An intensive training for high potential managers and supervisors through exposure to broad perspectives of the utility business, its interrelationships and successful leadership strategies. This program is designed by a utility-driven Curriculum Development Team, and directed by facilitators, and executive and alumni mentors. Program sessions are hosted by member utilities and topics are presented by executives, subject matter experts and formal instructors. The first four sessions focus on leadership development, industry perspectives, customer connections, communications and strategic planning. The program includes a capstone project which is delivered to industry leaders at the WEI Annual Meeting. Participants build a broad peer network that continues well into their future careers.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Gilbert Archuleta, Puget Sound Energy
- Program Location
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
- 245 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94105 - Who Should Attend
Participants are nominated by WEI members and selected through a formal application review process.
Applicants make a commitment to attend and actively participate at each session, and should plan time for additional work between sessions. It is expected that students commit to completing “homework” assignments during evenings and off-hours with additional assignments required outside of the normal work day. Each group is assigned one executive and one alumni mentor who will support the group’s development throughout the program and guide them to a successful final project.
- Upcoming Dates + Locations
Session 2: April 30-May 2, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Francisco, CA
Session 3: June 25-27, Intermountain Gas Company, Boise, ID
Session 4: August 8-10, BC Hydro, Vancouver, BC
Session 5: September 23-25, Annual Meeting, Newport Beach, CA
- General Cancellation Policy
- Due to contractual obligations and the critical role of group compositions for the success of the program, cancellations received after January 5, 2018, will not be eligible for a refund, and the organization will be responsible for the full 2018 registration fee. Substitutions from your organization for the program are always welcome prior to session one.
- Participation Policy
- Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public.
- For more information contact Anna Sanger Reed, Director of Customer + Corporate Programs at (503) 688-2795.
Agenda
Monday, April 30, 2018
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Optional Capstone Project Work Time
Space will be available at Pacific Gas & Electric Company for capstone project work. Lunch is on your own.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Student check-in
Meet at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (West Lobby)
245 Market St
San Francisco, CA, 94105
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Welcome to Session Two
Facilitator(s): Gilbert Archuleta, Manager, Customer & System Projects, Puget Sound Energy
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Welcome to Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Speaker(s): Julie Kane, SVP, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, and Deputy General Counsel, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Break
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Integrated Planning Process and Demand Response
Speaker(s): Brooke Reilly, Senior Director, Finance and Planning, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Business Acumen Homework Discussion
Facilitator(s): Gilbert Archuleta, Manager, Customer & System Projects, Puget Sound Energy
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Break
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Gas and Electric 101 Roundtable Discussions
Facilitator(s): Christian Henderson, Planning Team Lead, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Mehul Patel, Manager, Day Ahead Operations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Carol Mak, Storage Regulatory Manager, Southern California Gas Company, Brandon Lance, Skyline District Manager, Intermountain Gas Company
The group will split in to two roundtable discussions, selected based on whether individuals would like to learn more about gas or electric industry. Alumni mentors will facilitate and respond to questions about either gas or electric business issues.
5:15 PM - 7:00 PM
WEI BAEL Program Reception for Students, Hosts and Special Guests
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Travel to Bishop Ranch Campus + Breakfast
Bus departs from Hotel Griffon at 7:30 am sharp. Bring your own coffee or tea, boxed breakfast and water provided on the bus.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Gas Operations Center Overview and Tour
Speaker(s): Mel Christopher, VP, Gas Transmission and Distribution Operations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Gas Operations Stewardship/Lean
Speaker(s): Vince Gaeto, Director, Field Service, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch + Presentation from PG&E Blockheads
Speaker(s): Andy Abranches, Director, Integrated Planning Governance & Technology, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Tanya Doyle, Business System Specialist, Principal, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Lydia Krefta, Product Manager, Principal, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
1:15 PM - 1:50 PM
Strategic Gas Operations Emerging Issues and Opportunities for PG&E
Speaker(s): Jesus Soto, Senior Vice President, Gas Operations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
1:50 PM - 2:15 PM
Break
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Regulatory Structure & Compliance
Speaker(s): Charles Middlekauff, Assistant General Counsel, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Travel back to San Francisco
Transportation provided back to downtown San Francisco
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Informal networking time in San Francisco
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Breakfast at Pacific Gas and Electric Company
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Strategic Electric Operations Emerging Issues and Opportunities for PG&E
Speaker(s): Barry Anderson, Vice President, Electric Distribution, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Break
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Wholesale Market Design and Key Issues and Opportunities in Supply Planning and
Speaker(s): Fong Wan, SVP Energy Policy and Procurement, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
The Business of Being a Regulated Utility -- How (and Why) We Make Money
Speaker(s): David Thomason, VP, CFO and Controller, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Elevator Speeches, Lunch + Capstone Group Update
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Wrap Up + Debrief
Gilbert Archuleta will facilitate a discussion on key take-aways from Session Two speakers and tours.
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Optional Capstone Project Work Time
Hotel + Travel
- Hotel Griffon
- 155 Steuart St
- San Francisco, California 94105
- Phone: (415) 495-2100
Click here to make your reservation now.
- Hotel Griffon invites you to experience what was voted "Best Boutique Hotel" and "Best 24-Hour Getaway" by San Francisco Magazine. Situated along San Francisco's stylish Embarcadero waterfront, our certified green hotel is the perfect choice for business and leisure travelers who seek a pleasant and charming alternative to a chain hotel. Indulge in an appealing, historic San Francisco boutique hotel (originally built in 1901) inspired by European flair and enjoy exceptional amenities that include well-appointed guestrooms and luxury suites, onsite dining at Perry's on the Embarcadero - a San Francisco institution serving classic American food - and a distinguished meeting space for business while you travel.
- Reservation Instructions
Please contact the hotel directly at (415) 249-7915 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders to receive a special rate of $270 USD/night. This rate is guaranteed until April 15, 2018 or until the WEI room block is full.