Have you read the training manual for your computer, software or smart phone? Are you confused about the role of social media in your utility? Are you intrigued by the possibility that tidal or solar power could help meet the world's demand for energy?

This year’s conference deals with the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies in the workplace, social media, renewable power generation, and the electric utility industry. Our speakers will focus on how to leverage technology to become more productive and effective; how to use social media to better serve your customers and your community; and how to tap the sun and tides to generate clean, renewable energy for your utility.

On Tuesday, our speakers will look at the major trends and developments in our nation and our industry, including wholesale power markets, transmission, and federal energy policy in a divided Congress.

As always, this event will feature social activities where you will be able to speak with other utility officials, service providers and experts in the industry - all in a relaxing and elegant atmosphere conducive to casual networking.

If you are a regular attendee at this annual event, please register early and book your room now. If you've never been to a NEPPA conference, this is a good time and a great location to start.

MONDAY MORNING

Leveraging Technology to Improve
Productivity & Efficiency
Steve Turner of Turner Time Management will demonstrate time-saving computer shortcuts and quick search tools to find things faster, as well as the most efficient way to process and organize e-mails.

Social Media's Role in Public Power
Jackie Pratt, marketing manager at Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations, will share her utility's experience using various forms of consumer-generated media.

Tidal, River and Ocean Power Systems for New England
Christopher Sauer, President & CEO of Ocean Renewable Power Company, will discuss breakthrough technology and eco-conscious projects that use river and ocean energy to produce clean, predictable electricity to power our homes and businesses while protecting our environment.

Solar Energy and the Grid:
Developments and Prospects
Sandra Burton, regional director for the Solar Electric Power Association, will describe the growing role of solar power in our nation’s energy mix, and some of the technological, market and policy issues to be addressed in advancing this vital renewable resource.

MONDAY AFTERNOON
Roundtable discussion
Technical and Legal Issues Related to Renewable Energy Projects
This informal roundtable discussion will focus on some of the challenges involved in planning, siting and building community-based renewable energy projects, along with the related legal and contractual issues involved in such projects.

MONDAY EVENING
Reception and Banquet

TUESDAY MORNING
America’s Electric Future:
The Next Twenty-Five Years
Roger Gale, president & CEO of GF Energy, will provide an overview of the major trends, technologies and political realities which will shape America’s electric utility industry in the next quarter century.

Wholesale Power Markets and Transmission
in New England: A FERC Perspective
Hon. Marc Spitzer, commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, will offer a federal regulator’s perspective on the performance of unregulated power markets in New England, along with the costs and benefits of new transmission projects in our region.

Energy Policy and the 112th Congress
Deborah Sliz, president & CEO of Morgan Meguire, LLC, will bring her intimate knowledge of the U.S. Congress and federal energy policy to Maine, and tell us what’s going on behind the scenes, and who is making it happen.

TUESDAY EVENING
Lobster Bake

WEDNESDAY MORNING
Farewell Breakfast