Energy Synergy Summit

Event Description

In-person registration closes February 24, 2025 at 8AM

DFW Marriott room block cut-off date: February 10, 2025

About the Event

SPP is excited to announce the inaugural Energy Synergy Summit, an event designed to bring our stakeholders and industry leaders together for a deep dive into resource adequacy, load and generation interconnection, grid modernization, and the policies and partnerships needed to support them.

Through keynotes from industry leaders, panel discussions that provide diverse perspectives on critical topics related to resource adequacy, and networking opportunities over the course of two days, our objective is to provide you, our stakeholders, the information you need to make informed decisions on the policies and strategies that will ensure SPP is prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Building on the momentum owed to our Future Grid Strategy Advisory Group (FGSAG), Resource and Energy Adequacy Leadership (REAL) Team, Strategic Planning Committee, Generational Challenge report, and other related efforts, we believe that, with your participation, the SPP Energy Synergy Summit will mark a milestone in the continued evolution of our resource adequacy strategy. We encourage you to reserve your seat today!

Registration List (2/28/25)

Agenda

Day 1 - 1:00pm-5:00pm

Welcome & Opening Remarks / Keynote Introduction - Lanny Nickell (COO, Incoming CEO - Southwest Power Pool)

Keynote - “Charting the Path to Tomorrow, Today” - Morgan Scott (Vice President, Sustainability & Global Outreach and Chief Sustainability Officer – EPRI)

Panel - An RTO’s Perspective: Adapting to the New Digital Era
Moderator: Irene Dimitry (SPP Board Member)
Panelists: Adam Keech (Vice President, Market Design & Economics - PJM)
               Antoine Lucas (Vice President of Markets - SPP)
               Woody Rickerson (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - ERCOT)

As data centers continue to drive significant load growth, the RTO panelists will open a dialogue on strategies to maintain adequate capacity, ensuring grid stability and reliability. They will share insights on overcoming the technical challenges of integrating and managing these energy-intensive facilities within the grid. By leveraging their expertise, the panelists aim to propose solutions that enhance both efficiency and reliability. The discussion will also focus on identifying practical approaches for grid operators and utilities to adapt to the industry's evolving demands effectively.

Panel - Managing Load Growth: Using Planning, Forecasting, DERS, and Grid Modernization
Moderator: Commissioner Kristie Fiegen (South Dakota Public Utilities Commission)
Panelists: Kevin Gunn (Vice President, State and Federal Regulatory Policy - Evergy)
               Joe Lang (Director of Generation Strategy and Origination - Omaha Public Power District)
               Roger Freeman (Talus)

The growing demand from data centers presents a significant opportunity to enhance our planning, forecasting, and load management tools. Panelists will engage in a discussion on how grid and utility planners can more effectively prepare for and integrate data centers, thereby strengthening the grid infrastructure’s capability and flexibility.

Day 1 Wrapup - Lanny Nickell (COO, Incoming CEO - Southwest Power Pool)

5:00pm - Networking Reception

Day 2 - 8:00am-1:30pm

Day 1 Recap / Keynote Introduction - Antoine Lucas (VP of Markets, Incoming COO - Southwest Power Pool)

Keynote - “Synergy: Connecting Data to the Grid” - Ahsan Yousufza (Global Business Development Leader, Energy – NVIDIA)

Panel - A State’s Perspective: Insights into the Regulatory Framework
Moderator: Stuart Solomon (SPP Board Member)
Panelists: Commissioner Kim David (Oklahoma Corporation Commission)
               Commissioner Kayla Hahn (Missouri Public Service Commission)
               Commissioner Kathleen Jackson (Texas Public Utility Commission)

This panel will examine affordability, consumer impacts, and state policy considerations related to large energy loads within their jurisdictions. State policy discussions may include strategies to promote large loads as major economic investments while ensuring resource adequacy requirements are met. Panelists will also outline the needs and expectations from utilities and RTOs to ensure the timely development and implementation of policies that align with state priorities.

Panel - A Load Customer’s Perspective: Developing Strategic Partnerships to Meet Demand and Future Growth
Moderator: Steve Wright (SPP Board Member)
Panelists: Mark Ahlstrom (Vice President of Renewable Energy Policy - NextEra Energy Resources)
               Nekabari Goka (Lead, Energy Markets & Policy, Americas - Google)
               Will McAdams (President - McAdams Energy Group)
               Emily Shuart (Director, Federal, RTO & Environmental Affairs - OG&E)

The electric grid is currently undergoing a significant transformation, largely driven by the increasing demand from data centers. The panelists will examine challenges facing loads, utilities, and grid operators in this evolving landscape and explore opportunities to leverage strategic partnerships capable of addressing these challenges.

Lunch Program - “Versus Battle”
Moderator: Ray Hepper (SPP Board Member)
Panelists: Steve Gaw (Senior Vice President, Infrastructure & Markets – Advanced Power Alliance)
               Tom Kent (President & CEO - Nebraska Public Power District)

Closing Remarks - John Cupparo (Chair, Southwest Power Pool Board of Directors)

*Agenda content subject to change*