July 14-16, 2025 | Minneapolis, MN

The Future of Grid Flexibility: Utility Strategies for DER Integration, Electrification, and Demand Management

July 15, 2025
Nicollet Ballroom A-C
Municipal and cooperative utility operations , Advanced distribution operations , Reliability and Resilience

The future of utilities depends on the right strategy to balance energy demand, integrate Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and enable electrification. These efforts reflect an evolving approach to grid flexibility, incorporating next-generation demand response, DER orchestration, advanced forecasting, resource planning, and grid edge intelligence to meet both regulatory mandates and consumer expectations.

At the same time, maintaining affordability and customer satisfaction remains a top priority for utility executives and regulators navigating this transformation.

This distinguished panel offers a "behind-the-scenes" utility perspective on energy management from three unique organizations: Tipmont REMC, Rayburn Electric Cooperative, and Duke Energy. Discussion topics will include:

  • How utilities are adapting to the changing grid landscape through new technologies and strategies.
  • The role of AI and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in grid modernization, featuring insights from Former FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee.
  • Innovative solutions for flexibility management, with expertise from Landis+Gyr.
  • Real-world case studies on how these utilities are thinking ahead, implementing new technologies, and solving key operational challenges.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into the next steps for improved energy management and the strategic choices utilities are making today to prepare for tomorrow’s grid.

Speakers
Jeffrey Groenewold
Jeffrey Groenewold, Distributed Energy Resources Specialist - Rayburn Electric Cooperative
Lon Huber
Lon Huber, Senior Vice President, Pricing and Customer Solutions - Duke Energy
Neil Chatterjee
Neil Chatterjee, Former FERC Chairman - FERC (former)
Ron Holcomb
Ron Holcomb, President and CEO - Tipmont Rural Member Electric Cooperative
Jeff Scheb
Jeff Scheb, Sr Director, Solution & System Architecture - Landis+Gyr