Best Practices in Public Engagement for Energy Companies

October 10-11, 2023 | Richmond, VA

1023-public-engagement

“This conference was outstanding! The panel of speakers provided valuable insight, tools and techniques on addressing the public’s concerns and opposition!” Project Manager II, Tampa Electric

“The conference provided a platform of seasoned professional who shared their insights, real-life experiences and their findings pertaining to best practices in public participation for transmission projects.” Manager, Area Government and Community Affairs, ITC Holdings Corp.

“The conference was a wonderful opportunity to learn from an impressive array of speakers representing utilities from across the nation.” Corporate Communications, American Transmission Company

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“I really enjoyed the EUCI 12th Annual Conference on Best Practices in Public Participation for Transmission Projects. This was a great opportunity to connect with practitioners across the nation and compare notes on best practices, challenges, and successes. It was very useful to get the perspectives of utility providers in different parts of the country.” Director, Horizon Water and Environment

“Understanding and hearing other utilities discuss real world experience and what works and lessons learned is excellent insight to improve how we handle projects in the future” Project Outreach Specialist, Eversource

“The conference exceeded my expectations. Great topics, speakers, and networking opportunities. I will recommend this to coworkers.” Real Estate Representative, NorthWestern Energy

“Best conference I have attended in some time. Great topics.” Land Specialist, Grant PUD

“Great topics and materials for Project Managers, many tools and models not used by my company. This will help us think out of the box more.” Project Manager, SCE

“The pros who attend this conference have a lot to share about how to do community relations right, even in trying circumstances. I heard a lot of relevant case studies, got tips on the latest techniques, and realized all over again how important it is to be a good listener when dealing with the public. I hope to join this group next year, and I’ll be using these insights meanwhile to help get more clean energy onto the grid.” Public Affairs, American Wind Energy Association

“This conference is an excellent opportunity to learn effective & successful techniques to work with stakeholders and agencies alike, highlighting case studies & lessons learned from projects across the country” Sr. Project Manager, TRC

As an attendee of this EUCI Public Engagement conference hosted by Dominion Energy, you’ll learn the strategies and methods used by numerous utilities public engagement experts to positively engage stakeholders, build trust with the community, and overcome project obstacles. 

Register today and leave this conference with practical tools and techniques that can be immediately implemented within your own organization to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your public engagement program.

Learning Outcomes

• Discover how energy communicators influence positive outcomes with every customer interaction
• Review promising environmental justice public engagement best practices and lessons learned
• Discuss how perceptions of space and place can hinder community engagement and some solutions
• Identify ways employees can show up for communities in unique ways fostering goodwill in the community
• Discuss insights and guidance for utilities’ public engagement with Tribal Nations
• Review techniques for de-escalating conflict and bringing a customer from negative to neutral and possibly even positive
• Assess the relational approach of human-centric communications and how it can lead to positive project outcomes
• Review some creative ways to communicate projects from other utilities using various tools
• Expand on how substations can be more secure while being community pleasing assisting community engagement
• Hear from three engagement managers and identify what talent and tools will be needed for the next infrastructure wave

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

 

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. :: Welcome and Opening Remarks

Katharine Bond, Vice President – Public Policy and Alternative Energy Strategy, Dominion Energy

 

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. :: How Does Your Communications Strategy Enhance Customer Experience?

What does the customer experience look like today? This presentation explores the entire life cycle of the customer experience (CX), and how we as energy communicators can influence positive outcomes through every interaction that a customer has with the company. Understanding and measuring the customer’s journey can inform communications strategies that enhance the customer’s experience and build positive momentum on our critical projects and enhance the company’s reputation with the community. 

Utibe Bassey, Vice President, Customer Experience, Dominion Energy

Greg Mathe, Manager – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

9:45 – 10:00 a.m. :: Networking Break

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. :: Environmental Justice – What, Why, and How

Environmental Justice (EJ) policies are rapidly evolving and vary from state to state, and at the Federal level. So, what is it, why do government entities require it, and how do we follow through on EJ recommendations in practice? In this presentation, we will learn about the current EJ landscape and how utilities can navigate policy requirements or guidance. This presentation will transition into a panel discussion about promising EJ practices, lessons learned, and engagement recommendations.

Kathryn MacCormick, Supervisor, Environmental Justice, Dominion Energy

Laura Mansfield, Social Scientist – Division of Environmental Assessment, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Brenda Brickhouse, Technical Executive – Equity and Sustainable Energy Strategy, Electric Power Research Institute

Renee Hoyos, Principal Consultant-Environmental Justice and Impact Assessment, ERM

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. :: The Tyranny of Maps: A Cross Cultural Lens

While maps represent a common medium for communicating information about energy projects, there are often disconnects between the intention of a map and its perception by the community. Maps can send signals about the meaning of land and the people who inhabit it, unintentionally disregarding important cultural issues and ignoring community perspectives. This session will discuss how differing perceptions of space and place can hinder community engagement and propose strategies for responding to challenges.

Aimee Gourlay, JD, Collaboration Services Manager, League of MN Cities

Jon Berkin, PhD, Partner, ERM

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. :: Group Luncheon

12:45 – 2:15 p.m. :: Showing Up for Communities – Unique and Different Approaches

When communities are impacted by our utility projects, often during close-proximity construction, public fatigue and resentment can fester. But when our employees show up for communities in unique ways, we can humanize our workforce, establish personal connections with neighbors, express genuine empathy, and foster goodwill in the community. We will hear from several speakers about their creative communications and public engagement success stories.

Introductions: Ann Gordon Mickel, Communications Consultant – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

Lisa Smith, Senior Vice President – Region External Affairs and Community Engagement, Georgia Power

Jessica Kirby, Director Community & Government Relations – Central Region, New York Power Authority

Danielle Aretz, Manager – Stakeholder Management New England, National Grid

Carter Jones, Senior Consultant, ERM

2:15 – 2:45 p.m. :: Leveraging Technology for Effective Stakeholder Engagement Strategy in Energy Projects

Between community interactions, commitments to stakeholders, and negotiations with landowners, project developers need to manage an incredible amount of data in a short period of time. Fortunately, having the right data management tools and processes in place drastically simplifies the process and provides a major competitive advantage! In this presentation, I’ll show you concrete examples of how peer organizations ensure continuity of operations, strategically plan and monitor interactions, foster meaningful dialogues, improve productivity, and report efficiently on stakeholder issues and priorities.  

Louis Lieutenant, Account Director, Borealis

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. :: Networking Break

3:00 – 3:45 p.m. :: Tribal Engagement and Considerations

This presentation will share insight and practical guidance from decades of experience in legal compliance for utilities with Tribal Nations. Best practices in early engagement with Tribal Nations and understanding the utility’s role during government-to-government consultation on projects will also be reviewed. A panel discussion will follow the presentation

Robert S. Thompson III, Of Counsel, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Kathryn MacCormick, Supervisor, Environmental Justice, Dominion Energy

3:45 – 5:00 p.m. :: Engaging with an Angry Public – Keeping Your Cool in the Hot Seat

It can be challenging to maintain a calm, professional demeanor when confronted by an angry customer. This panel discussion will share real experiences with customers navigating their emotional response to utility proposed projects or construction. We will hear how communications staff can listen with empathy and remain nonreactive during uncomfortable confrontations. The panel will share their techniques for de-escalating conflict and bringing a customer from negative to neutral, and sometimes even positive.   

Steve Precker, Communications Consultant – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

Gary St. Fleur, Lead Stakeholder Specialist, National Grid

Drew Gilmore, Public Involvement Director, POWER Engineers

Evelyn Oliver, Director – Bronx Regional & Community Affairs, Con Edison

Keith Rooney, Director – Major Permits & Stakeholder Management NY State, National Grid

Liz Valsamidis, Partner – Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

 

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

 

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. :: How to Use Research to Inform a Communications Approach

Utilities need to communicate with a variety of stakeholder groups and audiences. Developing a better understanding of their needs, expectations and values drivers can lead to more authentic messaging and more effective communications. This session will explore how companies in energy and other sectors are using an innovative research methodology to improve their communications and outreach.

James Warren, Share More Stories  

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. :: Creative Communication Toolkit Showcase

Utilities creatively communicate projects using various tools. This session will discuss the process and communication tools used to engage the community in preparation for major infrastructure projects and other engagement purposes.

Carrie Rose Pace, Communications Specialist – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

Raul Gordillo, Capital/Major Projects Outreach Manager, SoCalGas

Jessica Luternauer, Senior Vice President and Partner, Southwest Strategies LLC

Kristi Moore, Associate Partner, ERM

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. :: Networking Break

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. :: Substation Support: Balancing Security Risks and Community Aesthetics

When considering electrical substation security with aesthetics, it’s important to strike a balance between ensuring the safety and functionality of the facility while minimizing visual impacts on the surrounding environment.  Attempted or successful attacks on critical electric infrastructure make news headlines when they occur, but utilities are constantly evaluating how to balance security risks with cost and infrastructure aesthetics within communities. This presentation will discuss how to build a better substation for security, cost, and community acceptance.

Michael Melvin, Director Corporate Security, Exelon

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: The Future of Public Engagement

Three managers will provide their perspectives on what talent, tools, and resources are needed to meet the needs of the next infrastructure wave.

Marc Lucas, Esq., Director of Permitting and Stakeholder Management, National Grid

Sophia O’Keefe, Director – Infrastructure Public Engagement, Duke Energy

Greg Mathe, Manager – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

12:00 p.m. :: Final Review and Adjournment

• Danielle Aretz, Manager – Stakeholder Management New England, National Grid

• Utibe Bassey, Vice President, Customer Experience, Dominion Energy

• Jon Berkin, PhD, Partner, ERM

• Brenda Brickhouse, Technical Executive – Equity and Sustainable Energy Strategy, Electric Power Research Institute

• Katharine Bond, Vice President – Public Policy and Alternative Energy Strategy, Dominion Energy

• Drew Gilmore, Public Involvement Director, POWER Engineers

• Raul Gordillo, Capital/Major Projects Outreach Manager, SoCalGas

• Aimee Gourlay, JD, Collaboration Services Manager, League of MN Cities

• Renee Hoyos, Principal Consultant-Environmental Justice and Impact Assessment, ERM

• Carter Jones, Senior Consultant, ERM

• Jessica Kirby, Director Community & Government Relations – Central Region, New York Power Authority

• Louis Lieutenant, Account Director, Borealis

• Marc Lucas, Esq., Director of Permitting and Stakeholder Management, National Grid

• Jessica Luternauer, Senior Vice President and Partner, Southwest Strategies LLC

• Kathryn MacCormick, Supervisor, Environmental Justice, Dominion Energy

• Laura Mansfield, Social Scientist – Division of Environmental Assessment, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

• Greg Mathe, Manager – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

• Michael Melvin, Director Corporate Security, Exelon

• Ann Gordon Mickel, Communications Consultant – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

• Kristi Moore, Associate Partner, ERM

• Sophia O’Keefe, Director – Infrastructure Public Engagement, Duke Energy

• Evelyn Oliver, Director – Bronx Regional & Community Affairs, Con Edison

• Carrie Rose Pace, Communications Specialist – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

• Steve Precker, Communications Consultant – Electric Transmission Communications, Dominion Energy

• Keith Rooney, Director – Major Permits & Stakeholder Management NY State, National Grid

• Lisa Smith, Senior Vice President – Region External Affairs and Community Engagement, Georgia Power

• Gary St. Fleur, Lead Stakeholder Specialist, National Grid

• Robert S. Thompson III, Of Counsel, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

• Liz Valsamidis, Partner – Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

• James Warren, Share More Stories

• Jennifer Young, Manager, External Communications, FirstEnergy Corp.  

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Best Practices in Public Engagement for Energy Companies

October 10-11, 2023 | Richmond, VA

Buy 4 in-person seats and only pay for 3! For this event every fourth in-person attendee is free!

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before September 08, 2023 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.0 CEUs for this event.

Instructional Methods

Case studies, PowerPoint presentations and group discussion will be used in this event.

Requirements For Successful Completion Of Program

Participants must sign in/out each day and be in attendance for the entirety of the conference to be eligible for continuing education credit.

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Conference CPE Credits: 11.0
There is no prerequisite for this Conference.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend

• Transmission planners and developers
• Utility real estate specialists and managers
• Renewable project developers
• Transmission contractors and construction managers
• Transmission communications staff
• Public relations staff
• Transmission engineers and designers