Annual Conference 2026
Registration Now Open – Early Bird Discounts through July 17th!
NEPPA’s 2026 Annual Conference will be held August 16-19, 2026 at Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
(1225 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601).
Spark new ideas and strengthen industry connections during these four dynamic days, packed with a variety of expert learning sessions, collaborative roundtable conversations, interactive sponsor showcases and countless opportunities for connection. Recharge your professional development and power up your perspective. Join us as we move public power forward to shape what the future looks like for our industry.
Thank you to our Conference Sponsors
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Silver Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Ruby Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Ruby Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level/Golf Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold/Golf Hole Level Sponsor
Platinum Level/Golf Sponsor
Platinum Level / Golf Sponsor
Diamond Level/Golf Hole Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Platinum Level/ Golf Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
*Online Registration Recommended for Quicker Processing*
View our 2026 Annual Conference Agenda
Please note: Agenda details are subject to change
DAY #1: SUNDAY - AUGUST 16, 2026
2:00–5:30 pm Registration, Welcome Wagon, Sponsor Set up and Move In
Welcome! Come check in with NEPPA staff and receive your badge and goodie bag. Refreshments will be provided and Sponsors will have the opportunity to find and set up at their assigned exhibit table in preparation for the next day.
3:00–3:30 pm Member Value Committee Meeting
Members of the NEPPA's Member Value Committee Meeting with have their annual in-person meeting.
3:30–5:00 pm NEPPA’s Student Scholarship Fund Activity
This social event raises money to support NEPPA's Student Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to high school, college and trade school students who are pursuing education related to public power. Subject to additional cost. More details available in the Scholarship Fund Event tab.
5:00–7:00 pm Welcome Reception
We are happy to have you join us on the Cape for this year's NEPPA Annual Conference. Eat, drink and connect with other attendees at our Welcome Reception.
DAY #2: MONDAY - AUGUST 17, 2026
7:00 am Registration, Sponsor Set up and Move In
Welcome! Come check in with NEPPA staff and receive your badge and goodie bag. Sponsors will have the opportunity to find and set up at their assigned exhibit table in preparation for the day.
7:00–9:00 am Breakfast (Landshark Bar & Grill)
Full breakfast provided
8:00 am Opening Remarks (Compass Rose Ballroom)
NEPPA Leadership will kick off the day with opening remarks and announcements.
8:15 am Massachusetts Welcome (Compass Rose Ballroom)
by Massachusetts State Representative Steven Xiahros from Barnstable
8:45 am Keynote Speaker: A Fireside Chat - Operating New England's Electric Grid: Challenges and Opportunities with ISO New England President & CEO of ISO New England, Vasmsi Chadalavada, & David Cavanaugh, Senior Vice President, Regulatory & Market Affairs, Energy New England. (Compass Rose Ballroom)
Vamsi will discuss New England’s power grid, winter and summer grid operations,
ongoing ISO initiatives related to wholesale markets and transmission planning,
and his vision for the ISO and future priorities.
9:45 am Break and Visit with Sponsors (Foyer)
Use this time to get refreshments and engage with sponsor exhibits.
10:05 am General Session #1: Northeast Energy Gas and Power Market Outlook (Compass Rose Ballroom)
by Michal Zenker from NextEra
Winter Storm Fern (February 2026) exposed very tight margins for the Northeast power market, with record gas prices. Can new proposed infrastructure change the outlook?
11:05 am Break and Visit with Sponsors (Foyer)
Use this time to get refreshments and engage with sponsor exhibits.
11:25 am General Session #2: Large Loads, Climate Policy and Affordability: Practical Pathways to Reconcile Challenges (Compass Rose Ballroom)
By Paul Hibbard, Principal at Analysis Group
The “ven diagram” of reliability, affordability, and sustainability is being pried apart by increasing costs, demand growth, and climate policy mandates. Are there obvious solutions to reconcile these sometimes opposing influences on the operation and cost of New England’s electricity system? What are the obvious practical ways to move things in the right direction? This presentation will touch on key factors and options, including evolving supply and demand conditions, the changing infrastructure context, and available ratemaking and policy options.
12:30 pm Lunch, Visit with Sponsors (Location TBD)
1:30 pm General Session #3: Commonwealth Fusion (Compass Rose Ballroom)
By Trent Bauserman at Commonwealth Fusion
2:30 pm Break and Visit with Sponsors (Foyer)
Use this time to get refreshments and engage with sponsor exhibits.
3:00 pm General Session #4: Mobile Battery Applications (Compass Rose Ballroom)
By Dr. Shihab Kuran, President and CEO of Power Edison and Yazan Harasis Co-Founder of Power Edison
4:15 pm Annual Business Meeting (Fins Meeting Room)
5:30 – 9:30 pm Children's Program (Hemisphere Dancer Room)
Recommended for children ages 5 -12 and includes dinner, crafts, movie etc. This is intended as a means of onsite childcare for adults attending the awards dinner during this time.
6:00 – 7:00 pm Networking Reception (Outdoor Courtyard)
7:00 pm Awards Dinner *Semi-Formal Attire Expected (Compass Rose Ballroom)
9:00 - 11:00 pm Hosted Reception by Energy New England (Location TBD)
"I truly enjoy the conference every year. Nice location, beautiful venue, top notch speakers, relevant topics and invaluable opportunities to network with peers from across the region. NEPPA does a great job planning and executing the event. Absolutely one of those you don't want to miss!"
TUESDAY - AUGUST 18, 2026
7:00 am Registration (Foyer)
7:00-9:00 am Breakfast (Landshark Bar & Grill)
Full breakfast provided
8:00 am General Session #5: Data Centers: A National, Regional and Local Perspective (Compass Ballroom)
Facilitated by John Tzimorangas, President and CEO of ENE, with panelists David Wilby, President of Wilby Public Affairs, Jim Lavelle, General Manager of Holyoke Gas & Electric and Scott Corwin, President and CEO of American Public Power Association.
This panel discussion will cover the current state of Data Centers and their impact on the electric grid and communities.
9:00 am Break and Visit with Sponsors (Foyer)
Use this time to get refreshments and engage with sponsor exhibits.
9:15 am General Session #6: Alternatives to New England's Energy Affordability Crisis (Compass Rose Ballroom)
By Sarah Montalbano, Energy Policy Analyst from Always On Energy Research
10:15 am Break and Visit with Sponsors (Foyer)
Use this time to get refreshments and engage with sponsor exhibits.
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
A grab-and-go lunch will be provided
12:00 pm Sponsors Break Down and Move Out
The exhibit hall closes as sponsors pack up their display tables and exit the exhibit space.
12:30 pm Benevolent Fund Activities:
(Subject to additional cost. More details available in Benevolent Fund Activities tab)
#1 Golf Tournament (18 Holes) followed by Golf Awards Reception - Shotgun Start at 1:00 pm
Hyannis Golf Course
1800 Lyannough Road
Hyannis, MA 02601
#2 Whale Watch - Boat leaves at 2:30 pm
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
Boarding begins at 1:30 pm, be there no later than 2:00pm at:
269 Millway Road, Barnstable, MA
*No Dinner Provided, Please Make Arrangements for Dinner on Own
7:00 pm Meet up Hosted by NEPPA’s Young Professionals Group (Location TBD)
This is an opportunity for the young, and young-at-heart, to network and enjoy drinks and a fun activity. More details available shortly.
“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 19, 2026
7:00 am - 9:00 am Farewell Breakfast (Landshark Bar & Grill)
Full breakfast provided
9:00 am NEPPA Board of Directors Meeting (Finns Meeting Room)
11:00 am Conference Adjourns
Safe travels! We hope to see you again next year.
Attendee Registration 2026
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. Lodging is not included but can be booked at a discounted rate through the hotel directly. The Benevolent Fund and Scholarship Fund activities are also available during registration for an additional fee. Attendees are asked to make their own arrangements for dinner on Tuesday. Early Bird Fees are valid until July 17,2026. On and after July 18th, the regular rates apply. Please register by July 31, 2026.
Attendee Registration Fees:
| Early Bird Rates - Register by July 17th | Regular Rates - Register after July 17th |
| Full Conference (Sunday Aug 16th - Wednesday Aug 19th) | |
| 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 17th ONLY | |
| (Member/ Non-Member) - $475 / $675 | (Member/ Non-Member) - $575 / $775 |
| Tuesday, August 18th 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: Whale Watch Cruise - $95 | Benevolent Fund Activity: Whale Watch Cruise - $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, July 31, 2026). 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 or call the office at (978) 540-2200.
2026 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 (Quantity Available: 3) - Sunday, August 16th (Sponsor Showcase Includes: Provide Welcome Address at Event, High Top Display, Signage)
Platinum Level Sponsorship Opportunities - $1,750
- Branded Lanyards (Quantity Available: 3)
- Conference App (Quantity Available: 2)
- Cellphone Charging Kiosk: (Quantity Available: 3)
- Scholarship Fund Activity: (Quantity Available: 3) Sunday, August 16th
- Keynote Speaker: (Quantity Available: 3) Monday, August 17th
- Networking Reception: (Quantity Available: 3) Monday, August 17th
- Awards Dinner: (Quantity Available: 3) Monday, August 17th
- Benevolent Fund Activity - Whale Watch Cruise: (Quantity Available: 3) Tuesday, August 18th
- Audio Visual: Monday, August 17th
Gold Level Sponsorship Opportunities - $1,250
- Breakfast: (Quantity Available: 9) Monday, August 17th, Tuesday, August 18th, Wednesday, August 19th
- Morning & Mid-Morning Break: (Quantity Available: 6) Monday, August 17th, Tuesday, August 18th
- Lunch: (Quantity Available: 6) Monday, August 17th, Tuesday, August 18th
- Afternoon Break: (Quantity Available: 3) Monday, August 17th
- Audio Visual: Tuesday, August 18th
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 18th @ Hyannis Golf Course - 1800 Lyannough Road (Route 132), Hyannis, MA 02601)
Tee Hole Sponsor: $250 each
Beverage Cart Sponsor: (Quantity Available: 3) $800
Golf Awards Reception Sponsor: (Quantity Available: 3) $800
Other Additional Sponsorships: (available as an add-on to the sponsorship tiers listed above)
Young Professionals Group Meet Up Event: (Quantity Available: 3) $500 (Tuesday, August 18th)
***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 shipping items to and from the event, please contact the hotel directly to inform them in advance. All items should be marked with Guest's Name/Company Name/NEPPA/August 16, 2026. Storage rental fees maybe be imposed if delivered prior to 48 hours before the event or weight is excessive.
- MOVE IN/OUT - Sponsors can start setting up in the Exhibit hall between 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm on Sunday, August 16th or the next morning, Monday, August 17th as early as 7:00 am. Sponsors must be broken down and out by 12:00 pm on Tuesday August 18th. 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. Please register by July 31,2026. 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
Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
1225 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601
(508) 771-3000
Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod is a hotel with big amenities and a chill-out vibe. A New England retreat, tucked away in Massachusetts' most visited vacation destination. With an onsite water park, heated outdoor pool, spa, 24/7 fitness center, on-site restaurants and an arcade, it provides family-friendly fun and relaxation.
Discounted room rate of $239 per night + tax + hotel fees*
Only valid until Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Room availability is limited so please book early!
To book your overnight accommodations, click below and you will be redirected to the hotel's website to complete your reservation, with discount applied.
You can also call the hotel directly at 508-771-3000 and mention you're with the
Northeast Public Power Association 2026 Annual Conference to get the group rate.
** Important Alert **
For any NEPPA affiliated event it is important that you book through the hotel directly and NOT through a third-party provider. Not only will this ensure you receive our special discounted group rate, but it will guarantee your stay is confirmed properly. Use only phone numbers and reservation links from NEPPA communications or found on our website.
Additional Fees*: Discounted rates quoted above are subject to tax, which is currently 14.45%, as well as a $10 resort fee, per room, per night. Rates do not include access to the water park but discounted water park passes can be purchased for $25 per pass, per day.
Check-in/Check-out Details: Hotel check-in time is 4:00 pm; check-out time is 11:00 am.
Parking: Free parking available onsite
Reservations/Cancellations: Each individual guest must make his or her own reservation by phone or online no later than the cutoff date. All reservations must be accompanied by a deposit of one night and tax. If a guest does not cancel a reservation within 5 days before the guest’s check-in date, then hotel will keep the deposit.
Benevolent Fund Activities: Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
- Net proceeds are donated to the Benevolent fund -
Benevolent Fund Activity #1
Golf Tournament
Hyannis Golf Club
1800 Iyannough Road (Route 132), Hyannis, MA 02601
$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)
Registration Fees Include:
- Tee Time
- Golf Cart
- Tournament Scoring
- Grab & Go Lunch available at Hotel
About the Golf Course
Hyannis Golf Course sits at the geographical center of Cape Cod, just minutes from downtown Hyannis, the Barnstable Airport and the ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. This championship course is a par 71 with 18 holes, a full practice range and two practice greens.
Home to the Cape Cod Open and the 2015 Cape Cod PGA Championship, Hyannis Golf Course is considered Cape Cod’s home of junior golf and is the only First Tee Program on the Cape.
Benevolent Fund Activity #2
Whale Watch Cruise
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
269 Millway Road, Barnstable, MA
$95
Boarding at 1:30pm (Boat leaves at 2:30pm)
- Returning at 6:30pm
Whale Watch Cruise Details
Passengers Board at 1:30pm
Boat leaves at 2:30pm
Boat Returns at 6:30pm
Registration Fees Include:
- Grab & Go Lunch available at Hotel
- Cash Bar
- Guided Whale Watch
About Whale Watching
Throughout the season, we are likely to see humpback, minke, or fin whales, and often we see more than one species on a trip! On some occasions (approximately 10% of trips), we are lucky enough to find a pod of Atlantic white sided or common dolphins. Rarely do we see North Atlantic right whales or sei whales, but it is possible, especially in the spring. There is a good chance of seeing gray seals and we are always on the lookout for fish species such as mola mola, sharks (basking, blue, great white, mako, and porbeagle), and tuna. Seabirds common to our waters during whale watch season include shearwaters, storm petrels, terns, gulls, and gannets in the spring and fall.
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions available here - CLICK HERE
Student Scholarship Fund Activity: Sunday, August 16, 2026
All proceeded donated to NEPPA's Student Scholarship Fund
Surfside with Sean
Sunday, August 16, 2026
3:30pm - 5:00 pm
Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
(1225 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601)
Drinks & Food
Raffles & Prizes
Games & Music
Cost per Person
$35
Event Description
Join Sean McKeon, General Manager of Princetown Municipal Light Department and Chair of NEPPA's Safety Committee for a social hour and to benefit NEPPA’s Student Scholarship Fund. Money raised will go towards high school, college and trade school scholarships given annually to qualified applicants. Hosted by the Member Value Committee, 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.