Share ideas at upcoming utility exchanges

Utility Energy Forum President Joyce Kinnear of the City of Palo Alto Utilities talks to Jim Benney, CEO of the National Fenestration Rating Council, about window technology at the 2009 Utility Energy Forum. (Photo by R.L. Martin)

Utilities everywhere face new challenges and uncertainty about what the future holds for our industry. Instead of letting it get you down, get out and talk about it at two upcoming events—the Wyoming Utility Efficiency Exchange, March 9 and10, and the Utility Energy Forum, May 5 through 7.

Meeting in Cheyenne

Wyoming's third annual exchange offers two days of intensive networking and professional development at the Little American Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyo. Utility member services and planning representatives will discuss the nuts and bolts of developing and implementing successful customer programs. Trade allies will also be on hand to share their perspective on topics that include energy and water efficiency, smart meters, demand response and renewable energy.

Keynote speaker Mark Barron, mayor of Jackson, Wyo., will open the exchange with a presentation on the Jackson Hole Energy Sustainability Project. Under Mayor Barron's leadership, the town facilities and operations are now 100 percent reliant on renewable energy from a certified hydro-electric plant in Lincoln County.   

In keeping with the event's theme, "Collaborating for Efficiency," the first Wyoming Contractor Exchange, takes place at the hotel March 10 and 11. Utility exchange attendees can meet potential partners in the residential and small commercial building industry who are interested in incorporating energy-efficiency and renewable energy strategies into their businesses. 

Forum in California

The 30th annual Utility Energy Forum at Granlibakken Conference Center in Tahoe City, Calif., provides a great networking opportunity for Western customers in the Sierra Nevada Region. Attendees will learn how to leverage consumer interest in energy efficiency and renewable energy to address global climate change issues.

Like the Wyoming event, the forum offers a low-key setting where utility professionals can exchange ideas and learn from the experts about current and emerging industry issues. Speakers from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy Building Research Team share the agenda with representatives from regional power providers. The expo, running concurrently with the forum, showcases products and services that could be the centerpiece of your next incentive program.

While you are learning how to "link up with customers," the theme of the Utility Forum, you will also be linking up with new friends and potential partners. Outside of the information-packed formal programs, both events leave attendees plenty of time to brainstorm over meals, snacks or drinks.

There is nothing like talking with people who have been through similar experiences to get the creative juices flowing and to find solutions to problems that you thought were yours alone. Register for the Wyoming Utility Efficiency Exchange or the Utility Energy Forum today—your next big idea is waiting for you.

Resources

Wyoming Utility Efficiency Exchange

Utility Energy Forum

Little American Hotel and Resort

Wyoming Contractor Exchange

Granlibakken Conference Center

Resources (cont.)

Sierra Nevada Region

Wyoming Utility Efficiency Exchange registration

Utility Energy Forum registration

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