2025 AGENDA

DAY 1 - JUNE 3 | Foundations, Design & Operational Insights

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
 
 
9:05 AM - 9:10 AM
 
 
9:10 AM - 9:30 AM

-    Introducing VPP concepts and frameworks to set the stage for emerging grid technologies
-    Highlighting current trends in DER integration to clarify evolving utility and customer benefits
-    Outlining key challenges and opportunities to establish context for strategic discussions
-    Setting the conference tone by aligning industry vision with actionable grid transformation goals
 

 
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

-    Discussing early pilot experiences to share practical lessons and overcome deployment challenges
-    Explaining customer engagement strategies to improve participation and streamline enrollment
-    Highlighting success stories to inspire scalable implementations across utilities.
-    Exploring integration techniques for new technologies to accelerate VPP evolution while managing risks
 

Jon Fortune
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

-    Brainstorming innovative approaches to develop open-access VPP models that integrate multiple vendors.
-    Identifying strategies to overcome technical and enrollment barriers for scalable program design.
-    Analyzing real-world case studies to validate effective design principles and operational practices.
-    Collaborating on actionable steps to enhance interoperability among diverse DER technologies.
 

 
10:20 AM - 10:50 AM
 
 
10:50 AM - 11:20 AM

-    Examining current regulatory frameworks and policy trends to support long-term VPP planning
-    Evaluating cost–benefit analyses to justify integrating DERs into resource and distribution strategies
-    Discussing performance-based incentives to drive innovation and risk management
-    Aligning planning processes with evolving market demands to future-proof grid operations
 

 
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM

-    Sharing best practices for forming cross-functional teams that manage VPP operations
-    Exploring collaborative business models that leverage third-party partnerships effectively
-    Highlighting automation and digital transformation efforts to reduce operational burdens
-    Discussing strategies for sustaining long-term VPP value while ensuring regulatory compliance
 

Chloe Holden
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
 
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM

-    Demonstrating advanced data integration techniques to optimize real-time VPP dispatch
-    Explaining the role of DERMS in automating and enhancing grid responsiveness.
-    Analyzing automation processes that streamline operations and reduce manual intervention
-    Highlighting case studies that illustrate the practical application of technical innovations
 

 
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM

-    Discussing innovative customer incentive models to maximize DER participation
-    Exploring engagement strategies that simplify enrollment and encourage sustained usage
-    Highlighting challenges in balancing automation with customer control for optimal outcomes
-    Sharing real-world examples to demonstrate effective communication and trust-building practices

 
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM

-    Collaborating on solutions to integrate VPPs seamlessly into daily grid operations
-    Identifying operational challenges and exploring risk mitigation strategies for enhanced reliability
-    Discussing scheduling and dispatch best practices to optimize peak load management
-    Sharing performance data insights to validate operational improvements and cost savings
 

 
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
 
 
2:40 PM - 3:10 PM

-    Discussing strategies for expanding pilot programs into large-scale, regional deployments
-    Identifying key barriers to scalability and exploring methods to overcome them
-    Evaluating stakeholder engagement models to facilitate widespread adoption
-    Highlighting success metrics that ensure the transition delivers national grid benefits

Beren Argetsinger
3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

-    Sharing detailed case studies that illustrate successful VPP implementations in diverse markets
-    Highlighting lessons learned to inspire future projects and continuous improvement
-    Discussing the impact of performance-based incentives on customer participation and grid stability
-    Exploring the evolution of VPP models to align with dynamic grid needs and technological advances
 

Shannon Anderson Karen Lee
4:00 PM - 4:05 PM
 
 
4:05 PM - 4:10 PM
 
 
4:10 PM - 5:10 PM
 
 

DAY 2 - JUNE 4 | Advanced Strategies, Future Trends & Innovation

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
 
 
9:05 AM - 9:10 AM
 
 
9:10 AM - 9:30 AM

-    Introducing the role of VPPs in integrating renewable energy and driving decarbonization
-    Highlighting renewable trends and grid resilience improvements to set an innovative tone
-    Outlining the connection between DERs and broader sustainability goals to motivate action
-    Establishing a forward-looking agenda that explores transformative grid management technologies
 

Dr. Sarah Russell-Smith
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

-    Discussing successful collaborations between utilities and third-party providers to strengthen VPP ecosystems
-    Exploring partnership models that leverage complementary capabilities for enhanced innovation
-    Highlighting real-world examples of cross-industry collaboration to foster integrated solutions
-    Analyzing strategies to balance roles and responsibilities while maximizing operational efficiency
 

 
10:00 AM - 10:40 AM
  1. Innovations in DER Technologies & Value-Stacking: The Next Wave of VPP Enhancements
  2. Scaling Across Regions: Integrating VPPs in Diverse Markets
  3. Deep Dive into Technology Interoperability and Standards
  4. Highlighting best practices for mitigating risks associated with increased digital connectivity
  5. Evaluating risk factors and failure modes specific to large-scale VPP operations
     
 
10:40 AM - 11:20 AM
 
 
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM

-    Exploring digital transformation strategies to modernize utility operations and enhance efficiency
-    Discussing the formation of cross-functional teams to integrate diverse expertise in VPP management
-    Identifying best practices for breaking down silos and promoting seamless collaboration
-    Highlighting case studies that demonstrate the benefits of an agile, integrated utility framework
 

 
11:50 AM - 12:30 PM

-    Discussing current regulatory trends and policy frameworks impacting VPP deployment
-    Evaluating funding opportunities and incentives, including IRA tax credits, to support VPP projects
-    Exploring strategies for working with policymakers to create favorable regulatory environments
-    Highlighting successful policy implementations to inspire actionable strategies for utilities
 

Ted Ko Eric Blank
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
 
 
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM

-    Analyzing economic models to assess the cost-effectiveness of various VPP programs
-    Discussing performance-based and up-front incentive structures to drive DER adoption
-    Evaluating long-term financial strategies to ensure sustainable grid investments.
-    Highlighting case studies that demonstrate tangible savings and overall economic benefits
 

 
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM

-    Sharing customer testimonials that illustrate the positive impact of VPP participation
-    Discussing strategies that drive high customer engagement and sustained program use
-    Highlighting measurable benefits in cost savings and improved reliability to build trust
-    Exploring methods to replicate success stories across diverse customer segments
 

 
2:20 PM - 2:50 PM

-    Examining cutting-edge technologies that enhance data-driven VPP operations
-    Discussing the integration of AI and automation to optimize real-time grid management
-    Highlighting innovative applications that reduce operational complexity and costs
-    Exploring strategies to harness data insights for proactive grid stabilization
 

 
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM
 
 
3:20 PM - 4:00 PM

-    Sharing visionary perspectives on the future evolution of VPP technologies and business models
-    Discussing emerging challenges and proactive strategies to address scalability and integration issues
-    Highlighting innovation opportunities that drive further enhancements in grid services
-    Collaborating on forward-thinking approaches to shape the future of clean energy and grid reliability
 

Daniel Erhardt