Annual Conference 2025
NEPPA’s 2025 Annual Conference will be held August 17-20, 2025 at Hotel Champlain, Curio by Hilton (60 Battery St. Burlington, VT 05401). Join your professional colleagues for 4 days of educational sessions, roundtables, networking, sponsor exhibits, and more!
Thank you to our Conference Sponsors
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
GOLD Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
GOLD Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level/Golf Hole Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Ruby Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Ruby Level Sponsor
Gold Level/Golf Hole Sponsor
Platinum Level/Golf Hole Sponsor
GOLD Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level/Golf Hole Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level/Golf Hole Sponsor
Golf hole Sponsor
PLATINUM Level / Golf hole Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Diamond Level/Golf Hole Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Golf Sponsor
GOLD Level & Benevolent Fund Golf Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
*Online Registration Reccomended for Quicker Processing*
View our 2025 Annual Conference Agenda
Agenda details are still being finalized and are therefore subject to change.
SUNDAY - AUGUST 17, 2025
2:00–5:30 pm Registration, Welcome Wagon, Sponsor Set up and Move In
3:00–3:30 pm Member Value Committee Meeting
3:30–5:00 pm NEPPA’s Student Scholarship Fund Activity (More details available in Scholarship Fund Event tab)
5:00–7:00 pm Welcome Reception
MONDAY - AUGUST 18, 2025
7:00 am Registration, Sponsors Set up and Move In
7:00–9:30 am Breakfast
8:00 am Opening Remarks
8:15 am Vermont Welcome Address
8:45 am Keynote Speaker: Public Power and the Road Ahead
by Scott Corwin, President & CEO of the American Public Power Association
Discussing how APPA and public power is positioning nationally to address industry trends, legislative, and regulatory opportunities.
9:45 am Break and Visit with Sponsors
10:05 am General Session #1: E3's Near-Term Rate Strategy Report
by Jon Blair, Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc.
As peak demand continues to evolve in New England, utilities face challenges associated with managing reliability, costs, and emissions. E3 will review key insights from recent and ongoing work across New England examining opportunities in rate design, load management, and resource selection.
11:05 am Break and Visit with Sponsors
11:25 am General Session #2: Small Utility, Big Target: Understanding and Defeating Cyber Threats
By Dawn Cappelli, Head of OT-CERT, Dragos
Industrial environments, including small public power utilities, are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, yet many organizations lack the resources for robust defense. This talk first discusses the current cyberthreat environment in utilities of all sizes, then highlights freely available tools and strategies to help under-resourced teams build effective industrial cybersecurity with minimal budgets.
12:30 pm Lunch, Visit with Sponsors
1:30 pm General Session #3: Cold Weather Heat Technology Electrification & Decarbonization
By Dave Lis, Dir of Technology Market Transformation, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP)
Cold climate air-source heat pumps (ccASHP) are changing the face of space heating in the Northeast. Learn about the latest in technology, ccASHPs current role in the decarbonization of homes and buildings, and the policies and programs supporting adoption.
2:30 pm Break and Visit with Sponsors
3:00 pm General Session #4: New England Power and Natural Gas Outlook
By Mike Zenker, Managing Director, NextERA
Mike will provide an outlook for the New England gas and power markets. With power demand resurgent, there is a growing need for new generation capacity. Yet, recent federal legislation is ending incentives for renewable generation and residential solar, and the outlook for offshore wind for New England is greatly reduced. While many U.S. power markets are turning to new gas fired generation, there are no proposed plants in New England. In addition, the New England gas market remains challenged, as the most recent winter demonstrated. Mr. Zenker will also cover timing and viability of new nuclear plants.
4:15 pm Annual Business Meeting
5:30 – 9:30 pm Children's Program
6:00 – 7:00 pm Networking Reception
7:00 pm Awards Dinner (includes toast to 60 years of NEPPA) *Semi-Formal Attire Expected
9:00 - 11:00 pm Music & Open Bar Hosted by Energy New England
“NEPPA’s Annual Conference brings together the leaders shaping the future of public power in the Northeast. At Kinsley, we’re proud to support NEPPA’s mission by learning, collaborating, and strengthening the relationships that keep our communities resilient.”
TUESDAY - AUGUST 19, 2025
7:00 am Registration
7:00-9:30 am Breakfast
8:00 am General Session #5: SMR Nuclear Energy - Rising to the Challenge
By Chris Maslak, Advanced Nuclear Executive Advisor, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy
At a time when clean and reliable energy is in high demand, small modular reactors (SMR) are well-suited to meet this challenge. Learn how GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy is leading the way in SMR deployment with its first BWRX-300 SMR currently under construction in Ontario, Canada.
9:00 am Break and Visit with Sponsors
9:15 am General Session #6: Mutual Aid Lifecycle Panel Discussion
Faciliated By Nick Lawler, General Manager, Littleton Electric Light & Water Department
10:15 am Break and Visit with Sponsors
10:30 am General Session #7: Legislative Update (Washington Update)
By Elizabeth Whitney, Managing Principal, Meguire Whitney
Meguire Whitney will recap key legislative and regulatory actions, discuss the impact on U.S. energy policy, and preview what to expect in the future.
11:30 am Box Lunch
12:00 pm Sponsors Break Down and Move Out
12:30 pm Benevolent Fund Activities:
(More details available in Benevolent Fund Activities tab)
#1 Golf Tournament (18 Holes) - Shotgun Start at 1:00 pm
Followed by Golf Awards Reception
Essex Country Club
332 Old Stage Road, Essex Junction, VT 05451
#2 Scenic Narrated Cruise on Lake Champlain - Boat leaves at 2:00 pm
Spirit of Ethan Allen
Boarding begins at 1:45 pm at:
1 College Street
Burlington, VT 05401
5:00 pm Dinner on Own
7:00 pm NEPPA’s Young Professionals Group Meet-up
(Axe Throwing & Networking at BurlyAxe Throwing - 294 N Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT)
“I’ve attended the Annual Conference for many years and always find it invaluable for keeping informed about the changing energy industry and how my public power peers are reacting to it. The presentations cover a broad array of topics with deeply knowledgeable speakers, and the networking opportunities are exceptional.”
WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 20, 2025
7:00 am - 9:30 am Farewell Breakfast
9:00 am NEPPA Board of Directors Meeting
11:00 am Conference Adjourns
Attendee Registration 2025
Registration fees include access to the following for those days you have selected: Welcome swag bag, meals, breaks, educational sessions, exhibit hall and nextworking events. Not included are the Benevolent Fund and Scholarship Fund activities which are available for an additional fee. Lodging and dinner on Tuesday are not included. Early Bird Fees are valid until July 18, 2025. After July 18th, the regular rates apply.
Attendee Registration Fees:
| Early Bird Rates - Register by July 18th | Regular Rates - Register after July 18th |
| Full Conference (Sunday Aug 17th - Wednesday Aug 20th) | |
| Utility/Commissioner - (Member/Non-Member) $895 / $1,095 | Utility/Commissioner - (Member/Non-Member) $995 / $1,195 |
| Corporate/Associate - (Member/Non-Member) $925 / $1,095 *Corporate member's get one complimentary registration - Contact NEPPA for details | Corporate/Associate - (Member/Non-Member) $1025 / $1,195 *Corporate member's get one complimentary registration - Contact NEPPA for details |
| Monday, August 18th ONLY | |
| (Member/ Non-Member) - $475 / $675 | (Member/ Non-Member) - $575 / $775 |
| Tuesday, August 19th ONLY | |
| (Member/ Non-Member) - $375 / $575 | (Member/ Non-Member) - $475 / $675 |
| Add-Ons | |
| Guest 17 years old and Over - $200 | Guest Over 17 years old - $250 |
| Guest Under 17 years old - $150 | Guest Under 17 years old - $200 |
| Guest Attending Awards Dinner Only - $150 | Guest Attending Awards Dinner Only - $175 |
| Scholarship Fund Activity - $35 | Scholarship Fund Activity - $35 |
| Benevolent Fund Activity: Golf Tournament - $175 | Benevolent Fund Activity: Golf Tournament - $175 |
| Benevolent Fund Activity: Scenic Cruise on Lake Champlain - $95 | Benevolent Fund Activity: Scenic Cruise on Lake Champlain - $95 |
Not yet a member? You could be saving money on your registration fees for this event and others throughout the year. Click below to learn more about the benefits of being a NEPPA member. Join today and save!
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations are accepted until two weeks prior to the event (Friday, August 1, 2025). Substitutions may be made at any time.
Sponsor NEPPA's Annual Conference
Support NEPPA's Annual Conference and reap the benefits of engaging with hundreds of public power leaders from all over the Northeast Region. Want to sponsor something that is not listed? Contact Wendy Esche at wesche@neppa.org of call the office at (978) 540-2200.
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities for Special Recognition
As part of being a Ruby, Platinum, or Gold Sponsor, you can choose one item or event to sponsor and your company will be highlighted at that event with verbal recognition and special signage. Below are the opportunities to choose from:
Ruby Level Sponsorship Opportunities - $2,650
- Welcome Reception (Quanity Available: 3 each) - Sunday, August 17th (Sponsor Showcase Includes: Provide Welcome Address at Event, High Top Display, Signage)
Platinum Level Sponsorship Opportunities - $1,750 (( SOLD OUT ))
- Branded Lanyards (3 ea.)
- Conference App (3 ea.)
- Cellphone Charging Kiosk: (3 ea.)
- Scholarship Fund Activity: (3 ea.) Sunday, August 17th
- Keynote Speaker: (3 ea.) Monday, August 18th
- Networking Reception: (3 ea.) Monday, August 18th
- Award Dinner: (3 ea.) Monday, August 18th
- Benevolent Fund Activity: (3 ea.) Lake Champlain Boat Cruise Tuesday, August 19th
- Audio Visual: Monday, August 18th
Gold Level Sponsorship Opportunities - $1,250 ((( SOLD OUT )))
- Breakfast: (3 ea.) Monday, August 18th or (3 ea.) Tuesday, August 19th, (3 ea.) Wednesday, August 20th
- Morning & Mid-Morning Break: (6 ea.) Monday, August 18th or (3 ea.) Tuesday, August 19th
- Lunch: (3 ea.) Monday, August 18th or (3 ea.) Tuesday, August 19th
- Afternoon Break: (3 ea.) Monday, August 18th
- Audio Visual: Tuesday, August 19th
Silver Level Sponsorship Opportunities - $925
Silver Sponsorship includes the basic sponsor benefits without the opportunity for special event/item sponsorship. It also does not include attendance or an exhibit table.
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities - $250+
Additional Benevolent Fund Activity Sponsorships: (available as an add-on to the sponsorship tiers listed above)
(Golf Tournament on Tuesday, August 19th @ Essex Country Club, Essex Junction, VT )
Tee Hole Sponsor (unlimited): $250 each
Beverage Cart Sponsor: (3 ea.) $800
Golf Awards Reception Sponsor: (3 ea.) $800
Other Additional Sponsorships: (available as an add-on to the sponsorship tiers listed above)
Young Professionals Group Meet Up Event: (3 ea.) $500 (Tuesday, August 19th)
***Donations of Raffle/Competition Prizes are always welcome! Please indicate your wish to donate a prize during registration.***
Sponsor Need to Know Information:
- CHECK IN - When you arrive, check in at the registration desk and you will be directed to where your assigned display table is in the exhibit hall.
- TABLE - You will be provided a 6' display table with linen and two chairs
- SHIPPING - If you need to ship items to and from the event please contact the hotel directly to coordinate this. Click here for Shipping Instructions and Form
- MOVE IN/OUT - Sponsors can start setting up in the Exhibit hall between 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm on Sunday, August 17th or the next morning, Monday, August 18th as early as 7:00 am. Sponsors must be broken down and out by 12:00 pm on Tuesday August 19th. Click here for Printable Expo Schedule
- TRAFFIC - Attendees will be directed to the exhibit hall during all scheduled breaks and lunch.
- ELECTRICITY - If you require electrical hook-ups at your table please specify during registration and pay additional fee of $75 ($100 will be charged for day-of request)
Registration
Once you have reviewed the sponsorship opportunities, click the "Register Online" or "Register with Form" button below to complete your sponsorship registration. We look forward to your participation on our event!
Cancellation Policy: Refunds not provided for sponsorship cancellations. Substitutions can be made at any time.
- As part of your sponsorship registration we ask that you submit a logo to us to be used on promotional items for this event.
Please use this button to upload a quality logo image.
Lodging Information
Hotel Champlain Burlington
Curio Collection by Hilton
60 Battery St, Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 658-6500
Only one block from Waterfront Park, this hotel offers easy access to restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Hotel amenities include bike rentals, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.
Discounted room rate of $279 per night + tax + hotel fees*
Only valid until Friday, July 25, 2025
Room availability is limited so please book early!
To book your overnight accommodations, please call the hotel directly at 1-800-445-8667 and mention you're with the
Northeast Public Power Association or 2025 NEPPA to get the group rate. Attendees can also make reservations online using the button below.
Additional Fees*: Discounted rates quoted above are subject to tax, which is currently 13% plus a $2.50 Destination Marketing Fee, a $1.00 Service Fee and a $25.00 Daily Mandatory Charge. This $25.00 Daily Mandatory Charge currently includes the following services and amenities: a $10 food and beverage credit in the bar or restaurant, premium guest room WiFi, one ticket for ECHO (by request), coffee pantries on all floors, 24-hour business center and use of the hotel’s sports equipment and facilities (bicycles, fitness center, yoga studio, saunas, pool, whirlpool).
The above rates will be offered, on a space-available and rate-available basis, to Event attendees 3 days prior and 3 days after the dates of the Event.
Check-in/Check-out Details: Hotel check-in time is 4:00 pm; check-out time is 11:00 am.
Parking: Self Parking $16/night, Valet Parking $22/night
Reservations/Cancellations: Each individual guest must make his or her own reservation by phone or online (see below) no later than the cutoff date. All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. If a guest does not cancel a reservation within 48 hours before 4:00 PM of the guest’s check-in date, then Hotel may charge the credit card one night’s room fee plus any applicable taxes.
Benevolent Fund Activities: Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
- Net proceeds are donated to the Benevolent fund -
Benevolent Fund Activity #1
Golf Tournament
Essex Country Club
332 Old Stage Road, Essex Junction, VT
$175
12:30pm Arrival (1:00pm Shotgun Start)
- 7:00pm with Awards
Golf Tournament Details
Shotgun start at 1:00 PM
18 Holes
Scramble format
Prizes Awarded For:
- Top 3 Finishers
- Closet to the pin
- Longest Drive (Men & Women)
- $5,000 Hole-In-One
Registration Fees Include:
- Tee Time
- Golf Cart
- Tournament Scoring
- Grab & Go Lunch available at Hotel
About the Golf Course
Located just twenty minutes from Burlington, VT in the countryside of Essex Junction, Vermont on Old Stage Road.
This par 72 layout measures 6,545 yards from the back tees, 6,045 yards from the middle tees, and 5,350 yards from the forward tees, with 14 holes fully irrigated. Designed by Graham Cooke of Montreal, our Vermont golf course features tree-lined fairways lush enough to be on the verge of being called shelter. The generous greens are in harmony with superb landscaping carved into an indulgent expanse that implores a delft-putting stroke from every player looking to gain maximum satisfaction from each round.
Benevolent Fund Activity #2
Lake Champlain Boat Cruise
Spirit of Ethan Allen
Docked at 1 College Street, Burlington, VT
$95
Boarding at 1:45pm (Boat leaves at 2pm)
- Returning at 3:30pm
Boat Cruise Details
Passengers Board at 1:45pm
Boat leaves at 2:00pm
Boat Returns at 3:30pm
Registration Fees Include:
- Grab & Go Lunch available at Hotel
- Cash Bar
- Narrated Guided Tour
About the Boat
The Spirit of Ethan Allen is Lake Champlain’s largest cruise ship and floating restaurant, operating from April until October. Three decks are enclosed, heated and air conditioned. On board galley features food and beverage options as well as scenic narrated cruises and other entertainment. Search for Champ, the lake’s legendary monster!
Student Scholarship Fund Activity: Sunday, August 17, 2025
All proceeded donated to NEPPA's Student Scholarship Fund
Washers With Wendy
Sunday, August 17, 2025
3:30pm - 5:00 pm
Hotel Champlain, Curio by Hilton
(60 Battery St. Burlington, VT 05401)
Drinks & Food
Raffles & Prizes
Games & Music
Cost per Person
$35
Event Description
Join Wendy Esche, Director of Marketing/Communications/Events for NEPPA and the Member Value Committee for a social hour and washer toss tournament to benefit NEPPA’s Student Scholarship Fund. Money raised will go towards high school, college and trade school scholarships given annually to qualified applicants. Held at the Hotel Champlain, Curio by Hilton in Burlington, VT, participants will enjoy drinks, appetizers, activities and live music.
Registration
Register and pay in advance by using our online registration or printable form. Both are linked below. Participants can also register and pay at the time of the event.
*Online Registration Reccomended for Quicker Processing*
Questions: Please contact registrar@neppa.org or call the office at (978) 540-2200.