Beyond Traditional T&D: Digital Strategies for a Resilient, Adaptive Grid

Beyond Traditional T&D: Digital Strategies for a Resilient, Adaptive Grid Traditional approaches to transmission and distribution planning are no longer sufficient in the face of accelerating demand growth, extreme weather events, aging infrastructure, and a changing supply mix. Utilities need new strategies that leverage internal and customer side advanced digital capabilities, with a focus on breaking down internal and external stakeholder silos to meet these challenges head-on. This webinar will explore two critical innovations shaping the future of T&D grid planning and resilience. First, how AI-driven digital twins and risk modeling can give utilities a true, component-level view of asset health, enabling smarter prioritization of capital investments and preventative maintenance programs—while reducing critical extreme weather failure exposure such as ignition risk in wildfire-prone areas. Second, how flexible interconnection strategies, already being applied to large loads like data centers, can help utilities integrate new demand – quicker, cheaper, and more equitable - without compromising reliability or resilience. Join us for practical insights, utility case studies, and an interactive Q&A session with industry leaders from Camus Energy and eSmart Systems. Learn how these approaches can help utilities move beyond traditional T&D planning toward a more adaptive, resilient future. --- Speakers: Donald McPhail, VP Market Development, eSmart Systems - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldmcphail/ Sarah Colvin, Chief Revenue Officer, Camus Energy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colvins/

AESP Academy - AI in Energy Programs: From Primer to Practice

AI in Energy Programs: From Primer to Practice In-person, LIVE Instructor-Led Training Course Date: Monday, February 23, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PT) Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt (1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101) Earnable CEUs: 0.3 Earnable PDHs: 3 Fee: $295 or group points for members, $399 for non-members Please note: Registration fees and membership points are charged per participant . Each individual attending must register separately. This is required for IACET compliance to ensure we can accurately track attendance, award CEUs, and provide course materials. * To register with Group Member Points, email elearning@aesp.org Course Description: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how energy programs are designed, delivered, and evaluated. This pre-conference session helps participants at every experience level build confidence using AI in practical, responsible ways that advance both innovation and inclusion. The first portion, AI Foundations, provides a clear, accessible introduction to AI concepts, capabilities, and trends. The second portion, AI in Action, connects those fundamentals to real-world examples from an industry practitioner who is applying AI today to improve customer segmentation, personalization, program design, and evaluation. Participants will also discuss privacy, data safeguards, and ethical considerations to ensure equitable and transparent use of AI tools. By the end of the session, you will understand AI fundamentals and be ready to identify opportunities to apply these tools responsibly within your own organization. You’ll leave this session able to: Define key AI concepts and terminology relevant to energy programs and customer engagement. Explain how AI technologies can support equitable and data-driven decision-making in program design and delivery. Analyze real-world examples of AI applications across energy initiatives. Evaluate the benefits, challenges, and ethical implications of integrating AI tools in program work. Identify practical, inclusive strategies to begin applying AI responsibly within your organization. Who Should Attend? This session is designed for anyone interested in how AI can support innovation and equity in energy programs, including program managers, evaluators, regulators, implementers, consultants, analysts, and communications professionals. No technical background is required. Key Takeaways : Build confidence with AI concepts and terminology that relate to energy programs. See how AI is being used across the industry to improve customer engagement and program outcomes. Learn how to navigate privacy, data, and ethical considerations in AI applications. Gain ideas to integrate AI tools responsibly and inclusively in your own work. * You’ll earn 0.3 CEUs for this course by attending the full session and passing the final quiz with a score of 70% or higher. *We want everyone to feel welcome and supported. If you need any ADA accommodations, just let us know — we’re happy to help. Email us at elearning@aesp.org. Cancellations received no later than 14 days prior to the training date will receive a refund, minus a 5% processing fee if paid with a credit card. Cancellations received after the cutoff date and no-shows will not receive a refund (cash or points). AESP reserves the right to cancel a training course at any time with reasonable notice given to all participants. AESP is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). AESP complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, AESP is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. AESP instructors disclose in advance that they have no interest in any product, service, or material discussed during the course. This information is stated orally and in the training course handbook.

Annual Conference 2026

AESP’s 2 026 Annual Conference Simplifying Energy. Amplifying Impact. February 23-26, 2026 AESP’s 2026 Annual Conference & Expo will take place February 23-26, 2026 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA. This is the premier energy industry conference that draws the top program managers, implementers, marketers, evaluators, policy makers, consultants, and manufacturers in Demand-side Management, Energy Efficiency, Demand Response, and IDSM. Highly regarded experts in their respective fields will lead over 40 sessions that cover a range of current topics in marketing, implementation, program design, technology, research, evaluation, diversity, and more. Whether learning or networking is your priority, you’ll get to experience the best of both with an agenda that balances top notch educational sessions and pre-conference workshops with valuable networking events. Close to 1,000 energy professionals will attend this annual conference and there will be many opportunities to connect with peers, make new contacts, learn something new, and enjoy the sights and tastes of San Diego, CA. Conference Rates - USD Early Bird Rates: Through January 14 Member: $1,495 or 15 Points (Please contact membership@aesp.org to register using points.) Non-member: $1,745 (includes one year of individual AESP membership) Speakers, Moderators, Panelists, Board Members, AESP CARE, Program Planning Committee, Topic Committee Chairs, Chapter Leaders, and Gov't Rate: $895 or 9 points Regular Rates: January 15 - February 11 Member: $1,675 or 17 Points ( Please contact membership@aesp.org to register using points. ) Non-member: $1,925 (includes one year of individual AESP membership) Speakers, Moderators, Panelists, Board Members, AESP CARE, Program Planning Committee, Topic Committee Chairs, Chapter Leaders, Gov't Rate: $945 or 10 points Late Rates: February 12 - February 26 Member: $1,745 or 18 Points ( Please contact membership@aesp.org to register using points. ) Non-member: $2,105 (includes one year of individual AESP membership) Speakers, Moderators, Panelists, Board Members, AESP CARE, Program Planning Committee, Topic Committee Chairs, Chapter Leaders, Gov't Rate: $995 or 11 points Cancellation Policy Cancellations received by 1/14/2026 will receive a refund, minus a $200 processing fee. Cancellations received after 1/14/2026, and no shows, will not receive a refund.

Annual Conference Emerging Pros Scavenger Hunt

AESP Academy - From Labels to Leverage: Supplier Strategies for Success in Energy

From Labels to Leverage: Supplier Strategies for Success in Energy In-person, LIVE Instructor-Led Training Course Date: Monday, February 23, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (MST) Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt (1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101) Invited Speakers: Pamela Fann (Integrated Solutions), Scott Alan Davis (SEEL), Ashley Santor (Doer/Maker), and MJ Jones, Yasmin Abraham (Kambo) Earnable CEUs: 0.4 Earnable PDHs: 4 Fee: Diverse Suppliers - Free Non-Diverse Suppliers - $150 For more information, or to register as a diverse supplier, email elearning@aesp.org. Course Description: In today’s energy industry, supplier inclusion is evolving. Certification remains valuable, but it’s no longer the only key to opportunity. Utilities, implementers, and agencies are seeking suppliers who can demonstrate measurable impact — from innovative solutions and workforce contributions to community benefits and business alignment. Now in its fourth year, this pre-conference training brings together diverse suppliers and industry partners for a candid conversation about the why, what, and how of supplier inclusion in 2026. Participants will hear directly from utilities and implementers about where opportunities still exist, how expectations are shifting, and what makes a supplier stand out in today’s climate. Through expert insights, peer discussion, and hands-on exercises, attendees will learn to refine their messaging, strengthen partnerships, and turn their stories into strategies that win work. Whether you’re a supplier seeking growth or a partner looking to expand your network, this session will help you move from labels to leverage. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify current trends and shifts in supplier inclusion and explain how they influence opportunities in the clean energy industry. Apply outcomes-focused, partner-centered language to strengthen proposals and communications. Evaluate real-world examples of supplier success to identify strategies that align with current procurement priorities. Develop or refine a positioning statement (“pivot statement”) that clearly demonstrates measurable impact and value to potential partners. Who Should Attend? This pre-conference training is designed for underrepresented suppliers – including, but not limited to, women-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and disability-owned businesses – who want to sharpen how they present their value and building stronger connections in the clean energy industry. Whether you are new to the sector or already pursuing partnerships with utilities and implementers, this session will help you: Showcase both your skills and impact Learn the language that procurement teams respond to Understand what makes proposals stand out Turn your stories and experiences into strategies that win work Recommended for: Business owners and leaders from diverse backgrounds interested in clean energy opportunities. Emerging suppliers seeking a better understanding of the energy industry and its procurement processes. Established contractors looking to expand into utility and energy sector partnerships. Professionals from businesses offering products or services that could support the energy transition. Anyone interested in networking with peers and industry leaders in the clean energy space. Key Takeaway Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of where supplier inclusion stands today — what utilities and implementers are seeking, what language resonates, and how to communicate impact in ways that open doors to lasting partnerships. *Attendees must earn an 70% or higher on the final course test in order to earn 0.4 CEUs. Cancellations received no later than 14 days prior to the training date will receive a refund, minus a 5% processing fee if paid with a credit card. Cancellations received after the cutoff date and no-shows will not receive a refund (cash or points). AESP reserves the right to cancel a training course at any time with reasonable notice given to all participants. AESP is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). AESP complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, AESP is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. AESP instructors disclose in advance that they have no interest in any product, service, or material discussed during the course. This information is stated orally and in the training course handbook.