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Models for Market Transformation

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017
8:30am to 11:30am
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Biomimicry: A Walking Exploration (Pre-registration Required)

Tutorial

This hike, through some of the less-traveled trails at Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, will allow participants to get outside and reconnect with nature. Hikers will learn about the essential elements of biomimicry, explore and discuss function of local organisms and understand how those functions are translated into biomimicry terms and can be applied in the energy sector. Space is extremely limited. Please pre-register here.

Note: Please bring appropriate foot gear, rain jackets, bug juice and sunscreen for this rugged trail hike.

Speakers

  • Carl Evensen
  • Tamsin Woolley-Barker

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8:30am to 12:30pm
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U.S. and Hawaii Power Markets 101

Tutorial
Providing a background on Hawaii's power market as context, this workshop will look at the rationale for competitive U.S. power markets, their evolution over the past decade, the rapid growth of new technologies, and some of the key issues on the horizon, participants will learn the basic framework of competitive power and regulated markets, including variations between regional markets; gain insight into how power markets affect end-use customers, both now and in the future; and look at new and emerging technologies and business models affecting power market dynamics and customer relationships.

Topics include The Origin of The US Grid and Emergence of Monopolies and Utility Holding Companies; The Birth of Competitive Power; The Current Structure: Regulated and Restructured Power Markets and How They Function – A Look at Various US Markets; Resilience and Reliability: A Growing Challenge; and New Technologies, New Models, Smart Grid and Our Energy Future

Speakers

  • Peter Kelly-Detwiler
  • Jose Dizon

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Hawaii’s Roadmap to Zero Energy Buildings: Aggressive Codes, Collaborative Vision

Working Session

On the technology adoption curve, market transformation occurs with the adoption, compliance and enforcement of codes and standards that lock in the energy savings generated through voluntary energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. At this interactive session, senior energy leaders from across the US will share their states’ collaborative approaches towards codes and standards to achieve deep energy reductions and create a zero net energy (ZNE) building roadmap. Participants will discuss strategies and identify key stakeholder roles for Hawai’i to effectively leverage the power of codes and standards to reach the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard by 2030.  

Speakers

  • Barry Giles
  • Howard Wiig
  • Nick Lange
  • Ramsey Brown
  • Melissa Miyashiro
  • Denis Hayes
  • Rob Harmon

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Future Models for Utility Ownership and Regulation in Hawaii

Working Session

At the request of the state legislature, the Hawaii State Energy Office is embarking on a 21-month study to evaluate the costs and benefits of various electric utility ownership models, as well as the viability of various utility regulatory approaches, to aid Hawaii in achieving its state energy goals. The study will engage a wide range of stakeholders and perspectives across all islands, providing multiple opportunities for input and participation.

State officials, energy industry leaders, and project staff will discuss possibilities for Hawaii’s energy future at this workshop, which serves as the public introduction of this extensive effort. The workshop will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear from leading voices in the energy policy discussion, and to provide direct feedback through small-group facilitated discussions to inform the investigation of electric utility ownership and regulatory models to serve each county of the State. All energy stakeholders are invited to attend. This kick off meeting will be followed up with three rounds of meetings on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai and Hawaii islands.

Speakers

  • Terry Surles
  • Scott Seu
  • Dean Nishina
  • David Bissell
  • A.J. Goulding
  • Christina Becker-Birck
  • Len Trinidad
  • Tianying Lan
  • Sarah Booth

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8:30am to 10:30am
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USGBC Workshop 1: Tools for Clean Energy Integration - Arc

Breakout

U.S. Green Building Council - Session 1

Do you manage performance data, technology or sustainability initiatives for a single building, multiple assets, or whole neighborhoods and communities? Join this session to learn how to take your work to the next level with the Arc platform, available at arcskoru.com. Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) built Arc to connect everyone to strategies, data tracking, benchmarking, reporting, and certification to multiple rating systems across all scales of the built environment, from tenant spaces and buildings to sites, power systems, cities, and beyond. If you are transforming your community through data driven decision-making with an eye on performance indicators for sustainability, energy, water, transportation, waste, climate action, resiliency, or social and economic development, Arc can help you understand where to focus your efforts, and aggregate your data and actions to tell your transformation story. This session will include a live demonstration and exercises to familiarize you with the Arc platform.

Approved for 2 GBCI CE hours (LEED Specific O+M). Course ID is 0920013248.

Speakers

  • Gretchen Sweeney

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8:30am to 10:00am
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Cultivating Personal Discipline and Collective Leadership in Hawaii

Tutorial

What’s the Theme Song for 100% 2045?  Personal Discipline and Collective Leadership.

An interactive leadership workshop led by one of the most gifted storytellers and economic influencers in Hawaii-addressing the “human infrastructure” part of Hawaii’s clean energy and sustainability transition.  Can the people of Hawaii undergo personal transformation to make this a movement, rather than operate on someone else’s agenda?  While policy, governance, finance and capital are commonly addressed subjects in the State’s economic development, an “Aloha Response” is critical to ensure that we get there and when we do we’re still Hawaii.

Speakers

  • Pono Shim

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10:30am to 12:30pm
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USGBC Workshop 2: Tools for Clean Energy Integration - PEER

Tutorial

U.S. Green Building Council - Session 2

Establishing shared goals among stakeholders is essential as leaders from the public and private sectors work to achieve the objectives of clean energy from generation to consumption, to integrate renewables and drive efficiency and resiliency at the city, grid, and building levels. Standards, common metrics, and third party verification provide these shared goals and a common language to support market transformation. The LEED rating system has defined what it means to be a sustainable building or neighborhood anywhere in the world, while allowing for projects to take into consideration their geographic and socioeconomic realities. The U.S. Green Building Council, and its sister organization GBCI, are working with stakeholders around the world to apply the lessons learned from LEED to power systems, microgrids, smart grids, and utilities as a whole through the PEER rating system. PEER drives market transformation at the energy system level and allows for the integration of renewables along the supply chain while driving true electrical reliability and resiliency.

Approved for 2 GBCI CE hours. Course ID for #2 is 0920013250.

Speakers

  • Jamie Statter

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1:45pm to 1:55pm
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Governor's Address

Plenary

Two years ago, Governor Ige signed into law the most aggressive clean energy goal in the country. How is the State turning plans into action?

Speakers

  • Gov. David Ige

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2:05pm to 2:30pm
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Aligning Interests to Accelerate a Clean Economy

Plenary

Our current energy systems often pit markets, regulators, utilities and consumers against one another, and to lay blame for whatever isn't working. As distributed energy clean energy resources become more widespread and affordable, a new model is needed. A prominent Hawaii regulator and policymaker share their experiences in aligning stakeholder interests.

Speakers

  • Luis Salaveria
  • Randy Iwase
  • Joel Makower

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2:30pm to 2:35pm
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VERGE Talk: How Policy Impacts Innovation

Plenary

It is rare to see the chair of a state's energy policy board also leading its innovation organization. But if you think about it, it makes sense. Energy policy and innovation are deeply intertwined. Dawn Lippert, the Chair of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative Advisory Board and CEO of Elemental Excelerator, shares what we've learned as Hawaii innovates its way to 100% clean energy.

Speakers

  • Aki Marceau

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2:35pm to 2:45pm
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VERGE Talk: The Business of Transition — Managing Risk, Resilience, & Opportunity

Plenary
From physical impacts to infrastructure and assets, there are risks and opportunities in designing for clean energy transitions. What are the new models that work across the US and China? What are the local impacts? And what can be replicated for Hawaii?

Speakers

  • Kate Gordon

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2:45pm to 3:10pm
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How Climate Change Creates Local Opportunities

Plenary

A discussion about the various local economic opportunities associated with the physical impacts, regulatory risks and climate risks that come with changes in energy policy, infrastructure and market structure. Lessons and stories will be shared from energy transitions in China, Alaska, the Midwest U.S. and, of course, Hawaii.

Speakers

  • Kate Gordon
  • Mayor Arakawa
  • Lorraine Akiba
  • Heather Clancy

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3:10pm to 3:45pm
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VERGE Accelerate Showcase

Plenary

This fast-paced start-up competition provides entrepreneurs in energy, transportation, water, agriculture and cybersecurity the opportunity to pitch to the VERGE audience. Industry experts provide commentary and audience votes determine the winner.

Speakers

  • Shana Rappaport
  • Andrew Beebe
  • Dana Cotter
  • MAJ Dao

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4:15pm to 4:25pm
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VERGE Talk: The Utility’s Story — How It Works and What’s Changing

Plenary

Who isn’t for "100% clean energy?" It’s a compelling goal, but everyone needs to know this is a team sport, a shared societal effort, not just another mandate for the local utility. Hawaiian Electric CEO Alan Oshima talks about the importance of community engagement and how renewable energy can also be part of the state’s long-term economic development plan.

Speakers

  • Alan Oshima

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4:25pm to 4:50pm
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Cultivating an Environment to Unleash Innovation

Plenary

While there is no shortage of clean technology innovations, political and social will remains a barrier for many of these promising solutions. What is needed to cultivate an environment where utilities, regulators and buyers will increase their risk appetite?

Speakers

  • Andrew Beebe
  • Brian Janous
  • Dave Bartlett
  • Rich Wacker

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4:50pm to 5:00pm
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VERGE Talk: Connecting the Dots — Why Energy Justice Matters

Plenary

Energy justice has begun to find its way into the conversation concerning Hawaii’s energy transition, but what is energy justice?  Moreover, why does it matter?  The energy transition is not only a technological revolution but an unprecedented opportunity to shift the energy development paradigm to one that makes the state more resilient in the face of climate change, gives underrepresented communities a say over the environmental impacts of energy development, and provides lasting economic benefits to rate payers of all economic backgrounds.  This VERGE Talk connects the dots and makes the case for why Hawaii’s energy stakeholders cannot afford to ignore the principles of energy justice.

Speakers

  • Shalanda Baker

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5:00pm to 5:30pm
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Accelerating Clean Energy Transitions in the Age of Trump

Plenary

Stay tuned for details.

Speakers

  • Dennis McGinn
  • Connie Lau
  • Joel Makower

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Wednesday, June 21st, 2017
8:35am to 9:00am
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Sustainable Pathways to Economic Prosperity

Plenary

This discussion will explore how tourism is a key economic driver in Hawai‘i and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future, even as Hawai‘i seeks to diversify in other sectors.  Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaiian Airlines and HECO will discuss Hawai‘i’s unique role in catalyzing economic prosperity and attracting investment, while reducing energy and water use, building community resilience, and supporting environmental stewardship through sustainable tourism initiatives and planning. 

Speakers

  • Celeste Connors
  • Alan Oshima
  • Mark Dunkerley
  • George Szigeti

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9:00am to 9:25am
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Building a 21st Century Electricity System for Rural States

Plenary

While New York and California often get the spotlight for their energy system transformation initiatives, many states across the country have different challenges. What will it take to build a 21st century electricity system for rural areas all over Hawaii and beyond?

Speakers

  • David Bissell
  • Kyle Datta
  • Terry Surles
  • Ron Whitmore

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9:25am to 10:00am
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VERGE Accelerate Showcase

Plenary

This fast-paced start-up competition provides entrepreneurs in energy, transportation, water, agriculture and cybersecurity the opportunity to pitch their startups to the VERGE audience. Industry experts provide commentary, and audience votes determine the winner.

Speakers

  • Shana Rappaport
  • Carlton Reeves
  • Jill Sims
  • Captain La Duca

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10:30am to 10:40am
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VERGE Talk: Scaling Clean Energy Investments with Equity as a Driver

Plenary

How inclusive financing can help scale clean energy investments in distributed energy solutions from better buildings to clean transit.

Speakers

  • Holmes Hummel

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10:40am to 11:00am
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Rural Electrification: Lessons from Pan-Pacific Islands

Plenary

Lessons, challenges and goals for rural electrification from utility executives from American Samoa, Solomon Islands and other parts of the Pacific.

Speakers

  • Pradeep Verma
  • Jeff Mikulina
  • Aliitama Sotoa
  • Ajay Raniga

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11:00am to 11:10am
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VERGE Talk: A New Way to Scale Energy Efficiency

Plenary

A simple score can save Hawaiians more than $100 million in energy cost annually. There is tremendous savings potential from energy efficient appliances, electronics and cars. The right mix of behavioral science, big data and digital engagement can unlock it at scale.

Speakers

  • Matthias Kurwig

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11:10am to 11:30am
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Overcoming Sustainability Challenges in the Tourism Industry

Plenary

While hotels focus mainly on costs, they consume resources at a rate that is simply unsustainable for the long term. It's a paradox as old as the industry. While some argue about the value of "greening" in the industry, others understand that it is also about resilience and security. Two veterans in the industry discuss potential solutions to overcome sustainability challenges, and what it will take hotels, airlines, cabs and other major tourism stakeholders to take necessary action.

Speakers

  • Ernie Nishizaki
  • Heather Clancy
  • Jim Alberts
  • Dean Nakasone

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11:30am to 11:55am
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Bridging the Energy and Conservation Gap through a Systems-Based Approach

Plenary

Hawai‘i may be the most isolated populated landmass, but its experiences, challenges, and solutions have global relevance. Building on the forty-year journey of Hōkūle‘a to revive and share Hawaiian ancestral wisdom and innovation, Hawai‘i applied these values and principles to launch the Aloha+ Challenge: He Nohona ‘Ae‘oia, A Culture of Sustainability — an integrated statewide platform and framework for collaboration. Endorsed by the Governor, all four County Mayors, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and State Legislature, the Aloha+ Challenge engages partners to help achieve Hawai‘i’s sustainability goals and build a culture of sustainability for future generations. This expert panel will explore the role of island economies and catalyzing action on sustainability globally, exploring innovative platforms and initiatives that bridge the gap between conservation, energy, and economic development.

Speakers

  • Celeste Connors
  • Mayor Carvalho
  • Kate Brown
  • David Lassner

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12:05pm to 12:30pm
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The Power of Transformative Change

Plenary

How can we untangle challenges at the nexus of nature and humanity? A holistic "radical remedy of the commons" is within reach. But we need better design thinking and far greater energy and urgency to bring it into being. By transforming markets and scaling enabling technologies, programs, and platforms that offer differentiated solutions for critical, systems-level challenges, we can strengthen the symbiosis between nature and humanity. 

Speakers

  • Dawn Lippert
  • Andy Karsner
  • Joel Makower

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12:30pm to 1:30pm
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VERGE Guru Lunch: Biomimicry Design — Organizing for Resilience and Regeneration in a Finite World

Lunch

As an evolutionary biologist and primatologist who spent the last 20 years studying social structures, Dr. Woolley-Barker discusses how humanity’s radical breakthrough was combining the political and problem-solving abilities of a chimpanzee with the collaborative teamwork of ant society. Genetically, we’re 98% chimpanzee, but the 2% difference can fill us with hope. It represents our natural ability to nurture a collective future together. But we still manage our companies like apes. How can we can consciously evolve the adaptive, resilient, and regenerative organizations today’s global systems require? The answer lies in leveraging our natural social tendencies for collective intelligence, swarm creativity, distributed leadership, teamwork, and regenerative value. We can accelerate this transition by studying other superorganism societies and emulating their deep and time-tested strategies. Hundreds of millions of years of natural selection have shaped these resilient and regenerative ways of working, and we have much to learn from them. Find out how they focus systematically on shared purpose and build with infinite things like sunlight and carbon, diffuse specks of water and nutrients, trust and transparency, and the complexity, diversity, and interconnectedness of networks. See how they spill their collective value into the larger ecosystems around them to regenerate the future, and come discuss how today’s organizations can emulate these deep principles and thrive on our finite planet.

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

Speakers

  • Tamsin Woolley-Barker

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VERGE Guru Lunch: Future Models for Utility Ownership and Regulation in Hawaii

Lunch

The Hawaiian State Energy Office is embarking on a study of the viability of various electric utility ownership and regulatory models to aid the state in achieving its energy goals. Following up on the workshop held Tuesday morning at VERGE, the project team invites VERGE attendees and Hawaiian electricity stakeholders for a lunchtime discussion of how utility ownership and regulatory decisions can enable a strong energy future for Hawaii.

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

Speakers

  • Christina Becker-Birck

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VERGE Guru Lunch: The Evolution of Adaptive Intelligent Environments

Lunch

Buildings, for the most part, do not dynamically adapt to changes in human presence, different tasks being performed or external factors like weather.  Achieving energy goals should be a combination of both renewable energy as a source and the application of renewable energy in a more intelligent, contextually adaptive manner.

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

Speakers

  • Dave Bartlett

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VERGE Guru Lunch: Inclusive Financing for the Clean Energy Economy

Lunch

Reaching 100% clean energy means reaching everyone.  Yet the most common financing instruments disqualify many customers from making cost effective investments in upgrades like building energy efficiency, rooftop solar, and on-site storage.  Where inclusive financing is already available, the eligible market is bigger, customer conversion rates are higher, and investments are larger.  Join our luncheon table to explore the potential for everyone in Hawaii to participate in the benefits of the clean energy economy.

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

Speakers

  • Holmes Hummel

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VERGE Guru Lunch: Addressing Market Challenges for Decarbonizing the Power Grid

Lunch

The Director of Energy Strategy at Microsoft, Brian Janous, will lead a discussion focused on market design challenges for decarbonizing the electric grid — including why current wholesale market design is inadequate for achieving high penetration of renewables and how that could change.

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

Speakers

  • Brian Janous

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VERGE Guru Lunch: Solar + Storage as Renewable Peaker Plants

Lunch

KIUC recently integrated a 28MW PV and 20 MW five-hour duration energy storage system. This will be the largest solar-plus-utility–scale-battery system in the state and one of the biggest storage systems in the world. The project will reduce KIUC’s fossil fuel usage by over 3.7 million gallons a year. KIUC members will also see reduced rates.

Peaker plants supply power only on occasion during peak/high demand periods. The power supplied commands a much higher price per kilowatt hour than a base load plant. Through solar + storage solutions, a renewable peaker can provide firm, renewable generation combined with a flexible dispatch schedule in order to displace inefficient, fuel-based peaking capacity.

Explore the details with the company that made it happen.

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

 

Speakers

  • Woody Rubin

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VERGE Guru Lunch: Blockchain and the Energy Sector

Lunch

The disruptive potential of blockchains is increasingly being discussed by participants across the energy sector including utilities, trade desks, oil majors, communities, and cleantech companies. Keep the discussion moving by joining Jesse Morris, Principal at Rocky Mountain Institute and co-founder of the Energy Web Foundation, a new nonprofit organization focused on accelerating the pace of blockchain technology deployment in the energy sector. The discussion will cover how blockchains may impact the energy sector in the next 2, 5, and 10 years, provide an overview of example use cases, and discuss in detail how blockchain technology works. 

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

Speakers

  • Jesse Morris

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VERGE Guru Lunch: Arc — The Platform for Greener Buildings and Communities

Lunch

Arc is a cloud-based platform for connecting actions that improve quality of life on a single platform, including LEED and many other sustainability certifications. It offers data tracking, analysis, and performance scoring across various scales of the built environment (tenant spaces, buildings, campuses, neighborhoods, cities) and environmental, social, and economic parameters (energy, water, waste, transportation, GHG emissions, air quality, educational attainment, income, etc.). Developed by Arc Skoru Inc., in support of the mission of the U.S. Green Building Council, the platform supports transparency and disclosure initiatives, data driven decision making, reporting, certification, and peer learning. Join this discussion to share your experiences and learn from others on the challenges and opportunities related to data and performance measurement in the built environment.

About VERGE Guru Lunches: Join like minded attendees for interactive moderated lunch discussions around a particular topic. Each table discussion will be led by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants.

Speakers

  • Gretchen Sweeney

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1:45pm to 2:45pm
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Modeling Pathways to 100%: Choices & Trade-Offs

Breakout

An exploratory discussion framed around modeling/planning pathways beyond simply traditional resource planning, taking into account broader issues of cross sector energy modeling, land use, ownership and regulatory models.

Speakers

  • Stephen Walls
  • Chris Yunker
  • Emerson Reiter
  • A.J. Goulding

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Drive Electric Hawaii: The Road Ahead for Clean Ground Transport

Breakout

Near the end of last year, as Hawaii registered it's 5,000th electric vehicle, Drive Electric Hawaii was formed to promote electric transportation to help accelerate the state's clean energy future. Many of its founding members explore Drive Electric Hawaii's progress to date, and the road ahead.

Speakers

  • Lisa Jerram
  • Shelee Kimura
  • Richard Wallsgrove
  • Greg Gaug
  • Margaret Larson

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Advancing Infrastructure Security in a Connected World

Breakout

Explore four unique perspectives (utility, corporate, military, and federal) addressing the threats inherent in a digital critical infrastructure. Is connectivity worth the risks? Are the risks real or theoretical only, and what is being done to address them?

Speakers

  • Jesse Morris
  • Bryan Tepper
  • Captain La Duca
  • Dave Bartlett
  • Deron McElroy

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New Technologies and Innovative Strategies for Energy Efficiency

Breakout

In renewables-focused Hawaii, energy efficiency is not always the first priority for people and organizations. With so many energy efficient products, services and programs to choose from, the technologies and strategies can seem daunting. So what will it take to truly scale energy efficiency in the region? Learn from speakers employing new strategies and tools for accelerating the adoption of energy efficient products and services — from an innovative technology platform that helps consumers tackle the information barrier associated with their energy efficiency choices, to  Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's Market Transformation Program model that takes advantage of both upstream leverage in the market chain and downstream interventions to create lasting, cost-effective changes in energy efficiency product markets.

Speakers

  • Anne Arquit Niederberger
  • Elaine Miller
  • Caroline Carl
  • Greg Kiker

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Financing Next-Gen Infrastructure

Breakout

As Hawaii seeks transformative models for financing infrastructure projects (ones that are directly related to electricity - like grid and transportation), many tech stakeholders believe that the utilities and local governments in Hawaii are too risk averse to help unleash innovation. This discussion brings together two different ideas: Innovation in business models – a closer look at new financial products, funding sources, and private sector engagement for infrastructure (i.e., green bank, green bonds, PACE and cost benefit analysis on selection). And Bridging the gap between city infrastructure projects and investors –The financial industry report three major risks and challenges when considering city infrastructure projects and their “bankability” 1. Lack of knowledge on the city and its likelihood of repayment 2. Lack of corporate understanding of the low carbon technology being deployed 3. Lack of experience in the financing models cities use to fund this infrastructure. This session will define “bankable” projects from the perspective of different investors and improving project preparation to generate a pipeline of bankable, sustainable infrastructure projects. The goal of the session is introduce the variety of financing mechanisms available to regions on public and private sector financing from experts applying this in the field. 

Speakers

  • Katie Walsh
  • Matt Futch
  • Gwen Yamamoto Lau
  • Zachary Solomon

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3:00pm to 4:00pm
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Integrating DERs: Demystifying the Tech Solutions

Breakout

By installing rooftop solar panels or purchasing backup generators and storage units, consumers are taking greater responsibility for their own electricity—whether they are pursuing better reliability, more favorable economics or environmental benefits. But for the utilities that manage the electric system, these distributed energy resources (DERs) are a mixed bag. Utility executives are already dealing with a demand curve that is leveling off, due to greater energy efficiency. Now they must find ways to integrate electricity from new sources onto the grid. If unplanned, DERs can represent an unreliable supply of electricity that requires significant investments to accommodate in the grid system. However, when planned, DERs can help utilities deal with peak demand and perhaps even become a source of new revenue for energy companies—if they can find a role in the evolving economics of electricity. This session is an exploration of the most promising technologies being leveraged (in tandem with good planning) to help address these challenges, based on experience locally and beyond. 

Speakers

  • Patrick Lee
  • Julia Pyper
  • Earle Ifuku
  • John Cole

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Making the Technical Accessible: How 'Cognitive' A.I. Can Bridge Hawaii's Energy Storytelling Gaps

Breakout

What is artificial intelligence technology could help energy stakeholders communicate better? Explore what happens when you combine advanced simulation and cognitive methods to address issues and limitations with conventional tradeoff analyses for the extremely complex and emotionally charged energy planning we are facing today. This session will demonstrate advanced simulation capability currently in place in Hawaii; the opportunity to harness artificial intelligence and cognitive capabilities; socialize planning process and communication across all stakeholders through inclusion and advanced visualization; how to include data, opinions, and insights from stakeholders; and demystifying planning outcomes and generating increased confidence in the process.

Speakers

  • Neil Gerber
  • Scott Stallard

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Reduce, Electrify, Decarbonize: Localized Strategies to 100%

Breakout

Recent studies have found that in a low-carbon power system, electrification can have a significant impact on carbon emissions by 2040, reducing emissions by 10-20% compared to a baseline. In a world where power generation is decarbonized, extended electrification can help reduce CO2 emissions significantly by accelerating the decarbonisation of energy supply and by improving energy productivity. But is this the most viable strategy everywhere? Experts from around the country discuss what's been done in other states — and what could help Hawaii.

Speakers

  • Holmes Hummel
  • Carla Peterman
  • Jeff Mikulina
  • Rep. Chris Lee
  • Kristine Kingery

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4:30pm to 5:30pm
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No One Left Behind: Clean Energy Solutions that Promote Social Equity

Breakout

How can our transition to clean energy be more inclusive, equitable and just? Experts from Hawaii, Nevada, and Colorado provide varied examples of how communities and states have created innovative models for financing, engagement and job creation while increasing renewables adoption. 

Speakers

  • Rose McKinney-James
  • Tim McCollough
  • Shalanda Baker
  • Heather Clancy

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Cultivating Economic Development in the Clean Energy Transition

Breakout

Business leaders from across sectors in Hawaii are investing in a clean energy and community resilience. This discussion will explore perspectives from various public and private sector stakeholders who are redeveloping the Kalealoa District in Oahu, the collaboration and financing models that are working, how microgrids are enabling resiliency and energy security in the process, and the strategies that are driving clean energy and the local economy.

Speakers

  • Veronica Rocha
  • Stephen Walls
  • Sherry Menor-McNamara
  • Richard Barone

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Thursday, June 22nd, 2017
8:30am to 9:30am
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The Future of Mobility on Islands

Breakout

As transportation becomes more connected, shared, electrified, and even autonomous, big cities are starting to address the policies and planning that is needed to adapt to these changes. But what does this mean for the future of mobility on islands?  An expert panel of innovators in technology, transportation and transit planning explore the solutions.

Speakers

  • Heather Clancy
  • Matt Horton
  • Edwin Sniffen
  • Aki Marceau

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Accelerating Climate Solutions

Breakout

Addressing climate change isn't just about clean energy or "low-carbon" solutions. It's also important to see the bigger picture of how CO2 is balanced within our soil, ocean and sky, and invest in solutions that can rebalance these carbon cycles in our ecosystem. A climate policy expert, technology innovator, and Honolulu's new chief resilience officer will explain, explore and engage in a conversation about how these systems work together and the most promising solutions that accelerate our ability to change the trajectory of climate change's impacts.

Speakers

  • Kate Gordon
  • Joshua Stanbro
  • Miriam Swaffer
  • Jack Beutell

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Community-Based Renewable Energy: Local Viability and Opportunity

Breakout

This panel will explore the viability of Hawaii’s Community Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) Program in terms of potential market uptake, consumer protection and environmental justice.  Aside from exploring challenges, the panel will seek to unveil innovative solutions to enhance the program’s success in the marketplace in Phase 1 and beyond.

Speakers

  • Shalanda Baker
  • Keiki Dancil
  • Veronica Rocha
  • Dean Nishina
  • Jerry Sumida

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Biomimicry Workshop: Designing for Resiliency

Breakout

Nature is amazingly resilient, and biomimicry shows us how to translate nature's lessons into our everyday lives. This interactive workshop begins with a biomimicry overview, then moves into a facilitated working session focused on learning lessons from our native flora and fauna to design organizations, energy, and infrastructure that is resilient and responsive to change. Discover how other species live here efficiently: by building with infinite things like sunlight and atmospheric carbon, heat of the Earth and the ebb and flow of the tides, tapping local innovation, connection, collaboration, and diversity, and feeding value back into the ecosystem around them to regenerate the future. We will discuss how we might emulate these deep, time-tested, locally proven strategies to achieve longterm success.

Speakers

  • Tamsin Woolley-Barker

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10:05am to 10:30am
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Pathways to a Clean Energy Future: Global Perspectives

Plenary

Hawaii, California, and New Zealand share at least one thing in common: they're all on a path to clean energy. While utilities and regulators serve a defined geographic region, they see many of the same challenges. This opens up a world of opportunities for collaboration - in some unexpected ways. Join us as Commissioner Carla Peterman of California's Public Utilities Commission, Simon MacKenzie, CEO of New Zealand's largest electricity network, Vector, and Hawaii's newly appointed PUC Commissioner Jay Griffin share what they've learned, what challenges they're still struggling with, and what they think the future holds for local and global energy markets.

Speakers

  • Carla Peterman
  • Simon MacKenzie
  • Dawn Lippert
  • Jay Griffin

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10:30am to 10:40am
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VERGE Talk: Living in a "Living Building” — A Real-World Report

Plenary

The founder of Earth Day and developer of world’s greenest office building tells his story — and what it may mean for Hawaii.

Speakers

  • Denis Hayes

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10:40am to 11:05am
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Accelerating Resilience and Energy Security on Islands

Plenary

Henk Rogers joins the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy Energy Installations & Environment and CIO for Command, Control, Comms & Cyber Directorate at U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM)  to discuss their frameworks for thinking about driving more resilience, energy security and sustainability solutions across islands. 

Speakers

  • Henk Rogers
  • Joel Makower
  • Randall Cieslak

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11:05am to 11:15am
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VERGE Talk: Renewable Energy, Climate Change, and the Tragedy of the Commons

Plenary

Hawaii has the opportunity to serve as a model for the rest of the world, but how are we going to live on the planet going forward?  DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria takes a closer look at how solutions to our current sustainability problems may lie in the past.  Get ready for a reality check on Hawaii’s path to a 100% renewable energy future.

Speakers

  • Luis Salaveria

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11:25am to 11:50am
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The Power of Community Inclusion

Plenary

What happens to a community when it feels accountable for and included in the clean energy transition? And how can we better engage those who have been disenfranchised for so long? The head of national climate justice non-profit Green For All and a long-standing energy equity advocate and corporate leader from Nevada join University of Hawaii's Shalanda Baker for a discussion of the how's and why's of community inclusion and engagement as Hawaii pursues its 100% renewables mandate.

Speakers

  • Shalanda Baker
  • Vien Truong
  • Rose McKinney-James
  • Heather Clancy

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11:50am to 12:00pm
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Closing: Embracing Aloha, Preparing the Orchestra

Plenary

One of Hawaii’s most gifted storytellers and business influencers puts a lei around the “Orchestra.”

Speakers

  • Pono Shim

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