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EVENT PROGRAM

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  • Tuesday
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Renewable Energy Procurement

Sponsored by: 
Apex Clean Energy
Tuesday, September 19th, 2017
8:15am to 12:15pm
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Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance Summit (by invitation only)

Summit

The last day of an invitation-only, two-day working session to identify opportunities to accelerate renewable energy procurement.

See the REBA Summit page for more information and to request an invitation.

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8:30am to 12:15pm
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Power Markets and Innovation 101: How They Work and What's Next (Select Passes Only)

Tutorial

*Participants must be registered for an All-Access, Tutorial-Only or One-Day Tuesday pass.

This four-hour course will explain the fundamentals of how power markets work, the changes that have taken place in the past decade, and the revolutionary change that is about to occur.  We will cover:

  1. the fundamentals of how power is generated and dispatched
  2. who does what in the new world (utilities, regulators, entrepreneurs, and interactive consumers)
  3. factors driving technological change and the critical role of information technology
  4. the key technologies - including wind, solar, and storage and the cost curves 
  5. emerging winners and losers
  6. business models, and global trends, including carbon, financial trends and national economic development policies
  7. regulatory models and experiences worth examining (including New York, California, Texas, Australia, China, and Germany
  8. implications for the future and potential outcomes
  9. the challenge for planners and investors, and options for creating potential no-regrets strategies in an increasingly volatile market

Speakers

  • Peter Kelly-Detwiler

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1:50pm to 2:00pm
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VERGE Talk: Technology, the Universe and Everything — A Living Systems View of Spaceship Earth

Half a century ago, the first images of Earth from space were broadcast around the world. These catalyzed awareness that, for better or worse, Earth is a dynamic, interconnected system. 
For tech companies pursuing “sustainability,” this awareness presents a paradox of cosmic proportions. On the one hand, we hope that new innovations will improve the quality of life for billions of people. Yet we're accelerating the transformation of ecological commons into expendable commodities. As a result, we’re destabilizing planetary cycles and decreasing Earth’s regenerative ability to sustain life. 
Is there a way out of this conundrum? Dr. David McConville explores how the regenerative paradigm shines new light on these wicked problems.

Speakers

  • David McConville

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2:00pm to 2:10pm
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The Path to a Regenerative Business

Not all businesses are created equal. There are numerous approaches on how to run a business. They are all based on one or a mix of five paradigms. They are drawn from and incorporate arcane, discredited beliefs as well as popular modern ideas which are filled with myths. All are invisible to their leaders, as to their source and rationale, but determine the results they get in markets and the effects they have on the world around them. It is difficult, if not impossible, to create change without exposing these underpinnings.  A few very powerful businesses are working with “living systems” as the framework underlying their amazing success and contribution. They are on a journey to a Regenerative Business. This talk will make these five paradigms transparent—using case stories of real practices from first hand experiences in creating them—giving leaders real choices again.

Speakers

  • Carol Sanford

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2:10pm to 2:35pm
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Stories from the Pursuit of a Cleaner Energy System

Corporate buyers, state regulators and large utilities are increasingly taking a leadership role across the U.S. with significant renewable energy projects. In New York, ConEdison is leading a set of initiatives called Reforming the Energy Vision, or REV, to redefine the way customers participate in the electric power system. In California, Governor Jerry Brown, state legislators and the California Public Utilities Commission are pushing increases in renewable energy procurement. Alongside those state efforts, four leading NGOs have joined with the corporate world to create the Renewable Energy Buyer's Alliance (REBA), with the aim of expanding the renewable energy purchasing power of larger and midsize businesses. This session will explore the direction of the clean energy system from those various perspectives.

Speakers

  • Carla Peterman
  • Danny Kennedy
  • Stuart Nachmias
  • Bill Weihl

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4:15pm to 4:40pm
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Getting from Here to the Utility of the Future — An Industry View

Senior executives from three very different U.S. utilities discuss their respective visions for the future of utilities — specifically, the energy transition issues they are dealing with locally and nationally, and what it will take for corporations and local governments to work collaboratively with utilities to advance a clean energy economy. The conversation will also include a focus on how innovations within the power sector — including technologies and business models — are spurring significant opportunities for all industry stakeholders.

Speakers

  • Lisa Frantzis
  • Val Jensen
  • Cris Eugster
  • Penni McLean-Conner

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4:40pm to 4:45pm
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VERGE Talk: Making Solar Sweeter: Pollinator-Friendly Arrays

Introduced at VERGE 2015, and highlighted recently in training by the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, the practice of using the land under and around U.S. solar arrays to benefit pollinators is on the cusp of becoming a standard practice — as it is in Europe. Benefitting pollinators at scale, and producing "Solar Honey," are new ways to increase support for large-scale solar.

Speakers

  • Rob Davis

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4:45pm to 5:10pm
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VERGE Accelerate Showcase

A pitch competition that provides entrepreneurs in energy, buildings, transportation, supply chains, water, food, and cities the opportunity to present to the diverse VERGE community: executives from the world's largest companies, public officials from progressive cities, venture capitalists, and others.

For more information, please refer to our VERGE Accelerate page.

Speakers

  • Shana Rappaport
  • Sheeraz Haji
  • Evelyn Bolden

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Wednesday, September 20th, 2017
8:30am to 9:30am
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Interactive Session: What Does It Really Mean to "Procure" Renewable Energy? (Part 1)

Breakout

The list of companies committing to source 100 percent renewable energy as a means of reducing carbon emissions is growing rapidly, and in 2015, corporate buyers overtook electric utilities in procuring clean power. On the surface, this is an inspiring story, powerful and simple. But the process is anything but simple. The options are many, can be complex and can have varying levels of reported and real carbon reduction. This two-part workshop unpacks what it really means to  “procure” renewable energy as a strategy to help achieve the ultimate goal of reducing the grid's greenhouse gas emissions.

In this session (Part 1 of 2) you will learn from those in-the-trenches about essential aspects of renewable energy procurement including:

  • A history of corporate renewable energy targets and procurement (who is involved, why and how)

  • The basics of power generation, electricity grids and regulated versus deregulated markets

  • The use of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and guarantees of origin (GO) as a mechanism for tracking renewable energy production, “ownership” and the right to make zero carbon claims (compared to carbon offsets)

Speakers

  • Nicola Peill-Moelter
  • Erin Craig
  • Chelsea Mozen

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9:45am to 10:45am
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Utilities and Energy Choices: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Breakout

Over the next decade, as much as 80 percent of the energy load from the California investor-owned utilities could depart in favor of Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs). Nationally, utilities in the regulated and deregulated markets are looking to improve customer options by creating new offerings. Meanwhile, corporate energy buyers are increasing their large-scale renewable procurement efforts and utilities continue to address their renewable portfolio standard goals. How can policymakers, utilities and customers work together to ensure both grid reliability and clean, affordable energy options?

Speakers

  • Mark Derry
  • Jan Pepper
  • Nancy Pfund
  • Jerry Meek

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Lessons from Cities Pursuing 100% Renewables

Breakout

Almost 40 US cities have committed to 100% renewables. How much of an impact is actually being made so far, or is there more hype than action? And how are municipalities/ local governments working with others (businesses, communities, utilities) to ensure they achieve their 100% renewables goals? Find out more in this solutions-oriented deep dive exploration from those working on (and critical of) these initiatives around the country.

Speakers

  • Sam Brooks
  • Barry Hooper
  • Johanna Partin
  • Diane Moss
  • Noah Goldstein

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Interactive Session: What Does It Really Mean to "Procure" Renewable Energy? (Part 2)

Breakout

The list of companies committing to source 100 percent renewable energy as a means of reducing carbon emissions is growing rapidly, and in 2015, corporate buyers overtook electric utilities in procuring clean power. On the surface, this is an inspiring story, powerful and simple. But the process is anything but simple. The options are many, can be complex and can have varying levels of reported and real carbon reduction. This two-part workshop unpacks what it really means to  “procure” renewable energy as a strategy to help achieve the ultimate goal of reducing the grid's greenhouse gas emissions.

Part 2 of this workshop takes you to the next level of renewable energy procurement with three focused, interactive, round-robin sessions facilitated by experts in corporate clean energy procurement. The primary discussion topics include:

  • Shades of green - Understanding the extent of real greenhouse gas emissions reductions made possible by this strategy

  • Procurement mechanisms - Which procurement options best suit your company's goal and operational model(s) (owned/leased/outsourced facilities; large/centralized or small/distributed loads)

  • International procurement - What choices are available for procurement in Europe and in regions where instruments don’t yet exist?

Speakers

  • Nicola Peill-Moelter
  • Erin Craig
  • Chelsea Mozen
  • Rebecca Sternberg

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11:15am to 12:15pm
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Understanding Utilities: How to Build a Constructive Dialogue

Breakout

At the end of 2015, there were just five "green tariff" programs designed for large-scale electricity buyers in place in the U.S. market. By spring 2017, that number had tripled. Today, both regulated and deregulated utilities are far more customer-centric, especially as commercial and industrial accounts get more creative about their power procurement strategies. This session will center on how to nurture a productive relationship.

Speakers

  • Michael Pariser
  • Letha Tawney
  • Kirk Myers
  • Thomas MacLean

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The Path to 100% RPS: Electrification of Everything

Breakout

As states adopt and consider 100% Renewable Portfolio Standards, we must consider the feasibility of electrifying everything — including the electric grid, buildings, mass transportation, passenger vehicles and home equipment like heat pumps.This session will explore the need, challenges and opportunities for mass electrification from the perspective of a California state policymaker, car manufacturer, entrepreneur and local government environmental leader.

Speakers

  • Danny Kennedy
  • David Hochschild
  • Rob Threlkeld
  • Debbie Raphael
  • Ryan Schuchard

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1:35pm to 1:45pm
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VERGE Talk: Planet Vision — Changing Sustainability Behavior at Scale

The renowned earth systems scientist and executive director of the California Academy of Sciences presents an eye-opening talk on his vision for transforming behavior to accelerate sustainability at scale.

Speakers

  • Jonathan Foley

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3:00pm to 3:20pm
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Red State, Blue State: Cross Party Lessons from Energy Commissioners

Two very different perspectives — an energy commissioner in Georgia (red state) and the head of the energy commission in California (blue state) discuss their lessons learned as their respective states (and local communities) transition to a cleaner energy future.

Speakers

  • Tim Echols
  • Michael Picker
  • Paul Carp

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3:20pm to 3:45pm
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VERGE Accelerate Showcase

A pitch competition that provides entrepreneurs in energy, buildings, transportation, supply chains, water, food, and cities the opportunity to present to the diverse VERGE community: executives from the world's largest companies, public officials from progressive cities, venture capitalists, and others.

For more information, please refer to our VERGE Accelerate page.

Speakers

  • Shana Rappaport
  • Matt Petersen
  • Marilyn Waite

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4:15pm to 4:40pm
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Moving Energy Equity from the Margins to the Mainstream

Community leaders from around the U.S. share solutions that are promoting balanced growth and shared prosperity for low-wealth people and communities of color in their respective work across energy, transportation, land-use and economic inclusion.

Speakers

  • Rose McKinney-James
  • Michelle Moore
  • Nathaniel Smith
  • Mark Cayce

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5:05pm to 5:30pm
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Getting to Scale: How the World’s Biggest Buyers Catalyze Sustainability for the Rest of Us

An exploration by the heads of sustainability of the world's biggest buyers — Walmart and Amazon — joined by the former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force (now head of RMI's Business Renewables Center), tackling deployment of clean energy and sustainability solutions at a global scale with a focus on economic prosperity and global impact. How are they transforming markets by making changes across their massive supply chains? And what will it take for other businesses and local governments to collaboratively take advantage of market changes to advance a cleaner, more resilient economy? 

Speakers

  • Kara Hurst
  • Joel Makower
  • Miranda Ballentine
  • Zach Freeze

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Thursday, September 21st, 2017
8:30am to 9:30am
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The Evolution of Power Purchase Agreements

Breakout

It's far easier for corporates to buy electricity from solar and wind farms in deregulated markets than it was just two years ago, but negotiating power purchase agreements (PPAs) is not for the faint of heart. We'll cover the basics, such as how to evaluate contracts; consider subtle regional differences that could make a difference; and explore a fast-emerging model, aggregated deals that include more than one offtaker.

Speakers

  • Jennifer Martin
  • Brian Janous
  • Doug Arent
  • Maxime Lanctot
  • Roxana Popovici

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10:05am to 10:15am
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VERGE Talk: Inclusive Financing for Clean Energy — Paving the Way with EVs

For years, utilities have resisted the distributed energy revolution already underway. Yet, electrification of the transportation sector presents a historic opportunity for growth, and it is a critical path for climate stabilization. What's new?  In the last year, plummeting battery costs have helped the some vehicles -- specifically, long-range electric transit buses -- finally approach cost parity on a lifecycle basis when compared to diesel buses.  At the same time, an innovative finance mechanism is gaining traction in the utility sector that would allow utilities to invest and recover costs for the on-board batteries.  With these developments, utilities could drop the upfront cost of all-electric vehicles, set off a surge in sales, and rapidly capture the prize of market share for transportation fuels.  But will they? 

Speakers

  • Holmes Hummel

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10:15am to 10:40am
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How the Grid Powers Innovation

Traditionally entrenched electricity stakeholders are undergoing massive transitions. How are they working to transform the way our power grids function and collaborate with a market that is increasingly invested in distributed energy resources like onsite solar and storage? And how are utilities seeking to collaborate with technology innovators to accelerate a cleaner energy system for all? 

Speakers

  • Steve Malnight
  • Dennis McGinn
  • Dawn Lippert
  • Karen Wayland

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11:20am to 11:45am
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The Power of Business Advocacy to Accelerate a Clean Economy

How does public policy determine clean economy business outcomes?  Why is it imperative for business leaders to leverage their market power to truly accelerate clean energy, climate and sustainability innovations at the policymaking level — especially under this challenging federal administration? A Congressman, Google’s head of energy policy and market development, and a former White House Chief Sustainability Officer turned renewable energy finance entrepreneur share their stories and insights on the way forward.

Speakers

  • Nicole Lederer
  • Michael Terrell
  • Jon Powers
  • Jared Huffman

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11:50am to 12:15pm
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Leveraging Leadership and Transforming Markets

A conversation with Apple's visionary sustainability executive on the company's commitments on renewable energy, circular materials and other topics.

Speakers

  • Lisa Jackson
  • Joel Makower

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1:30pm to 2:30pm
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Advocating for a Clean Economy: Tools and Techniques

Breakout

This in-depth discussion will expand on a main stage keynote session, addressing the "why," "what" and "how" of business advocacy for clean economy policies at the state and federal levels. We'll explore the need and opportunities for clean economy businesses to show up at the policy table, the bills coming up at the federal level that can determine markets for clean energy, climate and sustainability products, and the platforms for efficient and effective policy advocacy.  A Congressman, Google’s head of energy policy and market development, a former White House Chief Sustainability Officer turned renewable energy finance entrepreneur, and the founder of a business-based policy advocacy organization share their perspectives and real time information on how to engage.

Speakers

  • Nicole Lederer
  • Michael Terrell
  • Jared Huffman
  • Jon Powers

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Real-time Revelations About Buying Renewable Energy

Breakout

Making a substantial corporate commitment to sourcing renewable energy is the easy part — the process of procuring solar, wind, biofuels and other clean power resources is complicated by myriad political, economic and financial factors, both internal and external. This panel will present and consider brand-new findings from joint research about renewable energy procurement fielded by Apex Clean Energy/GreenBiz. Among the data considered: Which types of clean power are most widely used? What role are on-site installations playing? Who is the most important figure influencing purchasing decisions? What are the biggest barriers delaying contracts? Which methods of renewable energy financing are most widely used? How might changes to federal tax incentives affect renewable energy procurement strategies? And, finally, how important are C-suite pledges to buy renewable energy when it comes to sealing deals?

 

Speakers

  • Paul Carp
  • Steve Vavrik
  • Harry Singh
  • Vince Digneo

Sponsors

Apex Clean Energy

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3:00pm to 4:00pm
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How Microgrids Can Boost Clean Energy and Community Resilience

Breakout

According to Navigant, there are nearly 1,700 microgrid deployments worldwide and the growth curve for both grid-tied and remote microgrids remains strong. This session will consider innovative installations by a university, a municipal utility and a major healthcare company. The discussion will explore the potential to scale microgrid deployments beyond military bases and campuses to other corporate customers for both resiliency and economic purposes. A major theme: how corporates thinking about microgrid deployments can learn from existing deployments and how to deploy a variety of microgrid technologies to boost resiliency. 

Speakers

  • Rachna Handa
  • Albert Saenz
  • Seth Baruch
  • William Torre

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Unleashing the Potential of the Distributed Grid

Breakout

Plummeting prices and new technology innovations have enabled customers to scale distributed energy resources including renewables and electric vehicles. This market evolution creates the need for more frequent and faster interaction between utilities and customers. This session will explore perspectives from a Southeastern Public Service Commissioner, West Coast utility executive and the leader of an advanced technology platform in ways to create new markets and scale innovative technologies with a focus on a diverse set of customers.

Speakers

  • Tim Echols
  • Arthur "Bud" Vos
  • Colleen Regan
  • Michael Backstrom
  • Clay Collier

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The Untapped Sustainability Potential of Artificial Intelligence

Breakout

Daily headlines abound with gushing predictions and cautionary tales about the potential of artificial intelligence to automate — and disrupt — a broad range of industries from health care to manufacturing. While applications related to corporate sustainability strategy are far more nascent, their potential impact could be profound. From automating energy efficiency processes to re-engineering product design to keeping far closer tabs on supply chain processes, systems infused with machine learning abilities and other AI characteristics could become one of your sustainability team's most important technological allies. Who stands to gain the most? And what are the potential downsides, especially when it comes to preparing today's workforce to collaborate with these cyber co-workers? This panel will debate potential applications, and how to prepare for the AI age.

Speakers

  • Dawn Danby
  • Susan Gladwin
  • Neil Gerber
  • Josh Henretig

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Where Solar, Fuel Cells and Onsite Power Alternatives Make Sense

Breakout

There is still plenty of action in rooftop solar — according to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association, the top 10 corporate solar users have installed panels at nearly 2,000 individual installations nationwide. This breakout will focus on why many companies are still prioritizing on-site energy projects, and why solar isn't the only game in town.

Speakers

  • Matt Leducq
  • Marty Sedler
  • Heather Clancy
  • Peter Rumsey

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