customers. With the pandemic behind us, let’s assess our change management maturity levels and determine if we can apply any lessons learned over the last few years to improve our ability to manage the transformation that utilities are experiencing. Change is constant; are we ready?
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Networking Break
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Utility Knowledge Network
Speaker(s): Tara McGowan, Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities, Jacob Darrington, Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Intermountain Gas Company, Jay Bick, Advanced Clean Technology Engineering Manager, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Nanette Salamon, Manager, Supply Planning, SaskPower
The utility industry is experiencing significant staffing challenges and a growing knowledge deficiency. To address these issues, we are proposing a simple web-based platform where utility employees can engage with one another in a non-solicitation and confidential manner to share information, discuss problems, and propose solutions. The platform could also be used by participants to post work requests for external Subject Matter Experts to address specific problems or provide cross training.
This platform would enable utilities to:
The goal of this platform is to help utilities better accomplish the work of today and to improve their ability to thrive in the future energy landscape.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Hydrogen: Hope or Hype?
Speaker(s): Emil Abdelshehid, Assistant Director of Power New Business and Electrification, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Amy Bryant, Manager, Communications & Marketing Operations, Salt River Project, Mark Campbell, Manager, Project Engineering, ENMAX Corporation, Chris Forbeck, Director, Compensation and Benefits, NorthWestern Energy, Aaron Orlowski, Communications specialist, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Amanda Stiff, Technical Services Manager, Williams Northwest Pipeline
The most abundant element in the universe – hydrogen – is taking the spotlight as a key tool for decarbonizing society while maintaining reliability. Governments are investing billions of dollars in subsidizing hydrogen production, while gas and electric utilities are exploring using hydrogen in different ways to help decarbonize their systems. But the challenge lies in the details and many questions remain about the feasibility of using hydrogen in place of natural gas, or as a method of storing and converting renewable electricity. What hurdles will slow or even derail hydrogen adoption? And can utilities overcome them?
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by CGI.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Utilities United for Energy Affordability
Speaker(s): Matthew Barnes, Area Manager, BC Hydro, Alberto Bueno, Substation Engineer, El Paso Electric Company, Brandy Powers, Director Brand, Advertising & Customer Comm, NorthWestern Energy, Jennifer Womack, Manager Cyber Defense Center, Puget Sound Energy, Nadia Aftab, Facilities Integrity Program Manager, Southern California Gas Company, Nathan Manning, Engineering Manager, Tacoma Power
With aging infrastructure, rapidly changing technology and ever increasing demands on our customer’s pocketbooks, utilities have to find a way to reliably meet future clean energy demands while keeping costs affordable. In this presentation, we will discuss the reasons behind the affordability crisis, showcase some of the programs offered by the utilities and explore opportunities to protect vulnerable customers together.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Physical Security: Checking Your Blind Spots for Emerging Threats
Speaker(s): Aaron Anderson, Network & Communication Infrastructure Manager, City of Tacoma, Alex Baird, Fuels & Purchase Power Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities, Ryan Morgan, Manager Operations Support, Southwest Gas Corporation, Marissa O'Connor, Sr. Attorney, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Harjinder Sokhal, Director, Operations, ATCO Electric, Sonya Wald, Manager, Customer Systems, MDU Utilities Group
Physical security incidents are on the rise–and arguably underreported and under-prepared for. According to WECC’s 2023 State of the Interconnection, deliberate attacks to bulk power system facilities increased by 83% in 2022. Ensuring the physical security of our assets is essential to delivering reliable, affordable energy to our customers and serves as the first line of defense in mitigating the risk of debilitating cyber-attacks. As utilities, are we as prepared as we can be? We will explore our changing landscape, emerging risks, best practices, opportunities to collaborate, and special considerations for our colleagues across North America.
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Networking Break
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Unlocking the Potential of the Energy as a Service Business Model
Speaker(s): Xin Shane, Manager Organized Market Settlement, Avista Corp., Tasha Christensen, Senior Engineer, Dominion Energy, Brian Williams, Electric Services Manager Power System Safety & Training, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Vinh Nguyen, Manager, Capital Portfolio Delivery, Portland General Electric, Jennifer Rooke, Manager, Power Contracts, SaskPower, Sam Chesnut, Operations Supervisor, Williams Northwest Pipeline
What do you get when you mix advancing technologies, changing regulations, and evolving customer expectations? The end of Blockbuster Video. This is where the energy industry is heading if we don’t change our business model to stay relevant. As distributed energy resources, renewable technologies, smart devices, and other energy management systems become more widely available, the door is opening for new companies to venture into the energy space, offering up creative services and solutions. Are these new options going to reduce the customers’ dependency on utilities? If so, what can the utility do about it? Join us as we explore the Energy-as-a-Service business model, and how utilities can use it to stay competitive.
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Viral Edutainment: Striking Balance Between Customer Engagement and Education
Speaker(s): Jason Cameron, Manager, Operational Training Center, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Stephanie Kreshel, Manager Infrastructure Program Management, Puget Sound Energy, Darrell Lambert, Field Safety Manager, Seattle City Light, Ashley Llacuna, Grid Control Manager, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Maren Martin, Supervisor Construction, ATCO, Katherine Schultz, Assistant Controller, Tucson Electric Power
Together we will explore an innovative customer engagement strategy, aimed at enhancing brand recognition and trust. We will explore the utilization of short-form videos and the importance of maintaining a consistent social media presence. Through edutainment, finding the delicate balance between entertainment and education, uncover how to deliver messages that are not only factually accurate but also compelling, shareable, and easily accessible to a broader audience. Join us as we inspire you with the knowledge and innovative approach to engage and educate your customers in the digital age. Don't let anyone else shape your narrative – take the lead in fostering an informed and entertained customer base.
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Networking Break
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Applications of AI in the Utility Industry
Speaker(s): Jayne Blinzer, Senior Engineer, New Business and Operations Support, Apex Utilities Inc., Chris David, Department Manager, Sr Project Engineer, POWER Engineers, Inc., Michael McKerrow, Director, Procurement & Supply Chain Management, FortisAlberta Inc., Kelli Scott, Government Affairs Program Manager, Chelan County PUD, Cody Taylor, Principal Manager, Southern California Edison
Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption continues to rise across all industries, including the energy sector. From meeting day-to-day demands to supporting long-term goals, utilities are applying AI-powered solutions to a host of challenges. Today we will review several ready-to-implement AI technologies that are helping utilities improve reliability, increase efficiency, save money, and boost customer engagement. We will discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages, and what utilities should keep in mind as they establish their own AI guiding principles and consider stepping into the AI revolution.
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Workforce of the Future
Speaker(s): David Kavanagh, Senior Manager - Operations, EPCOR Distribution and Transmission Inc., Dorothy Sidhu, Manager People Development, FortisBC, Kristin Watt, Manager, Air Quality Services, Salt River Project, Delcina Lal, Key Customer Manager, Seattle City Light, Breanna Medina, Senior Manager, Transmission Wildfire, Southern California Edison, Adam Shochat, Manager/Engineering, Southwest Gas Corporation
Utilities across North America are struggling to attract talent and this challenge will only continue to compound over the next decade. Aging demographics, rapidly changing skill requirements, and a declining front line workforce with greater employment choices creates less interest in careers within the utility space. For survival of our industry we must future proof our workforce.
Specifically, we seek to develop and identify strategies to attract a diverse workforce into the utilities industries. Our group is going to show you how you can reach untapped labor streams, remove barriers to utility employment, and create greater diversity. As an industry, we can leverage these strategies to broaden the depth and breadth of our candidate pools, as we build our workforce of the future.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Break
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Reception, Dinner + Graduation Ceremony for Business Acumen
Sponsored by Guidehouse.
Please contact the hotel at (604) 683-7277 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with “WEI” to receive a special rate of $319 CAD/night. This rate is guaranteed until August 28, 2023 or until the WEI room block is full.
Due to high-demand WEI has secured an additional hotel option for this event. Please see below for an additional hotel near the venue.
Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown (0.8 miles from venue)
1110 Howe Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R2
Reservation Instructions
Make your reservations online. A special rate of $289 CAD per night has been secured through August 31, 2023.
2:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Gastown Walking Food Tour (Saturday)
Cost: $120 USD + 5% GST
Capacity: 19
Explore Vancouver’s Oldest Neighborhood. Rich in history, high in energy, and home to an impressive culinary scene, where foodies unite on the streets of Gastown Our Legendary Gastown Food tour takes you through the cobbled stone streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Enjoy local craft beer, Japanese Karage chicken, freshly made Sicilian Tortellini with local wine, vegan sweet & chili cauliflower, traditional Canadian poutine, organic soft ice cream, decadent waffles and award-winning cheesecake. On this 2.5-hour walking food tour, you will be led by our talented and amazing, storytelling tour guides who will share fascinating and funny little-known stories about Vancouver and its “Wild West” history that dates back 150 years. This is a tour you don’t want to miss! Pre-registration is required. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).
10:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Gastown Walking Food Tour (Sunday)
Cost: $120 USD + 5% GST
Capacity: 19
Explore Vancouver’s Oldest Neighborhood. Rich in history, high in energy, and home to an impressive culinary scene, where foodies unite on the streets of Gastown Our Legendary Gastown Food tour takes you through the cobbled stone streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Enjoy local craft beer, Japanese Karage chicken, freshly made Sicilian Tortellini with local wine, vegan sweet & chili cauliflower, traditional Canadian poutine, organic soft ice cream, decadent waffles and award-winning cheesecake. On this 2.5-hour walking food tour, you will be led by our talented and amazing, storytelling tour guides who will share fascinating and funny little-known stories about Vancouver and its “Wild West” history that dates back 150 years. This is a tour you don’t want to miss! Pre-registration is required. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).