2026 Draft Agenda
as of
August 5, 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
Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman’s Welcome
–John Hansen, Conference Chairman, Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference
Welcome Remarks and State Update
–TBA, Nebraska Department of Water Energy & Environment
–TBA
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, NPPD –TBA
–TBA
Moderator:
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:
– TBA
Moderator: TBA
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 Public Power
Moderator: TBA
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:
–TBA
Moderator: TBA
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
Description: TBA
Speakers:
–TBA
Moderator: TBA
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:
–TBA
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:
–Eric Gerard, Partner, American Communications Group
–TBA
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:
– TBA, Clean Tomorrow
– TBA, American Clean Power
Moderator: TBA
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 and other State Chamber issues
Description: TBA
Speaker:
–Hunter Traynor, EVP - Legislation & Policy, Nebraska Chamber
Moderator: TBA
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
Moderator: TBA
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 LES, OPPD, and other industry experts will share insights on the technologies and strategies shaping the future of electricity generation and grid reliability.
Speakers:
–TBA
Moderator: TBA
2:10 - 2:55 PM
BREAKOUT A - LANCASTER I:
Session: TBA
Description: TBA
Speakers:
–TBA
Moderator: TBA
BREAKOUT B - LANCASTER IV:
Session: TBA
Description: TBA
Speaker:
–TBA
Moderator: TBA
3:00 PM
Closing Remarks/Participant Feedback
–John Hansen, Conference Chair, Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference