NCEA 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS ANNUAL

NCEA’S 97TH
ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
JUNE 26-28, 2016
MADDEN’S LODGE
BRAINERD, MN
NCEA MEMBERS:
-
A L LE TE -M I NNE S OT A P O W E R
A M E R IC A N T RA NS M I S SI ON C O .
B L A C K H I L L S C O R P O R A T I ON
M ON TA N A -D A K OT A U T I LI TIE S
N O R TH W E S TE RN E NE R G Y
O TTE R T A I L P OW E R C O M P A NY
X C E L E NE R GY I N C .
REGISTER BEFORE MAY 26
NCEA 2016 ANNUAL
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
PRICELESS PRESENTATIONS:
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Bakken Forward: What the Future Will Look Like
Advancements in Grid-Scale Battery Storage Systems
Integrating Renewables into the Electric Grid
Are Utilities Becoming Irrelevant? Fighting Back
With Customer Experience & Brand Strategy
 NCEA CEO Executive Issues Briefing
 Energizing Change – The Role of Communication in
Changing a Utility Culture
 New Utility Models: The Economic Consequences
WHO IS ATTENDING NCEA?
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All electric utility leaders or emerging leaders
Directors, General Managers & Department Heads
Executive VP’s, Senior VP’s & Vice President’s
CEO’s, CFO’s, CIO’s, COO’s, & President’s
NCEA Builds Better Utility Peer Relationships!
SPONSOR & COORDINATOR



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North Central Electric Association
2901 Metro Drive #203, Bloomington, MN 55425
Dale Yohnke, Executive Director
952-854-4405, dale@ncel.org
North Central Electric Association - 952-854-4405 - www.ncea-online.org
Dear Fellow NCEA Executives & Leaders…
You are invited to the North Central Electric Association’s 97th Annual Conference at Madden’s Lodge
in Brainerd, Minnesota. This conference provides a valuable opportunity to learn, engage, and
expose others in your utility to trends shaping our utility business in our North Central region. This
conference is an exceptional engagement for you and your staff to connect with other utility leaders,
to interact and create beneficial relationships with others that pay dividends. NCEA keeps you and
your leadership team engaged and successful in our utility business!
See you at the 2016 NCEA Annual Conference!
Steve Foss, 2015-16 NCEA President
Regional VP – Distribution Operations (NSP-MN)
Xcel Energy
AGENDA:
SUNDAY & MONDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
Sunday,
June
2016
Sunday,
June
26,26,
2016
6:30 PM: Group Reception & Dinner – Madden’s Lodge Deck & Dining Room
8:30 PM: Bonfire & Social – Madden’s Lodge Peninsula
Monday,
June
2016
Monday,
June
27,27,
2016
6:45 AM: Group Breakfast & SDEUC Board of Directors Meeting
8:00 AM: “Bakken Forward: What the Future Will Look Like”
9:00 AM: “Advancements in Grid-Scale Battery Storage Systems”
 Sunday Group Reception, and Bonfire
 Bakken Forward: What the Future Will Look Like
 Advancements in Grid-Scale Battery Storage
 Integrating Renewables into the Electric Grid
 Fighting Back with Customer Experience & Brand
Strategy
 Networking Activities: Golf, Pontoon Ride, etc.
10:15 AM: “Integrating Renewables into the Electric Grid”
11:00 AM: “Are Utilities Becoming Irrelevant? Fighting Back with
Customer Experience & Brand Strategy”
TUESDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
12:00 PM: Group Lunch
1:00 PM: Afternoon Networking Activities – Leisure & Links
6:30 PM: Group Reception & Outdoor BBQ & Bonfire
Tuesday,
June
2016
Tuesday,
June
28,28,
2016
 NCEA Member CEO Executive Summary Briefing
 The Role of Communication in a Changing Utility
Culture
6:45 AM: Group Breakfast & NCEA Board of Directors Meeting
 New Utility Models: The Economic Consequences
8:15 AM: “NCEA Member Strategy & Initiative Briefing Presentations”
 Recognition of NCEA President & closing remarks
9:30 AM: “Energizing Change – The Role of Communication in Changing a
Utility Culture”
Connect with your peers at this NCEA event!
10:45 AM: “New Utility Models: Economic Consequences”
11:45 AM: NCEA Recognition
12:00 PM: Box Lunch & Departure
North Central Electric Association - 952-854-4405 - www.ncea-online.org
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
KARI CUTTING
North Dakota
Petroleum Council
BRENT BERGLAND
Mortenson
Company
DR. DAVID BOYD
Midcontinent Independent
System Operator
KEN ZAGZEBSKI
AES United States
ARE YOU ADVANCING THE
ELECTRIC UTILITY
BUSINESS?

Are you in a leadership role or
position at your utility?

Do you have responsibilities
greater than your specific work
area at your utility?

Where/how do you develop
peer relationships vital to
business development?

You’ve thought about it – isn’t it
time that you attend the NCEA’s
Annual Conference?
MAUREEN RUSSOLO
E Source
STUART PEARMAN
ScottMadden
Management Consultants
ACT NOW – REGISTER TODAY!
PLUS: BRIEF CEO UPDATES FROM ALL NCEA UTILITIES
North Central Electric Association - 952-854-4405 - www.ncea-online.org
CONFERENCE AGENDA
June 26-28, 2016 ~ Madden’s Lodge ~ Brainerd, MN
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 – Madden’s Lodge, Brainerd, MN
4:00 PM
NCEA CHECK IN & ROOM DELIVERY: Madden’s Lodge
Room check in, and a folder with name badges, conference program/agenda, etc. will be delivered to your room.
6:30 PM
RECEPTION & DINNER: Madden’s Lodge Deck & Dining Room
A welcome reception kicks off our conference on the Lodge Deck – reconnecting with fellow NCEA member attendees
and new acquaintances. Dinner will follow at 7:30 PM in the Lodge Dining Room.
8:30 PM
BONFIRE & SOCIAL: Madden’s Lodge Peninsula
Relax after dinner with a beverage and new friends outside on the peninsula overlooking the famous Gull Lake. We
will also have a bonfire as the sun sets, and s’mores of course. NCEA’s Annual Networking Trophy competition
begins!
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016 – Madden’s Lodge & Madden’s Colonial Hall, Brainerd, MN
6:45 to 9:00 AM
BREAKFAST: Buffet breakfast available at Madden Lodge Dining Room
7:00 to 7:45 AM
SDEUC Board of Directors Meeting in the Jack Madden Board Room of Madden’s Lodge
8:00 to 9:00 AM
GENERAL SESSION I: “Bakken Forward: What the Future Will Look Like”
Speaker: Kari Cutting, Vice President, North Dakota Petroleum Council
Oil and gas production in the Dakotas are experiencing change that effects all utilities. A host of new developments concerning oil
production, exports, pipeline issues, and economics will be addressed by a leading voice in the petroleum field, Kari Cutting. The
North Dakota Petroleum Council's (NDPC) purpose is to provide advocacy support to 575 companies who are involved in all aspects of
the oil and gas industry, including oil and gas production, refining, pipeline, mineral leasing, legal work, and oil field service activities
in North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Rocky Mountain region. Hear what the future holds for the Bakken.
9:00 to 10:00 AM
GENERAL SESSION II: “Advancements in Grid-Scale Battery Storage Systems”
Speaker: Brent Bergland, General Manager – Energy Storage, Mortenson Company
The nation’s largest wind-power contractor, Mortenson Construction, is venturing into a new area of utility interest -- installing large, utilityscale battery storage systems for the electric grid and commercial operations. Mortenson has over 150 wind generation projects completed or
under construction, nearly 60 solar projects completed or under construction, and a robust electrical infrastructure based of operations. The
leader of Mortenson’s energy storage business unit will discuss outlooks on the interest in storage, and how battery storage can contribute to
the resiliency of the electric grid, and provide power security for unique commercial customers.
10:15 to 11:00 AM GENERAL SESSION III: “Integrating Renewables into the Electric Grid”
Speaker: Dr. David Boyd, VP - Government & Regulatory Affairs, Midcontinent Independent System Operator
Our presenter will outline the status, successes, and complications of connecting renewable energy generated by utilities, business,
and customers into the new and integrated grid. ISO’s in North America are working on providing equitable solutions for tapping into
our renewable energy-rich Upper Midwest region, integrating clean energy into the power grid effectively, and creating opportunities
for everyone to benefit from the use of clean energy resources. Hear the latest from MISO.
11:00 to 12:00 PM GENERAL SESSION IV: “Are Utilities Becoming Irrelevant? Fighting Back with Customer Experience and Brand Strategy ”
Speaker: Maureen Russolo, VP - Strategic Sales, E Source
How is it possible that the products that have made our lives so rich, so simple, and so full of entertainment and value, have become
so peripheral in people’s minds? Utilities have done their job so well that easily available energy is now an expected part of life.
We’ve created a new challenge: To recreate our brands so our utility is relevant for this century’s diverse and demanding customer
base. There are many ways that utilities can renew their brand relevance, but all paths ultimately focus on the experience customers
have with your company, its employees, and your services. Our presenter will discuss how external communication, technology, and
uniform corporate messaging can engage the unengaged customer – and further your ability to penetrate deeper into your customer
base, creating relevance.
12:00 to 1:00 PM
LUNCH: Buffet lunch will be available at Madden Lodge Dining Room
Choice of Afternoon Activities – Select your activity option on your registration form – some changes may be accommodated!
Afternoon:
AFTERNOON ON YOUR OWN: Enjoy the numerous resort amenities offered at Madden’s
1:20 – 6:20 PM:
NCEA GOLF AT THE CLASSIC: Tee Times and straight up golf, provide your own transportation to the course.
NCEA will golf at The Classic Golf Course. Our group of golfers will have tee-times starting at 1:20 PM. Green fees and half-cart are
included. You can decide on your foursomes’ format of play (scramble, low gross, handicapped, alternate shot, etc.). No prizes will
be awarded, just casual golf and networking on the links. Provide your own transportation.
2:00 – 5:00 PM:
CHAUFFEURED PONTOON RIDES: Leaving the Madden’s Marina at 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Show your NCEA name badge for a chauffeured pontoon ride on beautiful Gull Lake. Snacks/beverages on board.
6:30 to 8:45 PM
RECEPTION, DINNER & BONFIRE: Outdoor BBQ Buffet followed by bonfire at Madden’s Lagoon
We will gather at Madden’s Lagoon Cookout Pavilion (near Colonial Hall) for an outdoor BBQ buffet dinner. A reception will precede
our casual meal as we enjoy the outdoors while re-connecting. Weather permitting. We will follow with a bonfire and networking at
on the shore of the lagoon, with beverages and snacks available.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
June 26-28, 2016 ~ Madden’s Lodge ~ Brainerd, MN
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016 – Madden’s Lodge & Madden’s Colonial Hall, Brainerd, MN
6:45 to 9:00 AM
BREAKFAST: Buffet breakfast available at Madden Lodge Dining Room
7:00 to 7:45 AM
NCEA BOARD MEETING: NCEA Executive Board of Directors Meeting is in the Jack Madden Board Room
8:15 to 9:30 AM
GENERAL SESSION V: “NCEA Member Strategy & Initiative Briefing Presentations”
Speakers: NCEA Member Executives at ALE, ATC, BHC, MDU, NWE, OTP and XEL (highest ranking exec to briefly present)
NCEA utility executives will provide a brief, 10-minute update of their latest initiatives and strategies. No PowerPoint presentations
just an executive summary of key initiatives currently underway at our member utilities.
9:30 to 10:30 AM
GENERAL SESSION VI: “Energizing Change – The Role of Communication in Changing a Utility Culture”
Speaker: Ken Zagzebski, President, AES United States
Aligning an energy utility to deliver on its strategic priorities is a must. To be successful, a utility needs to make the way they work
every day a competitive advantage, which requires change in a utilities’ culture. Indianapolis Power & Light responded by bringing
new enthusiasm to how their company works and communicates together, starting at the top with their executives and leadership.
Our presenter will discuss how IP&L was able to energize their company culture, and their staff, by changing how they work together
– and the critical role internal communication plays.
10:45 to 11:45 AM GENERAL SESSION VII: “New Utility Models: What Will the Economic Consequences Be?”
Speaker: Stuart Pearman, Partner & Energy Practice Lead, ScottMadden Management Consultants
This interactive session will focus on the interplay of utility business models and regulatory models, and how they are intertwined
with an ecosystem that includes financial markets. We will take on a few simple questions: What is changing? How? What’s at
stake? What is the best way to get from here to there? Stuart Pearman will present ScottMadden’s research and analysis in
creating an interactive discussion that you won’t want to miss.
11:45 to 12:00 PM GENERAL SESSION VIII – NCEA PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Recognition and presentation of the coveted NCEA Networking Trophy
 Presiding: Steve Foss, Xcel Energy Inc.
 New NCEA President: Nicole Kivisto, Montana-Dakota Utilities
 Presentation of the coveted NCEA Networking Trophy for 2016
12:00 to 1:00 PM
ADJOURN & LUNCH: A complete box lunch on the run, will be available to pick up before you check out of your room.
North Central Electric Association - 952-854-4405 - www.ncea-online.org
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
CONFERENCE
LODGING
26-28,
~ Madden’s
Lodge~~Sturgeon
Brainerd,Bay,
MNWI
JuneJune
21-23,
20152016
~ Stone
Harbor Resort
Meals are included and are a part of your registration fee
NCEA Conference Registration fee includes: All group meals starting Sunday evening through Tuesday noon, all general sessions, all
keynote speakers and related logistics, Sunday events, Monday afternoon Golf and Pontoon Ride, all refreshment breaks, and all related
conference credentials.



Delegate Registration & Meal Fee:
$295. per NCEA Member delegate
Spouse Registration & Meal Fee:
$150. per delegates’ adult guest/spouse
Youth Registration & Meal Fee:
$50. per youth ages 10-18. (Children under 10 years are no charge)
The lodge may offer formal children’s activities or childcare – contact the facility with your specific questions
Registration Form ~ complete all areas below and remit to NCEA ~ NCEA Fax 952-854-7076 ~ dale@ncel.org
DELEGATE ~ First Name:__________________________________________ Last Name:___________________________________________________
Title:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Company:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City:__________________________________________________
State:__________
Zip Code:________________________________
Cell Phone:____________________________________________ Email:__________________________________________________________
SPOUSE ~ First Name:___________________________________________ Last Name:____________________________________________________
 Optional NCEA Golf - Delegate: no:___ yes:___ handicap:______, try to pair with:_______________________________________________________
 Optional NCEA Golf - Spouse: no:___ yes:___ handicap:______, try to pair with:_________________________________________________________
 Optional Monday Afternoon Pontoon Ride: no:___ yes:___
Youth’s Name:______________________________________ Age:_____
Youth’s Name:_______________________________________ Age:______
Youth’s Name:_______________________________________ Age:_____
Youth’s Name:________________________________________ Age:______
Method of arrival to facility: own car:_____ car pool:_____ commercial air:_____ corporate air:_____ car rental:_____ TBA:_____
~ Please contact the NCEA office in advance with any special dietary or ADA/Mobility needs ~
Conference Registration Fee Summary:
Credit Card Billing Information:
Delegate Registration(s):
_____ @ $295.
Clearly fill out information as it appears on your credit card’s billing statement:
Spouse Registration(s):
_____ @ $150.
Name on Card:____________________________________________________________
Youth Registration(s) (10-18) _____ @ $50.
Billing Address:____________________________________________________________
Child Registration(s) (<10 yrs) _____ @ no charge
City, State, Zip:____________________________________________________________
Golf and Pontoon fees are included in registration.
Card #:__________________________________________________________________
Total: $_______________
Mail check, payable to NCEA, or charge my credit card
Expiration Date:_______________________
Visa___ MasterCard___ Discover___ AMEX___
Merchant Email Receipt will be emailed to the above when processed ~ for your records.
TO REGISTER – SUBMIT THE NCEA REGISTRATION TO THE NCEA OFFICE, THEN CONTACT MADDEN’S LODGE TO SECURE YOUR LODGING!
CONFERENCE LODGING
June 26-28, 2016 ~ Madden’s Lodge ~ Brainerd, MN
MADDEN ’S LODGE LODGING INFO
Click here to reserve your lodging
You can mail, fax or reserve your reservation online
If you have questions about lodging:
Call 800-642-5363 or
Email reservations@maddens.com
Secure Your Lodging by May 26
MADDEN’S LODGE:
Minnesota's Classic Resort, located on over a mile of scenic Gull Lake shoreline, is the perfect setting for your family vacation or
reunion, golf getaway, romantic weekend or spa retreat with the girls. Resort amenities include 63 holes of golf, tennis, complete
marina with 3 sand beaches, hiking & biking trails, five swimming pools, spa, children’s activity program, six restaurants and luxury
accommodations. Just two hours from Minneapolis-St. Paul. Madden's offers everything you would dream of in a 'classic' Minnesota
vacation...the finest in accommodations, unsurpassed dining, just about every recreational amenity imaginable, and 63 holes of golf
including The Classic. The Classic was recently rated by Golf Digest Magazine as "No.3 Best New Public Upscale Course in North
America", and rated '5-Stars' by Golf Digest.
MAKING RESERVATIONS: Please use the link above to access the NCEA group reservation page. You can mail, fax, or reserve your
lodging reservation online. 2-night lodging and meal package, single occupancy $738.38 or double occupancy $464.30 per person.
Reservations must be made before May 26 to get the NCEA group rate, after May 26, based on availability.
SUNDAY EVENING ACTIVITY:
Included in your registration fee:
RECEPTION & DINNER: Madden’s Lodge Deck & Dining Room
A welcome reception kicks off our conference on the Lodge Deck – reconnecting with fellow NCEA member attendees and new
acquaintances. Dinner will follow at 7:30 PM in the Lodge Dining Room.
BONFIRE & SOCIAL: Madden’s Lodge Peninsula
Relax after dinner with a beverage and new friends outside on the peninsula overlooking the famous Gull Lake. We will also
have a bonfire as the sun sets, and s’mores of course. NCEA’s Annual Networking Trophy competition begins!
MONDAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES:
On your registration, you are to select a Monday afternoon activity:
NCEA GOLF AT THE CLASSIC: Tee Times and straight up golf, provide your own transportation to the course.
NCEA will golf at The Classic Golf Course. Our group of golfers will have tee-times starting at 1:20 PM. Green fees and half-cart
are included. You can decide on your foursomes’ format of play (scramble, low gross, handicapped, alternate shot, etc.). No
prizes will be awarded, just casual golf and networking on the links. Provide your own transportation.
CHAUFFEURED PONTOON RIDES: Leaving the Madden’s Marina at 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Show your NCEA name badge for a chauffeured pontoon ride on beautiful Gull Lake. Snacks/beverages on board.
TO REGISTER – SUBMIT THE NCEA REGISTRATION TO THE NCEA OFFICE, THEN CONTACT MADDEN’S LODGE TO SECURE YOUR LODGING!
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Use enclosed NCEA Registration Form and
remit with your payment to NCEA:
NCEA Fax: 952-854-7076, or
Email: dale@ncel.org
2. Secure Lodging at Madden’s Lodge:
Click here to reserve your lodging
Or call 800-642-5363
3. Register and Secure Lodging by May 26.
4. Join NCEA at Madden’s Lodge on June 26-28!
THANK YOU TO OUR NCEA MEMBERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT
~ WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT MADDEN’S LODGE ~
P: 952-854-4405
F: 952-854-7076
E: dale@ncel.org
A: NCEA
2901 Metro Drive #203
Bloomington, MN 55425
W: www.ncea-online.org