Take advantage of this Member Benefit!

This meeting will run from 3 to 5 pm, with the HOUR OF POWER beginning at approximately 4 pm.

Board meetings are open to all NECA members. If you are not a NECA member, but wish to attend, please contact Marla Simon at marla@necanews.org before registering. Thank you.

Hot Topics in 2026 New England Public Policy

Across New England, 2026 promises to be a busy year for energy and environmental policies. In all six states, lawmakers will be working through issues ranging from emissions reductions to affordability. Join us for a conversation with public policy experts from each New England state as we look at the hot energy and environmental issues in the region’s state houses—and the politics that drive the work.

Organized by NECA’s Legislative Committee. All members are invited to join this group.

PANEL:
Molly Connors, Policy Analyst-Manager, New England Power Generators Association (Moderator)
Chris Boyle, Principal, Christopher Boyle – Rhode Island
Jen Gorke, Principal, TSK Associates – Massachusetts
Heidi Kroll, Vice President, J Grimbilas Strategic Solutions LLC – New Hampshire
Gabrielle Malina,  Manager, Government & Public Affairs, Downs Rachlin Martin – Vermont
Jeremy Payne, Principal, Maine Office, Cornerstone Government Affairs – Maine
Nicole Tomassetti, Partner, Capitol Strategies Group, LLC – Connecticut

COST:
Members $40 | Non-Members $55 | Government $35 | Young Professionals $35 | Students Free

REGISTER HERE!

2026 Power Markets Conference

Finding the Fulcrum: Balancing Affordability, Reliability & Growth

WHEN: Thursday, January 29 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Young Professionals networking event to follow
WHERE: Federal Reserve Plaza, 600 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA

REGISTER HERE

PROGRAM

Wholesale power markets are at a crossroads. Climate goals are accelerating, data centers are fueling unprecedented demand growth, federal energy policy is shifting, and rising costs are straining household budgets and business bottom lines alike. The fundamental question facing New England—and regions across the country—is how competitive markets can continue to deliver reliable, affordable electricity amid these converging pressures.

The 2026 NECA Power Markets Conference brings together regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders for candid discussions about how markets and policy choices are shaping the balance between affordability, reliability, and decarbonization. Through three interconnected panels, the conference will explore what’s driving electricity costs, how market structures are adapting to resource adequacy challenges and surging demand, and what it takes to attract investment for tomorrow’s grid. Join us for a day of forward-looking dialogue on how power markets can uphold their core strengths in a rapidly transforming energy landscape.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:
Julia Frayer, Principal & Managing Director, London Economics International (NECA President)

PANEL I: Decoding the Electricity Bill – Poles, Power & Policy
Nicholas Hutchings, Senior Manager, Regulatory and Political Affairs, NextEra Energy Resources (Moderator & Conference Co-chair)
Dan Dolan, President, New England Power Generators Association
Ron Gerwatowski, Chairman, Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
Sandy Grace, Vice President of US Policy & Regulatory Strategy, National Grid
Todd Schatzki, Principal, Analysis Group, Inc.

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Matt Nelson, Principal, Apex Analytics

PANEL II: Adequacy, Accreditation & Affordability – Can Markets Adapt?
Rosendo Garza, Senior Associate, Day Pitney LP (Moderator & Conference Co-chair)
Bob Ethier, Principal, Stickney Brook Consulting LLC
Ben Griffiths, Vice President, Wholesale Market Policy, LS Power
Steven Otto, Manager, Economic Analysis, ISO New England

PANEL III: Financing the Future – Can Investment Deliver Affordable Energy for All?
John Athas, Retired Vice President and Principal Consultant, Daymark Energy Advisors (Moderator)
Eliza Donoghue, Executive Director, Maine Renewable Energy Association
Josh Ryor, Assistant Secretary of Energy, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Immediately following the conference, head over to nearby Chemist Cocktail Bar for Young Professionals networking. Appetizers are included in the conference pricing. Drinks are on a cash basis.

PREMIER SPONSORS: London Economics International | Shell | StoneTurn
CORPORATE SPONSORS: Analysis Group | Constellation | Day Pitney LLP | Engie | Freedom Energy Logistics | LS Power | New England Power Generators Association | NextEra Energy Resources | Robinson+Cole | Sprague

Click HERE to learn how to become a sponsor.

COST*:
NECA Members $425 | Non-members $475 | Government, Non-Profit & Young Professionals** $150 | Students*** $75 

*  Prices will increase by $25 on January 22nd.
** Working in the energy industry less than five years
*** Full-time students only

NEARBY HOTELS:
Hilton Boston Logan Airport
Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District, a lower-cost option in the city (1.2 miles)

REGISTER HERE

Can’t make it to NECA’s 2026 Power Markets Conference during the day, but want to network with other Young Professionals that evening? Please join us at Chemist Cocktail Bar at 4:15 pm.

Registration is $15. The fee includes appetizers; drinks are on a cash bar basis. 

REGISTER HERE

If you would like to learn more about this networking event or the NECA Young Professionals Committee, please reach out to Jonas Kaplan-Bucciarelli.