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AESP Academy - Introduction to Demand-Side Management – Principles, Practices, and Prospects

Introduction to Demand-Side Management – Principles, Practices, and Prospects Presented by Cory Cook Online, LIVE Instructor-Led Training Course Date: January 20, 2026 Time: 2:00-4:00 PM ET Instructors: Cory Cook Platform: Webex Earnable CEUs: 0.2 Earnable PDHs: 2 Fee: $195 or group points for members, $299 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: Demand-side management (DSM) plays an important role in today’s energy landscape by helping manage energy use in ways that support grid operations, lower costs, and reduce environmental impact. This introductory course gives participants a clear foundation in DSM principles, strategies, and practical applications. Through background context, case studies, and group discussions, learners will explore the strategies, enabling technologies, policy drivers, and real-world examples that shape DSM today, along with a look at what is emerging in the field. What we’ll explore together: How DSM supports a reliable, efficient, and sustainable grid Key DSM strategies, including energy efficiency and demand response Essential technologies that make DSM possible How policies, incentives, and regulations shape DSM programs Real-world examples of DSM in action Where the field is headed and the career paths growing within it Learning Objectives: Describe the fundamental principles and objectives of demand-side management, including its role in balancing supply and demand, supporting grid reliability, and promoting environmental sustainability. Analyze key strategies, technologies, policies, and real-world applications of DSM and assess their effectiveness in improving energy efficiency and addressing energy use challenges across sectors. Evaluate emerging trends and future opportunities in DSM and identify ways to apply innovative approaches that support the advancement of energy management practices and policies. *You’ll earn 0.2 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.

Centering Latinos in the Energy Transition - An AESP Listening Session

Centering Latinos in the Energy Transition - An AESP Listening Session Date: Thursday, January 22 Time: 1pm ET Cost: Free to members and non-members Description: Latinos represent a growing share of the U.S. population and the energy workforce yet are often under-engaged or overlooked in program design, outreach, and professional development. In this informal listening session, Latino practitioners and allies will come together to talk about what they are seeing on the ground today: cultural dynamics, trust, competing priorities, and the realities their customers and neighbors are facing. Catalina Lamadrid of Inova Energy Group will help frame the conversation with a short opening reflection on culture, trust, and programs, then we will open the floor for discussion. Our goals are to: Create space for Latino voices and lived experience Surface shared challenges and bright spots from across programs and regions Gauge interest in an ongoing Latinos Energy Circle special interest group within AESP This will not be a polished case study session. It is a chance to connect, listen, and begin co-creating what this community could look like in 2026 and beyond.

AESP Academy - Demand-Side Management Program Design Lab: From Problem to Program

Demand-Side Management Program Design Lab: From Problem to Program Presented by Cory Cook Online, LIVE Instructor-Led Training Course Date: January 27, 2026 Time: 2:00-4:00 PM ET Instructors: Cory Cook Platform: Webex Earnable CEUs: 0.2 Earnable PDHs: 2 Fee: $195 or group points for members, $299 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: This interactive live virtual session gives learners hands-on practice designing a Demand-Side Management (DSM) program from the ground up. Using a structured activity, participants will work through a realistic energy over-use scenario to identify the core problem, shape a meaningful intervention, and outline the program elements needed to bring it to life. Through guided prompts and collaborative discussion, learners will define barriers to change, consider customer needs, map out deployment steps, and select simple data collection approaches to support tracking and evaluation. The session closes with a look at how program goals connect to evaluation indicators, helping participants see the full lifecycle from concept to measurement. This two-hour workshop is ideal for learners who understand DSM basics and want to strengthen their program design skills through applied, scenario-based practice. You’ll leave this session able to: Analyze an energy over-use scenario to identify the drivers and barriers that shape program needs. Develop a feasible intervention that responds to identified barriers and customer conditions. Outline the core components of a DSM program design, including deployment steps, customer engagement and data collection needs. Identify evaluation indicators that align with program goals and inform program improvement. Describe how program design decisions influence delivery, data and future evaluation cycles. *You’ll earn 0.2 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.

AESP Academy - Smarter Grid Planning: Using ADR, DERs, and Storage in IRP

Incorporating Customer-Sided Resources into Integrated Resource Planning Presented by Kenneth A. Cottrell, M.A. Online, LIVE Instructor-Led Training Course Date: October 21, 2025 Time: 12:00 - 4:00 PM ET Instructor: Kenneth A. Cottrell, M.A. Platform: Webex Earnable CEUs: 0.4 Earnable PDHs: 4 Fee: $395 or group points for members, $499 for non-members * To register with Group Member Points, email elearning@aesp.org Course Description: Energy demand is growing fast, with data centers, electrification, and distributed energy adoption all shaping the future of our grid. This virtual course helps you build the skills and confidence to bring customer-sited resources, such as Automated Demand Response (ADR), Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), and battery storage, into Integrated Resource Planning (IRP). Together with your instructor and peers, you will explore best practices, modeling techniques, and policy tools that improve reliability, reduce costs, and support decarbonization. Through interactive discussions and activities, you will leave ready to apply practical strategies in your own work. You’ll leave this session able to: Describe how customer-sited resources, including ADR, DERs, and battery storage, fit into Integrated Resource Planning. Differentiate among best practices, modeling techniques, and policy tools that influence reliability, cost, and decarbonization. Apply IRP frameworks to evaluate scenarios that incorporate customer-sited resources. Analyze the role of policy and market drivers in shaping IRP outcomes. Evaluate strategies for integrating DERs and other flexible resources to achieve system and organizational goals. *You’ll earn 0.4 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.

AESP & Brillion Webinar Series Part 1/3: Why Customer Engagement is Now a Business Imperative (Not J

AESP 3-Part Webinar Series: Modern Customer Engagement for Utility Programs Series Value: This three-part series equips program managers, marketing directors, and DSM leaders with practical frameworks to transform customer engagement from a tactical marketing activity into a strategic business capability. You'll learn how to coordinate engagement efforts across departments, make smarter use of data you already have (and identify what's missing), and build business cases that demonstrate measurable value even when perfect attribution isn't possible. Whether you're struggling to get customers enrolled, working with limited marketing resources, or trying to prove ROI to stakeholders, this series provides actionable approaches you can implement immediately. Session 1: Why Customer Engagement is Now a Business Imperative (Not Just Marketing) Description: Utilities face mounting pressure from multiple directions: demand is growing, infrastructure budgets are constrained, and regulators expect measurable results. Meanwhile, customers represent untapped grid resources who could help address these challenges—but only if utilities can engage them strategically and effectively. The challenge is that customer engagement often operates on annual marketing schedules while programs run on different timelines, creating a disconnect between strategy and execution. This session explores why effective engagement requires coordination across departments, not just delegation to marketing teams. What You'll Learn: · How to align objectives, goals, messages, and content when multiple departments need different outcomes · Why every customer touchpoint creates strategic engagement opportunities beyond traditional marketing campaigns · What changes when engagement is treated as core business strategy rather than promotional support · Practical approaches for program managers to work more strategically with marketing teams

AESP Academy - Basic Statistics

Basic Statistics Presented by Paula Ham-Su Online, LIVE Instructor-Led Training Course Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Time: 12:00 – 4:00 PM (ET) Instructor: Paula Ham-Su Platform: Webex Earnable CEUs: 0.4 Earnable PDHs: 4 Fee: $395 or 4 group points for members, $499 for non-members * To register with Group Member Points, email elearning@aesp.org Course Description: Data doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this engaging, hands-on workshop, you’ll explore foundational statistical concepts that are essential for anyone working with energy data—no advanced math required. Together, we’ll break down the basics: means, medians, variance, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. You’ll learn how to analyze program data, interpret statistical results, and explain variation using simple, real-world examples—like customer participation, energy use, or savings across regions and time periods. We’ll also walk through how to: Clean and visualize data for better insights Compare pre- and post-intervention results Assess differences across groups using t-tests and ANOVA Understand regression models and what makes them “good” Learning Objectives: Interpret basic statistical results—including means, variances, and confidence intervals—to draw meaningful conclusions from energy program data Apply appropriate statistical tests (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA) to compare groups or time periods in program analysis Assess the quality and usefulness of regression models for explaining variation in program outcomes *You’ll earn 0.4 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.

Using DERs and AI to Build a Resilient Customer-Centric Grid

Using DERs and AI to Build a Resilient Customer-Centric Grid Minimizing customer pain from AI’s gain - How DERs can level the electricity playing field The rapid rise of AI data centers is having adverse impacts on residential customer rates. North American residential electricity rates have gone up nearly 15% in the last three years. Combined with declining reliability and continued climate change-related resilience concerns, residential customers are feeling more pain with no short-term relief in sight. While the electric system on AI infrastructure is skyrocketing, the potential for AI technology to help bring cost relief and resilience to the grid is skyrocketing too. The application of grid-edge and DER technologies to mitigate customer impacts from data center penetration is still in its infancy. While DERs offer cost savings and opportunities for customer empowerment, finding the right technology, integrations, and program infrastructure remains as complex as ever. The question is no longer if you should integrate DERs, but how to build for a rapidly changing operating landscape. Join us for an exclusive webinar with experts from Virtual Peaker and Tesla as we explore why Next-Gen Grid-Edge Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) are a crucial investment to make for 2026 success. We'll show you how a modern Grid-Edge DERMS platform provides the visibility, control, and intelligence needed to effectively manage this growing complexity and transform DERs from a grid liability into a valuable asset. Discuss proven strategies for robust next-gen demand flexibility programs and talk about how OEM partnerships are key to the overall success of demand flexibility initiatives. Potential Speakers: Jeff Quigley, Sr. VP of Client Solutions, Virtual Peaker Doug Middleton, VPP Business Development, Tesla Date: February 11, 2025, at 10 am PST, 1 ET Key Takeaways Unlock New Value from DERs: Understand how a Next-Gen Grid-Edge DERMS solution with the right device integrations enables you to orchestrate behind-the-meter assets for grid services, enhancing reliability, deferring costly infrastructure upgrades, and creating new revenue streams. The Power of Partnership: Learn how the strategic collaboration between a DERMS provider and an OEM partner simplifies the integration of new technologies, ensuring seamless communication and a scalable, future-ready ecosystem. Real-World Success Stories: Hear about utilities that are already leveraging DERMS to optimize their operations, reduce peak load, and enhance customer satisfaction through innovative programs. This webinar is a must-attend for utilities. Don't just react to the future of the grid—build it.

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.