Agenda

On September 24, 2019, the Institute for Electric Innovation's 2019 Powering the People event brought together a select group of electric companies, environmental organizations, technology companies, vehicle manufacturers, transit organizations, policymakers, regulators, and other thought leaders for an afternoon of dialogue and discussion on electric transportation. 

Welcome: Lisa Wood, Executive Director, Institute for Electric Innovation & Vice President, Customer Solutions, Edison Electric Institute  

Electric Transportation Is a Win-Win-Win: Realizing the Full Range of Benefits

Electric transportation is a win-win-win that will provide significant environmental benefits, national security benefits, and consumer economic benefits. What policies are critical for scaling electric transportation? What are the infrastructure challenges? Why is this a critical time to support electric transportation?

Moderator: Vice Admiral Dennis V. McGinn, United States Navy (Retired), Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Energy, Installations and Environment, U.S. Navy

§  Michael Berube, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Sustainable Transportation, U.S. Department of Energy

§  Britta Gross, Managing Director, Mobility Practice, Rocky Mountain Institute

§  Estela de Llanos, Vice President, Clean Transportation, Sustainability and Chief Environmental Officer, San Diego Gas & Electric

§  Norman J. Saari, Former Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission

Fleet Electrification: Tackling the Challenges and Seizing the Opportunities for Electric Trucks

Why are some of the large corporations in the U.S. looking to electrify their light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles? What are the challenges in terms of vehicle availability and charging infrastructure needs? What partnerships are needed to ensure a seamless transition?

Moderator: Nicole Faulk, Vice President, Corporate Services, Southern Company

§  Meredith L. Alexander, Policy Director, CALSTART

§  Jim Bruce, Senior Vice President and Chief Energy Policy Officer, UPS

§  Steve W. Chriss, Director, Energy Services, Walmart, Inc.

§  Dawn Fenton, Director, Sustainability & Public Affairs, Volvo Group North America

Keynote: The Honorable Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator, State of Michigan

Brief Perspectives: Why Electric Transportation Matters

Cities Are Switching to Electric Buses: Why Now?

How is one of the largest metro areas in the U.S. electrifying its bus fleet? What are some of the challenges and what partnerships are needed to make it work?

Moderator:  Matt Ketschke, Senior Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions, Con Edison

Discussant: Jeff Knueppel, General Manager, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

Wrap up: Tom Kuhn, President, Edison Electric Institute