2023 Energy Connect Conference
NEPPA’s 2023 Energy Connect Conference (formerly Customer Service, Credit & Collections Conference) will be held October 24 – 26, 2023 at The Wylie Inn and Conference Center (295 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 01915). Join your professional colleagues for 2 days of educational sessions, roundtables, networking, sponsor exhibits, and more!
Be sure to nominate your Customer Service rockstar for the Carol A. Tracey Customer Service Award. Awards will be presented prior to lunch on Wednesday. Nominations are due by Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Click here to submit your nominations – closed.
Sponsors
GOLD Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
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Agenda
Agenda details are still being finalized and are therefore subject to change.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
10:00 AM Registration, Coffee Break
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM New England Electrification Leadership Summit
(click here for separate registration)
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 - 4:00 PM IT Roundtable (click here for separate registration)
4:00 PM Welcome Reception
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
7:00 AM Registration
7:30 AM Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:45 AM Keynote: Ignite Your STAR Potential: How to Grow Your Emotional Intelligence and Why It Matters by Traci Cheatham & Janelle DeWolf, B23 Strategies
Prepare to embark on an inspiring journey of self-awareness and professional growth with our keynote presenters from B23 Strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to tap into their human energy and potential through the lens of B23’s STAR framework.
By learning about your Strengths, Tendencies, Actions and Results you will harness your power to influence and lead with authenticity and impact.
The STAR framework is a dynamic roadmap and practical toolkit to guide you through the complexities of emotional intelligence, personal growth and the art of fostering meaningful relationships both in your personal and professional lives.
But the journey doesn’t end here. You’re invited to extend your experience by participating in an exclusive two-hour workshop with B23 for an immersive team building session.
You will have the chance to not only deepen your understanding but also put these principles into action by delving deeper into your personal strengths.
You’ll leave with practical, actionable strategies that you can apply to your daily life and leadership roles within all your circles of influence.
9:45 AM Break
10:00 AM
(Customer Service Track) Lessons Learned from Threat of a Public Power Sale by Mary Usovicz & Norman Denault, Merrimac Municipal Light Department
(Energy Innovation Track) It's a transformational decade for utilities: take the driver's seat. by Ashley Muspratt, Center for EcoTechnology (CET)
Growing awareness and concern about the impacts of climate change, combined with an influx in state and federal dollars to incentivize adoption of low-carbon technologies, has triggered a period of rapid transition from fossil fuels to electricity to power buildings and transportation. Don't go along for the ride, get in the driver's seat! Municipal utilities can be winners and leaders in the energy transition and this presentation will showcase some of the demand-side solutions helping customers to decarbonize and to support a resilient grid.
11:00 AM Break
11:15 AM
(Energy Innovation Track) Energy Park - Innovative Modern Microgrid by David Polson, Wakefield Municipal Gas & Electric Department
WMGLD’s Energy Park / Microgrid project is unique with an additional focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the need for two 2 MW emergency diesel generators and balancing various types of distributed generation resources located in a small geographic area between two new all electric high schools. Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department (WMGLD) will utilize two rooftop solar arrays, battery energy storage system (BESS) and a natural gas generator to support resiliency and peak load management. The Energy Park is located between two major high schools thus creating an opportunity to provide students in STEM and Vocational training programs information on utility management and energy management practices.
(Business Track) Powering UP Cybersecurity - Threats, Trends and Solutions by Tricia King, Vertikal6
In an increasingly digitized world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. This informative session delves into the complex and ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity to equip you with essential knowledge and strategies for safeguarding your digital assets. Learn practical strategies and best practices to fortify your digital defenses.
12:15 Awards/ Lunch
1:30 PM Roundtable: Customer Service, Energy Innovation and Business facilitated by Anne Finley, Hull Municipal Light, Dylan Lewellyn, Ipswich Utilities, and Lily King, Stowe Electric Department
2:30 PM Team Building: Empower Your Potential by Traci Cheatham & Janelle DeWolf, B23 Strategies
Building upon the insights from B23’s keynote, this two-hour team building session is designed to empower both individual and team potential.
Dive deeper into the world of Gallup StrengthsFinder as you are guided through a dynamic series of interactive exercises and activities. Discover how you are unique to 1 in 33 million people with your individual set of gifts and talents.
As Gallup certified facilitators, B23 Strategies will equip you with the know how to leverage your unique strengths for personal growth, enhanced productivity, and a fulfilling career, all while building a strong foundation of self-awareness.
Get ready for an engaging and transformational experience that will not only empower you as an individual but also elevate your emotional intelligence, fostering stronger team dynamics and enriching your personal and professional life.
Upon registration for this session, you will receive a code to take a Gallup Strengthsfinder assessment and be sent a personalized Strengths Insight report. The Strengthsfinder assessment must be completed by October 14th to maximize your workshop experience.
5:00 PM Happy Hour
Thursday, October 26, 2023
7:30 AM Registration
8:00 AM Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM Leveraging Your Membership in Regional and National Associations by Mike Hyalnd, NEPPA; Nick Lawler, LWELD; Jackie Pratt, Stowe Electric; Adrienne Lotto, APPA
10:00 AM Break
10:15 AM
(Energy Innovation Track) Winning Grant Proposals: Momentum for Your Project by Michael Lazorchak, Stowe Electric; Wendy Crosier, Undergrad University of Maine
Thanks to the creation of new programs through the IRA, IIJA, and revival of congressional earmarks, a variety of federal funding opportunities are now available for electrification, resiliency, cybersecurity, renewable generation, and more! For many small utilities, the grant writing process is daunting. Stowe Electric’s grant writing team offers insight into the process along with tips for standing out from the crowd, generating interest in your project, and building partnerships that help your application rise to the top.
(Business Track) Public Utility Insurance Essentials by Nicole Magnifico, PURMA
11:15 AM Break
11:30 AM
(Customer Service Track) Powering Up Engagement: Trends for Utility Customer Connections by Kevin Clancey, SpryPoint
A discussion on cutting-edge strategies reshaping customer engagement in the utility sector. Topics include AI-driven personalization, customer communication channels, and the impacts of smart meter/IOT devices. Discover how these trends empower utility companies to foster lasting relationships, enhance services, and promote sustainable energy consumption. Join us in discussing what a dynamic customer-centric future can look like.
(Energy Innovation Track) Electrifying Your Utility's Fleet - A Framework for Success by Peter King, eMobility ABB
12:30 AM Lunch
1:30 PM Adjourn
click here for printable registration form
Registration
Attendee Registration:
NEPPA's 2023 Energy Connect Conference will be held October 24 - 26, 2023 at the Wylie Inn and Conference Center (295 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 019515). Join your professional colleagues for 2 days of educational sessions, roundtables, networking, sponsor exhibits and more!
2023 Attendee Registration Fees:
| Type | Rate |
| IT Roundtable (Only) | $50 / $75 |
| Full Conference | |
| Utility / Affiliate Member | $349 |
| Non-Member | $449 |
| Wednesday, October 25th ONLY | |
| Member | $299 |
| Non-Member | $399 |
| Thursday, October 26th ONLY | |
| Member | $239 |
| Non-Member | $339 |
| Awards Luncheon Only | $55 |
Not yet a member? Join today and save money on your conference registration. Call 978-540-2200 or email Membership@neppa.org.
Printable Attendee Registration Form
Questions? Contact Wendy Esche at wesche@neppa.org or call the office at (978) 540-2200.
Sponsor Registration
Support NEPPA's Annual Conference and reap the benefits of engaging with public power business managers, office managers, customer service & customer care manger and representatives from all over the Northeast Region. Want to sponsor something that is not listed? Contact Wendy Esche at wesche@neppa.org or call the office at (978) 540-2200.
*Display table space is limited, participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please select your sponsorship from the opportunities listed below and return this form to registrar@neppa.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities
| Be Noticed | Platinum | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
| Logo Placement on Sponsor Signs On-Site at Conference | X | X | X | X |
| Badge Ribbon Designation | X | X | X | X |
| Company Logo in Promotional & On-Site Materials | X | X | X | X |
| Verbal Recognition at Award Presentation & Lunch | X | X | X | X |
| Attendance for Company Representative(s) | X - 2Rep | X-1Rep | ||
| Table-Top Display near Meeting Room (6ft skirted table) | X | X | ||
| Special Signage at Reception, Dinner or Benevolent Fund Activity (See Opportunities Below) | X | |||
Platinum Level Sponsorship Opportunities ($1,600)
(Qty. Available - See breakdown where appropriate.)
Keynote Speaker: (3 ea.) Keynote Speaker Wednesday, October 25th
Continental Breakfast: (3 ea.) Wednesday, October 25th or (3 ea.) Thursday, Ocotber 26th
Lunch: (3 ea.) Wednesday, October 25th or (3 ea.) Thursday, October 26th
Audio Visual: (3 ea.) Wednesday, October 25th or (3 ea.) Thursday, October 26th
Team Building Activity: (3 ea.) Wednesday. October 25th
Platinum & Gold Level Sponsorship includes attendance for 2 representative and6' skirted table near the meeting room.
Gold Level Sponsorship Opportunities($1,100)
Gold Level Sponsorship includes attendance for 1 representative and a 6' skirted table near the meeting room.
Silver Level Sponsorship Opportunities ($825)
Silver Sponsors will have their logo on signs and materials on site.
Bronze Level Sponsorship ($550)
Bronze Level Sponsors will have their logo placed on select materials on-site.
If you don't see something on the above list you would like to sponsor please contact Wendy Esche, wesche@neppa.org or call the office at (978) 540-2200.
Click here to download printable Sponsorship registration form
Lodging
To make your overnight accommodations, please contact the hotel directly and mention you're with the Northeast Public Power Association or NEPPA Energy Connect Conference to get the group rate. Rooms and rates are held until Friday, September 22, 2023 and are based on availability.
The Wylie Inn and Conference Center - $159/ night + tax
295 Hale Street
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 867-1800
Room Types Available
Room types available consist of Run of House, King or Double/ Double bedrooms. All room rates will be $159+ per night.
All reservations require a credit card to guarantee each reservation. If hotel receives notice of an individual's cancellation at least 48 hours prior to arrival a cancelation charge will not apply.
Attendees can call the hotel direct at (978) 867-1800
Check-in: after 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Team Building Event
Wednesday, October 25th
Building upon the insights from B23’s keynote, this two-hour team building session is designed to empower both individual and team potential.
Dive deeper into the world of Gallup StrengthsFinder as you are guided through a dynamic series of interactive exercises and activities. Discover how you are unique to 1 in 33 million people with your individual set of gifts and talents.
As Gallup certified facilitators, B23 Strategies will equip you with the know how to leverage your unique strengths for personal growth, enhanced productivity, and a fulfilling career, all while building a strong foundation of self-awareness.
Get ready for an engaging and transformational experience that will not only empower you as an individual but also elevate your emotional intelligence, fostering stronger team dynamics and enriching your personal and professional life.
Upon registration for this session, you will receive a code to take a Gallup Strengthsfinder assessment and be sent a personalized Strengths Insight report. The Strengthsfinder assessment must be completed by October 14th to maximize your workshop experience.
YOU HAVE TO KNOW YOURSELF TO LEAD YOURSELF.
Your gifts and talents give you a unique design to be exceptional. Without self-awareness and the knowledge to maximize those gifts, you may be getting in your own way. Without a clear path to develop your full potential, you can feel restless, unsettled, and unfilled knowing there’s more.
We are your guide to discovering your full potential and developing your power within.
YOU WERE DESIGNED TO BE EXCEPTIONAL.
We understand the frustration of feeling stuck, but also know and celebrate the freedom of owning our unique design. We combined our 30+ years of experience in training and development, along with our certifications in Gallup Strengthsfinder, 100X Leader, and the Enneagram to develop tools to help you maximize your influence.
Are you ready to take your next step toward growth and development?
Instructions for workshop participants (Only):
Step 1: Use this link https://my.gallup.com/direct/ac/BCG8M7AX8RPP9C3J to create an account and complete the Gallup Strengthsfinder Assessment.
**This is a unique link with a set number of codes so please do not register more than once!**
Step 2: Download and print your results and highlight the parts of the report that stand out to you.
Step 3: Bring your highlighted report to the workshop and be prepared to learn and grow!
Parking Information:
The Wylie Inn and Conference Center offers complimentary parking. Parking passes will be available at the registration desk. Parking passes must be displayed face-up on your vehicle’s dashboard. Please see the map below for detailed parking directions.
Questions: Please contact registrar@neppa.org or call the office at (978) 540-2200.