Download the Conference eProgram HERE
Monday, February 27, 2023
12:00 – 7:00 pm
Registration
LOWER LEVEL 2
6:00 – 8:00 pm
VIP Reception and Networking
PROSPECT’S URBAN KITCHEN AND BAR
Fireside Chat
- Bryan Hannegan–President and CEO, Holy Cross Energy
- Megan Gilman–Commissioner, Colorado Public Utilities Commission
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
7:30 am – 6:30 pm
Registration
LOWER LEVEL 2
10:30 am – 6:30 pm
Expo Hall Open
COLORADO BALLROOM
8:00 – 9:00 am
Breakfast and Networking
LOWER LEVEL 2
9:00 – 9:30 am
Keynote – 2022: A Reset for Power Markets and Implications for the Future
DENVER BALLROOM
Speaker: Chris Seiple–Vice Chairman of Power & Renewables, Wood Mackenzie
2022 was a remarkable year for power markets. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the US has for the first time established long-term public policy support for decarbonization technologies. At the same time, weather patterns in 2022 and the war in Ukraine have clarified the vulnerability of power systems; trading patterns are being reshaped with major implications for the renewable supply chain. How will these macro trends create opportunities and challenges over the next decade? Join Wood Mackenzie Vice Chairman Chris Seiple as he lays out the landscape for solar and storage in the pivotal years ahead.
9:30 – 10:30 am
Preservation, Conservation, Economic Development, and the Clean Energy Transition – can solar projects “responsibly” meet our environmental, energy, and economic goals?
DENVER BALLROOM
Is responsible energy development a misnomer? Leading environmentalists, Colorado’s State Land Board, and solar developers will discuss the pros and cons of solar development, land impacts, economic benefits, and resource preservation. Join Experts Only podcast host Chris Mathey as he facilitates a lively conversation among thought leaders in this field.
Speakers:
- Host: Chris Mathey–Senior Director of Business Development, Clean Capital
- Nathan Cummins–Director of Renewable Energy Programs, The Nature Conservancy
- Chris Smith–Director of Real Estate, Colorado State Land Board
- Ali Weaver–Senior Director, Silicon Ranch Corp.
10:30 – 11:00 am
Coffee Break and Networking
COLORADO BALLROOM
Breakout Sessions
11:00 – 12:00 pm
Ins and Outs of Xcel Energy’s 2022-25 Renewable Energy Plan
DENVER BALLROOM A
Presented by:
Xcel Energy’s 2022-2025 RES Plan includes many incentive programs designed to assist customers, including low-income families, commercial establishments, and community solar subscribers, all to help the state meet its ambitious carbon-free energy goals. This panel of insiders who negotiated the 2022-25 RES Plan will give you a comprehensive understanding of Xcel Energy’s new behind-the-meter programs, including program requirements, incentive levels, capacity amounts, and income-qualified earmarks.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Jake Schlesinger–Partner, Keyes & Fox LLP
- Keith Hay–Senior Director of Policy, Colorado Energy Office
- Kerry Klemm–Manager, Renewable Choice Programs, Xcel Energy
- Kimberly Shields–Director of Strategic Initiatives, Energy Outreach Colorado
Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) and the Future of Colorado Transmission Planning
DENVER BALLROOM B
As transmission becomes paramount to a low-carbon future, what is the state’s role in ensuring transmission buildout? Hear from experts on this panel how states in the Mountain West region are tackling big questions of transmission planning, resource scarcity, and access.
Speakers
- Moderator: Steve Drew–VP of Market Strategy, Redeux Energy
- Erik Aaboe–Energy Transition Specialist, New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (NMRETA)
- Mark Russell–VP of Transmission, National Renewable Solutions
- Kathleen Staks–Executive Director, Western Freedom and Board Chair, Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA)
Corporate Track
The Solar and Storage Development Environment Post-IRA
PENROSE BALLROOM
Presented by:
This panel will discuss the impacts of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act on solar PV developers. It will dive into various aspects of the IRA from the perspective of players in the solar PV industry, including risks, investment signals, and further opportunities.
Speakers
- Moderator: Alessandra De Zottis–Regulatory Engagement Senior Manager, Sonnedix
- Luis Matheus–VP Business Development, USA, Sonnedix
- Ashish Chaudhari–Associate Partner, PA Consulting Group
- Rochelle Rabeler–Partner at Holland & Hart
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Lunch and Networking
COLORADO BALLROOM
Breakout Sessions
1:00 – 1:50 pm
Flexible Interconnection, Curtailment, Smart Inverters, and the Grid of the Future
DENVER BALLROOM A
Can smart inverters and dynamic interconnection policies safely and reliably interconnect greater amounts of distributed generation? Hear from experts how advanced technology is changing the way distributed generation interconnects to the grid and what policy changes may also be needed.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Ed Brolin–Director of Market Development, Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses
- Dave Mino–Manager of Distribution System Planning and Strategy, Xcel Energy
- Sky Stanfield–Partner–Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
- Samantha Weaver–Director of Interconnection and Grid Integration, Coalition for Community Solar Access
Next-Generation Net Metering – Working to Solve the Commercial Split Incentive
DENVER BALLROOM B
Whether it is multifamily, off-site, or even virtual, there are a lot of flavors of net metering and even more unanswered questions about how these next generation rate designs will roll out. This panel has a broad range of experience that covers nearly every facet of the topic. Learn from experts about what is in store for Colorado and how your organization can capitalize on the future of net metering.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Bobby Dishell–Solar + Real Estate Attorney, Moye White
- Madeleine Klein–Managing Director, Policy & Market Strategy, Engie North America
- Katherine Lillydahl–Director of Account Management, Wunder Capital
- John Witchel–CEO, King Energy
Corporate Track
** 1:30 – 2:30 **
True Grid Independence with Schneider Electric: Discover Battery’s closed loop communication and UL9540 will bring your battery backup and off-grid installations to the next level
PENROSE BALLROOM
Presented by:
Instructor: Kate Collins–Schneider Electric, Channel Sales Manager Solar & Energy Storage
Instructor: Troy Daniels–Discover Battery, Installation Relations Manager – Solar
Instructor: Kindle Schmidt–Greentech Renewables, Product Specialist – Energy Storage
Breakout Sessions
2:00 – 3:00 pm
CSGs: Lessons Learned from Other Jurisdictions
DENVER BALLROOM A
Colorado was an early mover in the community solar garden market but that momentum has slowed in recent years. What lessons can Colorado learn from other jurisdictions that are surging ahead? Hear from industry experts about their experiences elsewhere and key next steps for Colorado.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Kevin Cray–Senior Regional Director Policy and Government Affairs (Mountain West), Coalition for Community Solar Access
- Ross Abbey–Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, US Solar
- Kacie Peters–Director of Industry Relationships, Pivot Energy
- David Sandbank–VP of Distributed Energy Resources & Clean Transportation, NYSERDA
Energy Storage in Regulated Markets: case studies in successful deployment
DENVER BALLROOM B
Battery storage is the golden ticket that ties the renewable energy system together and opens the door for the clean energy future our industry is working hard to accomplish. One big question remains – what does fair compensation for energy reserves look like? This panel will share real-world examples of commercially viable projects that support renewable energy integration and incentive structures that make the dollars and cents work for everyone.
Speakers:
- Moderator: J.W. Postal–Founder and CEO, WATTMore
- Peter Cavan–Vice President of Market Development, Convergent Energy and Power
- Darleen D. DeRosa–VP of Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Stem, Inc
- Jennifer Jachym–Manager of Origination, Plus Power
3:00 – 3:30 pm
Coffee Break and Networking
COLORADO BALLROOM
Breakout Sessions
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Energy Justice for All – Reaching income-qualified, disproportionately impacted and energy communities
DENVER BALLROOM A
Distributed energy programs are increasingly merging with public policy goals to support income-qualified customers. What considerations should the industry consider to reach this unique customer segment? Hear from industry experts about identifying, communicating, and acquiring customers that are income qualified and/or live in disproportionately impacted communities.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Annie Lappé–Vice President of Policy, Pivot Energy
- Jason Barrett–Senior Vice President of Sales, GAF Energy
- Crestina Martinez–Director of Strategic Outreach & Advocacy, Xcel Energy
- Cameron Patterson–Development Officer, GRID Alternatives Colorado
Land Use and Permitting Success Stories
DENVER BALLROOM B
Deploy, deploy, deploy! Those are the marching orders for solar and storage post-IRA. But local land use policies, or lack thereof, can get in the way. Hear from developers and consultants who have successfully sited large-scale projects and navigated local permitting practices. Learn what works, and what doesn’t, to get your large-scale project permitted.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Emily Brumit–Business Development Manager, Enel Green Power
- Erin Bibeau–Senior Environmental Planner, Logan Simpson
- Rebecca Halford–Manager of Stakeholder Relations, AES Clean Energy
- Max Jabrixio–Director of Public Engagement, Apex Clean Energy
Corporate Track
Solar Siting and Project Design
PENROSE BALLROOM
Presented by:
Instructor: Hakan Corapcioglu–Lead Technical Advisor, Enverus
Explore the siting analysis and development process from start to finish. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on important aspects of the siting process including infrastructure, market information, and parcels and buildable acreage. We will discuss the pros and cons of each factor, how to identify the best location for a project, and how to optimize the project design.
4:30 – 6:30 pm
Happy Hour and Networking
COLORADO BALLROOM
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
7:30 – 9:00 am
Registration
LOWER LEVEL 2
10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Expo Hall Open
COLORADO BALLROOM
8:00 – 9:00 am
Breakfast and Networking
LOWER LEVEL 2
9:00 – 9:30 am
EPA Funding Repowering America Through Solar
DENVER BALLROOM
Featured Speaker: KC Becker–Region 8 Administrator, EPA
Last year, Congress passed two landmark pieces of legislation that have fundamentally altered the renewable energy landscape. Join EPA Region 8 Administrator KC Becker as she discusses the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Learn about current EPA renewable energy initiatives, how the EPA intends to direct the funding from recent legislation, what new climate initiatives are in the works, and what new opportunities EPA funding creates for solar development.
9:30 – 10:30 am
Get to Know You – Welcome New Colorado Energy Leaders
DENVER BALLROOM
The region has welcomed several new leaders in the energy space this past year. Join Public Service Company of Colorado President Robert Kenney, Black Hills Energy VIce President of Regulatory Affairs Nick Wagner, and New Mexico’s new community solar garden administrator Miana Campbell as they opine on their new roles, opportunities in the clean energy transition, and industry challenges ahead.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Tom Hunt–CEO, Pivot Energy
- Miana Campbell–Community Solar Lead – New Mexico, InClime
- Robert Kenney–President, Xcel Energy Colorado
- Nick Wagner–VP Colorado Regulatory Affairs and Policy, Black Hills Energy
10:30 – 11:00 am
Coffee Break and Networking
COLORADO BALLROOM
Breakout Sessions
11:00 – 12:00 pm
East, West, or Something in Between – What is the future for Colo transmission-dependent utilities?
DENVER BALLROOM A
The Rocky Mountain region sits between two emerging transmission markets – the Southwest Power Pool to the east and the California Independent System Operator to the west. Which is best for our region? Or should we consider a third path and forge our own regional system in between? Hear from experts at the forefront of market developments as they discuss the pros and cons of each market.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Taylor Henderson–Local Energizing Officer, Outshine Energy
- Lisa Tormoen Hickey–Senior Regulatory Counsel, Interwest Energy Alliance
- Mark Gabriel–President and CEO, United Power
- Kris Raper–Vice President of Strategic Engagement and External Affairs, WECC
Solar, Batteries and Then What?
DENVER BALLROOM B
As we move toward a bi-directional grid, what additional value can solar and batteries provide to the grid? To the purchaser? To the aggregator? Come learn from experts at the forefront of this transformation, working to identify products and services that capitalize on new ways to use distributed energy resources.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Kevin Galvin–VP of Sales and Marketing, Solar Power Pros
- Meghan Nutting–Executive VP of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Sunnova Energy Corp.
- Jason Sharpe–Co-Owner and CEO, Namasté Solar
- Chris Worley–Director of Public Policy, Sunrun
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Lunch and Networking
COLORADO BALLROOM
1:00 – 1:30 pm
SEIA Affiliates – What’s Happening in the Mountain West?
DENVER BALLROOM
All policy is local! Hear from the leaders of SEIA state affiliates and the Rocky Mountain region as they give a quick rundown of accomplishments in 2022 and what’s ahead for 2023.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Sara Birmingham–Senior Director of State Policy, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
- Jim DeJardins–Executive Director, Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico
(REIA-NM) - Autumn Johnson–Executive Director, Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA)
- Mike Kruger–CEO, Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA)
Breakout Sessions
1:30 – 2:30 pm
State Resource Planning and Competitive Procurement – is the gold standard still working?
DENVER BALLROOM A
Colorado’s competitive procurement process is often held up as a best in nation practice. It has resulted in some of the lowest cost generation seen in the industry nationwide, yet some projects have floundered after winning awards. Does Colorado’s process generate healthy competition and successful projects? Or is it a race to the bottom that doesn’t support project viability? Does it meet all energy buyers’ needs? Hear from developers and regulators who must navigate competition, transmission access, and resource adequacy.
- Moderator: Mark Detsky–Attorney, Dietze & Davis, P.C.
- Jeff Ackermann–Senior Policy Advisor, Center for the New Energy Economy
- David Flory–EVP Global Head of Project Finance, Sonnedix
- Jack Ihle–Regional Vice President of Regulatory Policy, Xcel Energy
Financing Issues – how has the IRA changed the rules of the game?
DENVER BALLROOM B
The IRA is a game changer for financing solar and storage projects. Hear from experts about emerging financial products, types of rebates available for energy and electrification projects, and how best to capture the benefits of the new federal tax policy.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Courtney Welch–Senior Manager of Policy and Strategy, SunPower Corporation
- Bryen Alperin–Managing Director, Foss & Company
- Heather Braithwaite–Chief Investment Officer, Colorado Clean Energy Fund
- Nick Perugini–Co-Owner and VP of Partners and Projects, Solaris Energy
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Coffee Break and Networking
COLORADO BALLROOM
Breakout Sessions
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Supply chain, domestic content, and other pressing equipment issues for solar and storage
DENVER BALLROOM A
Waiting on an equipment delivery delayed at the border? You’re not alone – a pandemic, material shortages, and the Commerce investigation have all contributed to a major supply chain disruption for the solar and storage industry. Join equipment manufacturers as they discuss problems and solutions ahead.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Lou Villaire–Co-Owner, Atlasta Solar Center
- Bill Beedon–Brand Specialist, Zilla Coporation
- Cary Hayes–President, REC Americas
- Michael Mendik–General Manager of USA and Canada, GoodWe USA Inc.
Coops and Munis – resource acquisition post-IRA
DENVER BALLROOM B
Production tax credits? Transferability? Non-profit eligibility? With the passage of the IRA in August of 2022, cooperative and municipal utilities are looking at very different financing arrangements for future large-scale projects. Join utility executives as they opine about how the IRA has changed their thinking on resource acquisition.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Richard Krauze–Managing Director, K2Renew
- Erin Green–Attorney-Advisor (Transmission Infrastructure Program), Western Area Power Administration
- Susan Hunter–VP of Energy Resources, Tri-State G&T Association
- Jessica Matlock–CEO, La Plata Electric Association
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Career Fair
COLORADO BALLROOM
4:30 – 5:30 pm
5:00 pm
Conference Concludes