This program focuses on sharing best practices and building relationships with other leaders in claims and collection management, and offers insights from guest speakers who have been expert witnesses in claims investigations. Discussions address a wide variety of issues around balancing the need to protect utility assets with the ever-increasing priorities of providing an excellent customer experience. Participants learn from industry professionals who provide services to our members, and discuss issues common to Western utilities such as fire and storm recoveries, inverse condemnation, settlement and negotiations, and proper record keeping.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Keith Garcia, Emergency Coordinator, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
- Program Location
- Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Saticoy Yard
- 14401 Saticoy Street, Van Nuys, California 91405
- Who Should Attend
- Managers or supervisors responsible for claims and collections functions
- Senior claims investigators and adjusters
- Collections leadership
- Legal counsel responsible for claims areasInsurance specialists
- Service companies supporting claims and collection areas*
*Service company members are encouraged to attend and are permitted one registration per company. Exceptions may apply; contact leone@westernenergy.org for more information.
- Registration Options
Member: $499 USD
Non-Member: $899 USDRegistration prices increase $100 after April 3, 2023. Registration provides access to all Claims + Damage Recovery agenda items and digital meeting materials. Registration includes a welcome reception, all meals on the second day including a networking dinner, and breakfast and lunch on the final day.
- General Cancellation Policy
- Due to contractual obligations, cancellations received 15 business days prior to the program will receive a full refund. Cancellations received 6 to 14 business days prior to the event will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. No shows and last minute cancellations, 5 business days prior to the event or less, will be responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions from your organization for the same event are always welcome.
- 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. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
- For more information contact Cassie Leone, Program Manager at 9713031395.
Agenda
Monday, April 17, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Join us for a hosted networking reception co-sponsored by JNR Adjustment Company, Inc. and AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc.
Arrogant Butcher
2 E Jefferson St #150
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Registration + Networking Breakfast
Arrive early to register and network with peers over breakfast.
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Welcome + Introductions
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
The Importance of Loss of Use Damage Recovery
Speaker(s): Rudd Lowry, VP of Business Development, TranSubro, Inc.
Learn about loss of use damages, the best claims reporting processes to ensure your company has proper documentation, and solutions to loss of use damages collections.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Networking Break
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Review of Major Losses and Lessons Learned
Speaker(s): Mark Rutkowski, Senior Litigation Counsel, AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc., Daniel Gudleski, Senior Electric Utility Professional, AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Lunch will be provided onsite.
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Cause and Origin in Fire Claims
Speaker(s): John Stewart, Senior Fire Investigator, EFI Global, Inc.
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Networking Break
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Open Roundtable Discussion
Come prepared to share a recent success story and the biggest challenge you and your team are facing right now.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Networking Dinner
Join us for a WEI hosted networking dinner.
The Village Restaurant
12345 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
Breakfast will be provided onsite
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
IT and Online Payment Systems Roundtable Discussion
Please note: all sessions on Wednesday, April 19th are open to energy companies only.
Learn about what online payment systems your peers are utilizing. Please come prepared to share and discuss the following:
- For your facility damage claims collections, what payment options are offered to contractors and other third parties that are billed?
- If you use an online payment system, what system is used?
- What are some of the most useful features of your online payment system? (e.g. allows for payment installments, auto generation of invoices, etc.)
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Networking Break
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
SoCal Gas Damage Prevention Strategies
Speaker(s): Julie Fermino, Damage Prevention Analyst, Southern California Gas Company, Jose Gonzalez, Technical Advisor, Southern California Gas Company
Please note: all sessions on Wednesday, April 19th are open to energy companies only.
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
San Diego Gas & Electric Wildfire Mitigation Strategies
Speaker(s): Shaun Gahagan, Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager, San Diego Gas & Electric Company
Please note: all sessions on Wednesday, April 19th are open to energy companies only.
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Wrap Up + Future Planning
Please note: all sessions on Wednesday, April 19th are open to energy companies only.
Hotel + Travel
- The Garland
- 4222 Vineland Avenue
- North Hollywood, California 91602
- Phone: (818) 980-8000
Click here to make your reservation now.
- Reservation Instructions
Please contact the hotel directly at (800) 238-3759 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Western Energy Institute (WEI) to receive a special rate of $205 USD/night. This rate is guaranteed until April 3, 2023 or until the WEI room block is full.