What is the customers’ role in the energy transition? How are utilities educating their customers and communicating decarbonization efforts while balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, energy policies, and climate goals? This track will explore how companies can simplify complex messages, increase energy literacy, identify and empower advocates, and develop strategic partnerships to tell their story to customers, the media, and the public.
Target Audience: Professionals responsible for Customer + Stakeholder Relations; Community Engagement + Education; Public Relations; External Communications; Digital Content + Marketing; Energy Policy + Regulation; or Sustainability.
Meet the Program Development Team for this track. Learn more about the Customer + Corporate Symposium.
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Energy Literacy: The Evolving Dynamic Between Utility and Customer
Panelists: Binh Lu, Manager, Product Management, Portland General Electric
Christopher Malotte, Sr. Manager, Southern California Edison
Heidi Hartson, Manager – Brand, Portland General Electric
Kira Bennett, Customer Experience Manager – Contact Centres, FortisBC
Kirsten Walker, Senior Corporate Communications Manager, FortisBC
Stacy Maloney, Director, Customer Experience, Portland General Electric
Customers play an essential role in the future of clean energy. In this panel discussion, we will explore pathways to reach and engage with our customers – levelling up their energy literacy – so they understand how the energy system works, their unique role in solving challenges ahead and why it matters to us all.
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Effectively Communicating the Value of Decarbonization
Speakers: David Siddiqui, Regulatory Affairs and Market Development, Oracle Energy & Water
Cynthia Fang, VP of Regulatory Affairs, Northwestern Energy
Greg Guthridge, Partner, Global Customer Transformation Lead, Energy & Resources Consulting, EY
Michelle Kisil, Vice President, Customer Experience & Initiatives, ATCO Natural Gas
Navigating the complex relationship between energy affordability and decarbonization is a challenging narrative to convey to customers, who are faced with high bills while not fully understanding the ‘why’ behind rising costs. Furthermore, conveying the value proposition for communities that rely on traditional energy sources and/or require large investments to move the needle on energy transformation can be even more difficult. This session will explore the importance of educating stakeholders on how sustainability efforts today will translate to long term benefits in the future. Join our panel of experts as they share diverse perspectives on effectively socializing the value of decarbonization to customers, media and the public.