Energy Security

October 28, 2025

Online Program

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Central

Agenda

0.3 CEUs

Energy security is a cornerstone of economic stability, environmental progress, and national resilience. This program brings together utility leaders, regulators, and policy experts to examine the multi-faceted nature of energy security, spanning reliability, affordability, regulatory innovation, and long‑term sustainability. Through dynamic discussions, we’ll explore how the energy sector is navigating current challenges while preparing for future demands.

9:00                        Welcome Remarks
Summer Strand, Chairperson, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

9:05 – 9:50          Delivering Reliability in a Risk-Prone World: In an era marked by intensifying weather events, aging infrastructure, cyber vulnerabilities, and shifting energy demands, ensuring grid reliability has never been more complex or more critical. This session delves into how the energy sector can strengthen resilience and maintain a stable power supply amid growing risks. Gain insight into strategies for resource adequacy, risk management, and long-term planning to ensure energy security in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Andrew Bochman, Senior Grid Strategist and Infrastructure Defender, Idaho National Lab

9:50 – 10:30        Regulating for Resilience: The Role of Utility Commissions in Energy Security: As the definition of energy security evolves, so too does the role of utility regulators. This panel will examine how commissions are addressing supply risks, infrastructure investment, and long-term planning while balancing cost, equity, and innovation.
Moderator:
Chris Nelson, Commissioner, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
Panel:
Eric Blank, Chair, Colorado Public Utilities Commission
Katherine Peretick, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission
Mary Pat Regan, Commissioner, Kentucky Public Service Commission
Brian Rybarik, Chair, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

10:30 – 10:40      Break

10:40 – 11:20       Confronting the Cost: Affordability and Energy Access in a Secure Grid: As infrastructure upgrades and decarbonization efforts accelerate, affordability remains a pressing concern. This session will explore how energy security intersects with energy equity, focusing on rate impacts, customer protections, and policies that ensure all communities have access to reliable and affordable energy.
Moderator:
Ben Nathan, Director, Affordability and Equity, E Source
Panel:
Andie Gemme, Senior Consultant, Illume Advising – An E Source Company
Diana Hernández, Associate Professor, Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University
Cassandra Lovejoy, Policy and Managing Director, National Energy Assistance Directors Association

11:20 – 12:00       Planning for the Long Term: Sustainability and Energy Security: What does long-term energy security look like in a decarbonizing world? This closing session will highlight forward-looking strategies for sustainable infrastructure development, diversified energy portfolios, and the policy frameworks needed to support a resilient and clean energy future.
Moderator:
Ted Thomas, Founder, Energize Strategies; Former Chairman, Arkansas Public Service Commission
Panel:
Ronald Franz, Director, Resource and Energy Planning, Dairyland Power Cooperative
Ciaran Gallagher, Energy & Air Manager, Clean Wisconsin
Richard Stasik, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, WEC Energy Group
Kerry Worthington, Senior Director, PUF Partnerships, SEPA

Registered attendees will be given web conference details and access to electronic materials.