The Board of Directors of the National Utilities Diversity Council Invites You to Attend the Motown Momentum Medley

Track A:
Y.E.I.B. (Youth, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)

Moderators:

• Jennifer Capitolo, California Water Association
• The Honorable Tammy Cordova, Public Utilities Commission of Nevada

This roundtable will feature young professionals and early career leaders to share their firsthand experiences with workplace inclusion efforts and their expectations for the future of workplaces. As the next generation of workers, they will discuss what has worked, what hasn't, and what they believe companies need to do to meet the evolving needs of younger generations when it comes to inclusion and belonging.  The goal of the session is to develop actionable insights on how to foster a workplace culture that resonates with younger employees.

Track B:
Breaking the Myth: Why DEI is More Than Just Race and How to Broaden Its Impact

Moderators:

• Jeanette Diaz, San Gabriel Valley Water Company
• The Honorable Summer Strand,Wisconsin Public Service Commission (invited)

Challenge the common misconception that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts are solely focused on race. It would highlight how DEI encompasses a wide range of identities, including gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic status.

Track C:
Environmental Justice and Equity in Energy Affordability

Moderators:

• The Honorable Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
• Jim Devine, Nexus Water Group

We need to address the critical issues of environmental justice and equity in the context of energy affordability and arrearages. The discussion will look at data regarding demographics of customers with utility arrearages and focus on how energy costs disproportionately impact marginalized communities.  Then, we will explore strategies to ensure equitable access to affordable energy.

Track A:
DEIB – Reclaiming the Narrative When the Challenge Is Real

Moderators:

• The Honorable Alessandra Carreon, Michigan Public Service Commission
• Marie Waugh, Digicel

The need to foster inclusive, fair, and high-performing workplaces remains as crucial as ever. How do we collectively respond to the challenge of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and demonstrate its value in a way that appeals to decision makers in a polarized world and ensure that utilities stand together in a way that is understood by all? In today’s rapidly evolving energy industry, the work to advance opportunity and inclusion is often misunderstood or misrepresented.

What needs to happen for our industry to collectively agree to move the needle forward when it is actively and aggressively being dialed back? Together we will reshape the conversation by focusing on the true purpose of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and the tangible benefits for organizational growth, innovation, and employee engagement.

We will discuss strategies, language, and practical tools to ensure the principles remain integrated into company culture, from every level of participation, to help predict the needs of the future in our industries.

Track B:
Igniting Interest: Building a Diverse Energy Workforce from Classrooms to Careers

Moderators:

• The Honorable Maida Coleman, Missouri Public Service Commission
• The Honorable Carrie Zalewski, American Clean Power Association

Are our sectors visible for our up-and-coming professionals including Gen Z and Millennials? The future of the energy industry relies on a diverse and talented workforce that reflects the communities it serves. This session will focus on practical approaches to collaborating with universities, high schools, and even elementary schools to inspire interest in the evolving energy sector. How can we prepare educators in all communities (including underrepresented) to have confidence in teaching energy curriculum? Additionally, participants will share best practices, explore challenges, and brainstorm solutions for creating more inclusive outreach and mentorship initiatives. Together, we’ll generate ideas to ensure the future energy workforce can adapt as diverse and dynamic as the industry itself.

Track C:
Adapting Utility Assistance Programs and Rates for a Decarbonized Future

Moderators:

• The Honorable Floyd McKissick, North Carolina Utilities Commission
• The Honorable Katherine Peretick, Michigan Public Service Commission

As States move toward a decarbonized future where air and water heating is driven by electric technologies, how do states right size existing utility assistance programs and utility rates to mitigate or reduce any burden placed on low-income households? How can regulators adapt to this changing landscape and ensure low- income ratepayers that don't make a switch, don't face unnecessary costs as rate bases potentially shrink causing potential cost increases? How can utilities implement income-based or technology specific rates? What policies do regulators need to implement/leverage to ensure equity in pricing, subsidies, and access to clean energy technology?