2026 Draft Agenda
as of
September 2, 2026
(Subject to change)
EVENTS HELD AT THE CORNHUSKER MARRIOTT HOTEL UNLESS NOTEd
Monday, October 19, 2026
3:00 - 6:00 PM EXHIBITOR SETUP
4:30 - 6:00 PM VIP Reception in Great Room above the lobby (Invite Only)
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
7:00 - 8:00 AM ATTENDEE CHECK-IN | EXHIBITS OPEN
7:00 - 8:00 AM Continental BREAKFAST SPONSORED BY Genpro Energy development
8:00 - 8:30 AM welcome
Presentation of the Colors
Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman’s Welcome
–John Hansen, Conference Chairman, Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference
Welcome Remarks and State Update
–Sarah Starostka, Nebraska Department of Water Energy & Environment
8:30 – 9:15 AM
Inside the Nebraska Legislature: Energy Issues & Updates
Description: Stay informed on the latest legislative developments impacting Nebraska's energy industry. This session provides updates on LB 663, LB 1010, and LB 1261, including their status, key provisions, and potential implications for Nebraska's energy development.
Speakers:
– Nicole Sedlacek, Economic Development Manager, Nebraska Public Power District – Randi Scott, Government Affairs Specialist, Omaha Public Power District
– Candace Meredith, Deputy Director, NACO
Moderator: Dustin Marvel, Government & Community Relations Manager, Omaha Public Power District
9:15 – 10:00 AM
Unprecedented Load Growth: Challenges and Opportunities
Description: Like most states, Nebraska is experiencing unprecedented electrical load growth from across-the-board increases from domestic, business, manufacturing, and data centers. This panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities this poses for Nebraska.
Speakers:
– Scott Benson, Director, Strategy & Innovation, Lincoln Electric System
– Brook Aken, Director of Economic Development and External Relations, Omaha Public Power District
Moderator: Raphael Martinez, Director, Business Relations, Sandhills Energy
10:00 - 10:30 AM Break | Sponsored by Invenergy
10:30 – 11:15 AM
Regional Transmission: The Bigger Picture on What’s Going On
Description: An overview of the Southwest Power Pool’s increasingly complicated and diverse regional transmission needs, challenges, and anticipated growth.
Speaker:
–Steve Purdy, Engineering Director of Technical Policy, Southwest Power Pool
Moderator: Jon Sunneberg, Utility Scale Alternative Energy Manager, Nebraska Public Power District
11:15 – 12:00 pM
Nebraska Transmission: Bringing the Power Home
Description: The focus will be on Nebraska transmission expansion, including the latest news on the R-project and how transmission expansion in Nebraska aligns with Southwest Power Pool’s regional transmission plans. Discover why investing in grid infrastructure is key to attracting new industry and powering Nebraska's economic future.
Speakers:
–Andrew Howard, Supervisor, Resource & Transmission Planning, Lincoln Electric System
–Kelsey Haas, Manager of Delivery Program Management, Omaha Public Power District
–Paul Brune, Nebraska Public Power District
Moderator: David Rich, Consultant to Vice President, Nebraska Public Power District
12:00 - 1:30 PM Keynote Luncheon | SPONSORED BY nextera energy resources
Speaker:
–TBA
Moderator: TBA
1:30 - 1:45 PM Break | Sponsored by kUTAK rOCK
1:45 – 2:30 PM
BREAKOUT A - LANCASTER I:
Plug-In Solar: What It Is, How It Works & What’s Next for Nebraska
Description: Plug-in solar is an emerging technology offering a new approach to small-scale solar generation, but what exactly is it—and where does it fit in Nebraska? Explore how the technology works, how other states and communities are approaching it, and the safety, electrical-code, utility, and regulatory considerations surrounding its potential use in Nebraska.
Speakers:
–Ron Rose, Energy Efficiency Consultant, Nebraska Public Power District
–Craig Thelen, Executive Director, Nebraska State Electrical Division
Moderator: David Rich, Consultant to Vice President, Nebraska Public Power District
BREAKOUT B - LANCASTER IV:
You, Me, Us: Navigating Property Rights and Community Support for Renewable Energy Projects
Description: As renewable energy projects face increasing local scrutiny, success depends on balancing the rights of participating landowners, neighboring property owners, and the broader community. This panel explores practical legal, community engagement, and grassroots strategies that are helping projects gain local support and successfully navigate today's permitting environment.
Speakers:
–TBA,
Moderator: TBA
2:40 – 3:30 PM
Policy and Legislative Update: State Senators Panel
Speakers:
–Senator John Cavanaugh, Jr., District 9, Nebraska State Legislature
–Senator Stan Clouse, District 37, Nebraska State Legislature
–Senator Barry DeKay, District 40, Nebraska State Legislature
Moderator: John Hansen, Conference Chair, Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference
3:30 - 3:50 PM Break | sponsored by sofos power
3:50 - 5:00 pm
Nebraska Lobbyist Panel
Speakers:
– Al Davis, Sierra Club
–Eric Gerrard, Partner, American Communications Group
–Mary Vaggalis, Managing Partner, Nebraska Strategies
Moderator: Jennifer Williams, Consultant/Lobbyist, American Communications Group
5:00 - 6:30 PM Reception - Sponsored by Energyre
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
7:00 - 8:00 AM ATTENDEE CHECK-IN | EXHIBITS OPEN | Breakfast
8:15 - 9:15 aM
Comparative State Policy and Renewable Siting
Description: Explore how Nebraska's permitting framework compares with those in Michigan and Colorado, focusing on local control, appeals processes, siting authority, and renewable energy development. Discover best practices and policy approaches that could help shape Nebraska's future.
Speaker:
– Nelson Falkenburg, Director, Siting Solutions Project, Clean Tomorrow
– TBA
Moderator: Claire Burch, Scientist, Utility Environmental Sciences, Olsson
9:15 - 10:15 aM
Southwest Power Pool Queue & Congestion Overview
Description: As the region experiences historic growth in electricity demand, understanding the Southwest Power Pool’s interconnection queue and transmission constraints is increasingly important. This discussion will examine the challenges created by a growing projects backlogs and grid congestion, as well as the implications for reliability, new generation and future development across the region.
Speaker:
– Steve Purdy, Engineering Director of Technical Policy, Southwest Power Pool
Moderator: TBA
10:15 - 10:40 am Break
10:40 - 11:30 aM
Aurora Energy Findings: Energy, Growth & Nebraska’s Economic Future
Description: Explore findings from the Aurora energy study and what they mean for Nebraska's economic future. Learn how energy availability, infrastructure needs, and local siting decisions can influence business growth, investment, and economic development across the state, along with other key energy issues facing Nebraska's business community.
Speaker:
–Hunter Traynor, EVP - Legislation & Policy, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Josh Moenning, Director, New Power Nebraska
11:30 - 1:00 PM Keynote Luncheon | SPONSORED BY ISI Solar
Nebraska Public Power Utilities CEO Luncheon
Speakers:
–Tom Kent, CEO, Nebraska Public Power District
–Javier Fernandez, CEO, Omaha Public Power District
–Emeka Anyanwu, CEO, Lincoln Electric System
Moderator: Stephen Bruckner, Attorney, Fraser Stryker
1:00 pm Exhibits Tear-Down
1:15 - 2:00 PM
BREAKOUT A - LANCASTER I:
Future of Rural Nebraska
Description: Explore what the future may hold for rural Nebraska over the coming decades. This discussion will examine population trends, economic development, healthcare, banking, agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, and the role energy projects play in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities, including insights from the Nebraska Rural Poll.
Speaker:
– Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., Director, Center for Public Affairs Research, University of
Nebraska at Omaha
– Bradley Lubben, Ph.D, Extension Associate Professor, Policy Specialist, and Director, North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Moderator: David Bracht, Of Counsel, Kutak Rock
BREAKOUT B - LANCASTER IV:
Powering the Future: Energy Storage & Grid Innovation
Description: Get the latest updates on the regional power landscape, including a Power Review Board update, emerging technologies, and innovations in thermal energy storage. Representatives from industry experts will share insights on the technologies and strategies shaping the future of electricity generation and grid reliability.
Speakers:
– Scott Benson, Director, Strategy & Innovation, Lincoln Electric System
– Justin Kotwicki, Sofos Power
– TBA
Moderator: Molly Brown, Managing Partner, GenPro Energy Development
2:00 - 2:10 PM Break
2:10 - 3:00 PM
The Future of Data Centers in Nebraska
Description: Discover why data centers are becoming a key focus in Nebraska, from resource and energy use to community and economic benefits. This panel will examine how data centers integrate with existing industries, employ responsible development practices, and expand renewable energy powered growth across the state.
Speakers:
– John Winkler, General Manager, Papio Missouri River NRD
–Jonathan Nikkila, Mayor, City of Kearney
–TBA
Moderator: Dustin Marvel, Government & Community Relations Manager, Omaha Public Power District
3:00 PM
Closing Remarks/Participant Feedback
–John Hansen, Conference Chair, Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference