Scott Adler
Association for Energy Affordability
Sr Project Associate
The Future of Heat Pumps: Multi-Function and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (moderated by Cheryl Winfield, CARB)
Scott Adler received his Master of Science from UC Davis in 2022. Since then, he has been working at the Association for Energy Affordability, advancing energy-efficient opportunities in new and existing buildings. Scott provides technical assistance on multifamily energy-efficiency and electrification retrofit projects in California and leads research projects, evaluating energy and non-energy benefits of novel building technologies.
Association for Energy Affordability
Sr Project Associate
The Future of Heat Pumps: Multi-Function and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (moderated by Cheryl Winfield, CARB)
Scott Adler received his Master of Science from UC Davis in 2022. Since then, he has been working at the Association for Energy Affordability, advancing energy-efficient opportunities in new and existing buildings. Scott provides technical assistance on multifamily energy-efficiency and electrification retrofit projects in California and leads research projects, evaluating energy and non-energy benefits of novel building technologies.
Yasemin Agi
Lincus, Inc
Energy Engineer
Bridging the DHW Gap with Water Heating Technologies (moderated by Steven Long, ICF (GET))
Yasemin Agi is an Energy Engineer at Lincus, Inc. specializing in building energy modeling, measure package development, and emerging technology research for California utility programs. She supports technical assessments, field demonstrations, and market research related to building decarbonization and energy efficiency.
Lincus, Inc
Energy Engineer
Bridging the DHW Gap with Water Heating Technologies (moderated by Steven Long, ICF (GET))
Yasemin Agi is an Energy Engineer at Lincus, Inc. specializing in building energy modeling, measure package development, and emerging technology research for California utility programs. She supports technical assessments, field demonstrations, and market research related to building decarbonization and energy efficiency.
Eli Alston-Stepnitz, Ph.D.
Western Cooling Efficiency Center, University of California, Davis
Researcher, Market Transformation Research Program
Customer Perspectives on Market Barriers (moderated by Bryce Dias, PG&E)
Eli Alston-Stepnitz is a Researcher on the MTRP team where his work focuses on decarbonization and electrification, in particular how new clean technologies interact with social systems, groups, and individuals. He is particularly interested in the ways different technologies intersect with access and equity, and the ways in which the tech, as well as the policies and programs created to support adoption, can be designed to enhance access and reduce disparities.
Western Cooling Efficiency Center, University of California, Davis
Researcher, Market Transformation Research Program
Customer Perspectives on Market Barriers (moderated by Bryce Dias, PG&E)
Eli Alston-Stepnitz is a Researcher on the MTRP team where his work focuses on decarbonization and electrification, in particular how new clean technologies interact with social systems, groups, and individuals. He is particularly interested in the ways different technologies intersect with access and equity, and the ways in which the tech, as well as the policies and programs created to support adoption, can be designed to enhance access and reduce disparities.
Ammi Amarnath
Electric Power Research Institute
Principal Technical Executive
Topic: Industrial Sector and IAW FlexHub (moderated by Kelly Kissock, UC-Davis)
Next-Gen Infrastructure: Navigating the AI Boom in Buildings and Data Centers (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
Ammi Amarnath is a principal technical executive in the Electrification & Sustainable Energy Strategy Sector at EPRI. He works with a team of engineers and scientists in the research, development, and deployment of energy-efficient and demand-responsive grid-edge technologies in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, the energy-water nexus, and related smart, distributed energy resource technologies that connect to the modern grid.
Electric Power Research Institute
Principal Technical Executive
Topic: Industrial Sector and IAW FlexHub (moderated by Kelly Kissock, UC-Davis)
Next-Gen Infrastructure: Navigating the AI Boom in Buildings and Data Centers (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
Ammi Amarnath is a principal technical executive in the Electrification & Sustainable Energy Strategy Sector at EPRI. He works with a team of engineers and scientists in the research, development, and deployment of energy-efficient and demand-responsive grid-edge technologies in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, the energy-water nexus, and related smart, distributed energy resource technologies that connect to the modern grid.
Albert Chiu
PG&E
Product Manager
DRET TBA (moderated by Ivy So, Aptim)
I am a Principle Product Manager in the Integrated Grid Planning and Innovation Department at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). In my 25+ years working in Clean Energy Program, I focus on developing new policies and programs on Virtual Power Plant (VPP), Load Management (LM), Integrated Demand Side Management (IDSM), Energy Efficiency (EE), Demand Response (DR) and Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) for utility customers.
PG&E
Product Manager
DRET TBA (moderated by Ivy So, Aptim)
I am a Principle Product Manager in the Integrated Grid Planning and Innovation Department at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). In my 25+ years working in Clean Energy Program, I focus on developing new policies and programs on Virtual Power Plant (VPP), Load Management (LM), Integrated Demand Side Management (IDSM), Energy Efficiency (EE), Demand Response (DR) and Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) for utility customers.
Emma Conroy
West Monroe
Senior Consultant
Shifting Load Made Easy: Just Add Water (moderated by Kristen Driskell, West Monroe)
Customer Perspectives on Market Barriers (moderated by Bryce Dias, PG&E)
Emma Conroy is a Senior Consultant in the Energy & Utilities demand side management and decarbonization practice at West Monroe. She manages research projects for utilities and the public sector assessing building technologies and energy efficiency measures to support code and standard advancement in California and nationwide. Her current work focuses on single-family electrification and energy efficiency in data centers.
West Monroe
Senior Consultant
Shifting Load Made Easy: Just Add Water (moderated by Kristen Driskell, West Monroe)
Customer Perspectives on Market Barriers (moderated by Bryce Dias, PG&E)
Emma Conroy is a Senior Consultant in the Energy & Utilities demand side management and decarbonization practice at West Monroe. She manages research projects for utilities and the public sector assessing building technologies and energy efficiency measures to support code and standard advancement in California and nationwide. Her current work focuses on single-family electrification and energy efficiency in data centers.
Kelly Cunningham
PG&E
Program Manager, Codes & Standards
Topic: AB130 (moderated by TBA)
Kelly Cunningham currently serves as a program manager on Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Codes and Standards (C&S) team. Her role includes managing the program responsible for the development of C&S enhancement proposals to advance California’s Energy Code, leading the Local Energy Codes program, which offers technical assistance to jurisdictions pursuing energy ordinances, and supporting the evolution of national building energy model codes, including the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1.
PG&E
Program Manager, Codes & Standards
Topic: AB130 (moderated by TBA)
Kelly Cunningham currently serves as a program manager on Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Codes and Standards (C&S) team. Her role includes managing the program responsible for the development of C&S enhancement proposals to advance California’s Energy Code, leading the Local Energy Codes program, which offers technical assistance to jurisdictions pursuing energy ordinances, and supporting the evolution of national building energy model codes, including the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1.
Rajiv Dabir
CEC
Branch Manager, Load Flexibility
Rajiv Dabir is a Clean Energy and Sustainability professional with 25+ years of progressively responsible experience managing P&L, strategy, development, and operations for public and private enterprises. He currently serves as the Branch Manager of the Load Flexibility Branch at the California Energy Commission (CEC), where he leads statewide efforts to advance flexible demand, load management standards, and emerging technologies that support California's clean energy and decarbonization goals.
Moderator of "ESWHs: Opportunities and Challenges".
CEC
Branch Manager, Load Flexibility
Rajiv Dabir is a Clean Energy and Sustainability professional with 25+ years of progressively responsible experience managing P&L, strategy, development, and operations for public and private enterprises. He currently serves as the Branch Manager of the Load Flexibility Branch at the California Energy Commission (CEC), where he leads statewide efforts to advance flexible demand, load management standards, and emerging technologies that support California's clean energy and decarbonization goals.
Moderator of "ESWHs: Opportunities and Challenges".
Michael Deru
National Laboratory of the Rockies
Manager Advanced Building Equipment
Topic: Commercial HVAC (moderated by Jerine Ahmed, SCE)
Michael Deru is the Manager for the Advanced Buildings Equipment Research Group at the National Laboratory of the Rockies. He leads the Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge to develop the next generation of RTUs. He has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University.
National Laboratory of the Rockies
Manager Advanced Building Equipment
Topic: Commercial HVAC (moderated by Jerine Ahmed, SCE)
Michael Deru is the Manager for the Advanced Buildings Equipment Research Group at the National Laboratory of the Rockies. He leads the Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge to develop the next generation of RTUs. He has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University.
Bryce Dias
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Principal Program Manager, Building Electrification & Efficiency Strategy
Bryce Dias is a Principal Program Manager with PG&E's Building Electrification & Efficiency Strategy team, where he helps shape and implement strategies that support California's clean energy transition. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in utility program management, energy efficiency, workforce development, and community engagement, he leads cross-functional efforts to advance electrification, improve customer outcomes, and ensure an equitable and affordable path to decarbonization.
Moderator of "Customer Perspectives on Market Barriers".
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Principal Program Manager, Building Electrification & Efficiency Strategy
Bryce Dias is a Principal Program Manager with PG&E's Building Electrification & Efficiency Strategy team, where he helps shape and implement strategies that support California's clean energy transition. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in utility program management, energy efficiency, workforce development, and community engagement, he leads cross-functional efforts to advance electrification, improve customer outcomes, and ensure an equitable and affordable path to decarbonization.
Moderator of "Customer Perspectives on Market Barriers".
Amy Discher
Southern California Edison (SCE)
Sr. Advisor
Topic: AB130 (moderated by TBA)
Amy has over 18 years of service at Southern California Edison (SCE), Currently, Amy spearheads the Reach Code efforts on SCE's Codes and Standards team. She plays a crucial role in leading the development of various reach codes and building performance standards, driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Southern California Edison (SCE)
Sr. Advisor
Topic: AB130 (moderated by TBA)
Amy has over 18 years of service at Southern California Edison (SCE), Currently, Amy spearheads the Reach Code efforts on SCE's Codes and Standards team. She plays a crucial role in leading the development of various reach codes and building performance standards, driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Kristen Driskell
West Monroe
Director, Energy & Utilities
Kristen Driskell leads client delivery for West Monroe's Demand Side Management and Electrification team, including advocacy, research, strategy, and policy for building codes and appliance standards, energy-efficient technologies, and load flexibility.
Moderator of "Shifting Load Made Easy: Just Add Water".
West Monroe
Director, Energy & Utilities
Kristen Driskell leads client delivery for West Monroe's Demand Side Management and Electrification team, including advocacy, research, strategy, and policy for building codes and appliance standards, energy-efficient technologies, and load flexibility.
Moderator of "Shifting Load Made Easy: Just Add Water".
Amy Droitcour
West Monroe
Manager
Next-Gen Infrastructure: Navigating the AI Boom in Buildings and Data Centers (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
Amy Droitcour is a Manager in West Monroe's Energy & Utilities practice with more than 20 years of experience in engineering research, technical analysis, and project leadership. Her work focuses on energy codes and standards, controlled environment horticulture, data center electrical systems, and distributed energy topics. She previously held leadership roles in deep technology startups and is an inventor on six issued patents and has multiple publications in the field.
West Monroe
Manager
Next-Gen Infrastructure: Navigating the AI Boom in Buildings and Data Centers (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
Amy Droitcour is a Manager in West Monroe's Energy & Utilities practice with more than 20 years of experience in engineering research, technical analysis, and project leadership. Her work focuses on energy codes and standards, controlled environment horticulture, data center electrical systems, and distributed energy topics. She previously held leadership roles in deep technology startups and is an inventor on six issued patents and has multiple publications in the field.
Amy Dryden
Association for Energy Affordability
Senior Director
Topic: Flexible Demand & HPWHs (moderated by TBA)
Amy Dryden is Senior Director of Strategic Innovation at the Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. where she leads the research department focused on decarbonization, indoor air quality and health and advanced energy technologies to address barriers in advancing electrification. She also specializes in new initiatives, business development, and training. With 30+ years experience, Amy works with a diversity of stakeholders to provide healthy affordable housing in a decarbonized future.
Association for Energy Affordability
Senior Director
Topic: Flexible Demand & HPWHs (moderated by TBA)
Amy Dryden is Senior Director of Strategic Innovation at the Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. where she leads the research department focused on decarbonization, indoor air quality and health and advanced energy technologies to address barriers in advancing electrification. She also specializes in new initiatives, business development, and training. With 30+ years experience, Amy works with a diversity of stakeholders to provide healthy affordable housing in a decarbonized future.
Meghan Duff
Association for Energy Affordability
Senior Manager, R&D Projects
The Future of Heat Pumps: Multi-Function and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (moderated by Cheryl Winfield, CARB)
Meghan Duff leads operations development on AEA's R&D team, and manages research studies and pilot projects. For nearly 10 years, she has contributed to 6 CEC EPIC studies focused on opportunities for decarbonization in affordable multifamily retrofits and new builds, in addition to a variety of pilot projects, retrofit technical assistance, and program implementation. Through her work, Meghan strives to achieve energy affordability in housing and make buildings part of the climate solution.
Association for Energy Affordability
Senior Manager, R&D Projects
The Future of Heat Pumps: Multi-Function and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (moderated by Cheryl Winfield, CARB)
Meghan Duff leads operations development on AEA's R&D team, and manages research studies and pilot projects. For nearly 10 years, she has contributed to 6 CEC EPIC studies focused on opportunities for decarbonization in affordable multifamily retrofits and new builds, in addition to a variety of pilot projects, retrofit technical assistance, and program implementation. Through her work, Meghan strives to achieve energy affordability in housing and make buildings part of the climate solution.
Rick Dunn
CalMTA
Sr. Manager, Emerging Technology
Rick Dunn has more than 20 years of experience in market development and market transformation spanning diverse market segments, including industrial, public health, and energy efficiency. Prior to CalMTA, he worked at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, where he was responsible for Building Envelope within the Emerging Technology group. Dunn is a veteran of the US Navy, a former submariner and nuclear engineer, and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.
Moderator of "CalMTA: Market Transformation: Innovation and Leverage to Achieve California’s Decarbonization Goals".
CalMTA
Sr. Manager, Emerging Technology
Rick Dunn has more than 20 years of experience in market development and market transformation spanning diverse market segments, including industrial, public health, and energy efficiency. Prior to CalMTA, he worked at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, where he was responsible for Building Envelope within the Emerging Technology group. Dunn is a veteran of the US Navy, a former submariner and nuclear engineer, and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.
Moderator of "CalMTA: Market Transformation: Innovation and Leverage to Achieve California’s Decarbonization Goals".
Andres Fergadiotti
Southern California Edison
Senior Advisor
ESWHs: Opportunities and Challenges (moderated by Rajiv Dabir, CEC)
Andres is a Professional Mechanical (Energy) Engineer with more than 18 years of experience in whole-building energy performance, energy efficiency, building electrification and decarbonization, residential behavioral programs, and distributed energy resources. He leads evaluation and quality assurance efforts across a diverse portfolio of energy programs and research initiatives.
Southern California Edison
Senior Advisor
ESWHs: Opportunities and Challenges (moderated by Rajiv Dabir, CEC)
Andres is a Professional Mechanical (Energy) Engineer with more than 18 years of experience in whole-building energy performance, energy efficiency, building electrification and decarbonization, residential behavioral programs, and distributed energy resources. He leads evaluation and quality assurance efforts across a diverse portfolio of energy programs and research initiatives.
Benjamin Finkelor
UC Davis Energy & Efficiency Institute
Executive Director
Advancing the Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (moderated by Jonah Steinbuck, CEC)
Ben Finkelor serves as Executive Director for EEI, where he's worked since it was founded in 2006 as the Energy Efficiency Center. During 2022 and 2023, he spent 16 months on-loan to the CA Energy Commission, serving as Chief of Staff for Vice Chair Siva Gunda. Ben earned an MBA from UC Davis, a Corporate Environmental Management certificate from UC Santa Barbara, and a BA from UC San Diego. When offline, he enjoys time with family, backpacking, kayaking, and playing/ coaching ultimate frisbee.
UC Davis Energy & Efficiency Institute
Executive Director
Advancing the Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (moderated by Jonah Steinbuck, CEC)
Ben Finkelor serves as Executive Director for EEI, where he's worked since it was founded in 2006 as the Energy Efficiency Center. During 2022 and 2023, he spent 16 months on-loan to the CA Energy Commission, serving as Chief of Staff for Vice Chair Siva Gunda. Ben earned an MBA from UC Davis, a Corporate Environmental Management certificate from UC Santa Barbara, and a BA from UC San Diego. When offline, he enjoys time with family, backpacking, kayaking, and playing/ coaching ultimate frisbee.
Nick Fiore
San Diego Gas & Electric
Clean Transportation Innovation Manager
Nick Fiore is Innovation Manager, Clean Transportation at San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), where he leads initiatives focused on industry partnerships, emerging technology pilots and research and development efforts across the clean transportation sector including electric vehicle grid integration, managed charging, vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and emerging distributed energy resource technologies.
San Diego Gas & Electric
Clean Transportation Innovation Manager
Nick Fiore is Innovation Manager, Clean Transportation at San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), where he leads initiatives focused on industry partnerships, emerging technology pilots and research and development efforts across the clean transportation sector including electric vehicle grid integration, managed charging, vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and emerging distributed energy resource technologies.
Nick Fiore
California Market Transformation Administrator (CalMTA)
Program Manager
Boost your Buildings Value: Pathway to Commercial Buildings Performance (moderated by Siva Sankaranarayanan, EPRI)
Nick Fiore is a Program Manager at CalMTA, California's market transformation program administrator. Nick manages the Commercial Rooftop Unit (CRTU) and Commercial Building Efficiency Accelerator (CBEA) initiatives that will accelerate market adoption of efficient commercial building technologies and practices and help the State achieve its clean energy goals. CalMTA is a program of the California Public Utilities Commission and is administered by Resource Innovations.
California Market Transformation Administrator (CalMTA)
Program Manager
Boost your Buildings Value: Pathway to Commercial Buildings Performance (moderated by Siva Sankaranarayanan, EPRI)
Nick Fiore is a Program Manager at CalMTA, California's market transformation program administrator. Nick manages the Commercial Rooftop Unit (CRTU) and Commercial Building Efficiency Accelerator (CBEA) initiatives that will accelerate market adoption of efficient commercial building technologies and practices and help the State achieve its clean energy goals. CalMTA is a program of the California Public Utilities Commission and is administered by Resource Innovations.
Eric D. Fournier
California Center for Sustainable Communities (CCSC)
Research Director
Advancing Equitable Building Electrification in California Homes and Buildings (moderated by Aanchal Kohli, CARB)
Eric Daniel Fournier is the Research Director at the California Center for Sustainable Communities (CCSC) within UCLA's Institute for the Environment and Sustainability. Eric's background is in the fields of spatial modeling, life cycle assessment, and energy and water systems analyses. Generally, his work focuses on the application of information technologies, and the quantitative methods that they enable, to the resolution of complex environmental problems.
California Center for Sustainable Communities (CCSC)
Research Director
Advancing Equitable Building Electrification in California Homes and Buildings (moderated by Aanchal Kohli, CARB)
Eric Daniel Fournier is the Research Director at the California Center for Sustainable Communities (CCSC) within UCLA's Institute for the Environment and Sustainability. Eric's background is in the fields of spatial modeling, life cycle assessment, and energy and water systems analyses. Generally, his work focuses on the application of information technologies, and the quantitative methods that they enable, to the resolution of complex environmental problems.
Kyle Garske
West Monroe
Senior Consultant
Shifting Load Made Easy: Just Add Water (moderated by Kristen Driskell, West Monroe)
Kyle Garske, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, is a Senior Consultant II at West Monroe with more than a decade of experience in high-performance building design, energy modeling, and energy codes and standards. He began his career in design and energy analysis at PAE and Affiliated Engineers and now supports California's Code Readiness initiative and serves as a technical reviewer for California Energy Design Assistance, the Statewide New Construction Program.
West Monroe
Senior Consultant
Shifting Load Made Easy: Just Add Water (moderated by Kristen Driskell, West Monroe)
Kyle Garske, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, is a Senior Consultant II at West Monroe with more than a decade of experience in high-performance building design, energy modeling, and energy codes and standards. He began his career in design and energy analysis at PAE and Affiliated Engineers and now supports California's Code Readiness initiative and serves as a technical reviewer for California Energy Design Assistance, the Statewide New Construction Program.
Gina Griffiths Rodda
Gabel Energy
Principal
Topic: AB130 (moderated by TBA)
Gina Griffiths Rodda is currently the Owner of Gabel Energy out of Castro Valley, California, and has been in the energy modeling field since 1991. She is an energy analyst performing a wide range of responsibilities in both residential and nonresidential construction pertaining to compliance standards and energy modeling within the United States. Gina works with Energy Code Ace as a subject matter expert.
Gabel Energy
Principal
Topic: AB130 (moderated by TBA)
Gina Griffiths Rodda is currently the Owner of Gabel Energy out of Castro Valley, California, and has been in the energy modeling field since 1991. She is an energy analyst performing a wide range of responsibilities in both residential and nonresidential construction pertaining to compliance standards and energy modeling within the United States. Gina works with Energy Code Ace as a subject matter expert.
Anoushka Grossheim
ICF
Energy Engineer
Bridging the DHW Gap with Water Heating Technologies (moderated by Steven Long, ICF (GET))
Anoushka Cholakath works as an Energy Engineer at ICF and helps manage projects under the California Statewide Gas Emerging Technologies Program (GET). She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and is pursuing a master’s in energy policy and climate.
Moderator of "Deploying GAHPs in Utility Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons Learned".
ICF
Energy Engineer
Bridging the DHW Gap with Water Heating Technologies (moderated by Steven Long, ICF (GET))
Anoushka Cholakath works as an Energy Engineer at ICF and helps manage projects under the California Statewide Gas Emerging Technologies Program (GET). She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and is pursuing a master’s in energy policy and climate.
Moderator of "Deploying GAHPs in Utility Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons Learned".
Aleecia Gutierrez
CEC
Director, Energy Assessment Division
Aleecia Gutierrez has been with the California Energy Commission since 2007, working in a variety of programs to advance clean energy technologies. Aleecia is the Director of the CEC's Energy Assessments Division, the division responsible for the state's energy demand forecast, analyzing energy trends, and long-term energy planning efforts to support California transition to a clean energy future.
Moderator of "Data-Driven Decarbonization".
CEC
Director, Energy Assessment Division
Aleecia Gutierrez has been with the California Energy Commission since 2007, working in a variety of programs to advance clean energy technologies. Aleecia is the Director of the CEC's Energy Assessments Division, the division responsible for the state's energy demand forecast, analyzing energy trends, and long-term energy planning efforts to support California transition to a clean energy future.
Moderator of "Data-Driven Decarbonization".
Randall Higa
Southern California Edison
Consulting Engineer
Data-Driven Decarbonization (moderated by Aleecia Gutierrez, CEC)
Randall Higa is the Codes and Standards Program consulting engineer at Southern California Edison (SCE). Higa is also involved with the building and appliance energy codes that include both code development and compliance improvement. Prior to SCE, Higa worked at Sempra Energy Utilities, managing customer programs, regulatory proceedings, and energy efficiency programs. He began his engineering and architectural career at CTG Engineers and Albert C. Martin and Associates.
Southern California Edison
Consulting Engineer
Data-Driven Decarbonization (moderated by Aleecia Gutierrez, CEC)
Randall Higa is the Codes and Standards Program consulting engineer at Southern California Edison (SCE). Higa is also involved with the building and appliance energy codes that include both code development and compliance improvement. Prior to SCE, Higa worked at Sempra Energy Utilities, managing customer programs, regulatory proceedings, and energy efficiency programs. He began his engineering and architectural career at CTG Engineers and Albert C. Martin and Associates.
Scott Higa
Southern California Edison
Senior Project Manager, Codes and Standards
Topic: Flexible Demand & HPWHs (moderated by TBA)
Scott Higa is a senior project manager in the Building Electrification Codes and Standards Team and is the planning and coordination program manager. Higa has extensive experience managing energy efficiency and decarbonization programs and projects for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. With his expertise in process optimization and program strategy, he has streamlined program design, improved customer service, and achieved significant milestones in decarbonization programs.
Southern California Edison
Senior Project Manager, Codes and Standards
Topic: Flexible Demand & HPWHs (moderated by TBA)
Scott Higa is a senior project manager in the Building Electrification Codes and Standards Team and is the planning and coordination program manager. Higa has extensive experience managing energy efficiency and decarbonization programs and projects for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. With his expertise in process optimization and program strategy, he has streamlined program design, improved customer service, and achieved significant milestones in decarbonization programs.
Denver Hinds
SMUD
R&D Load Flexibility Supervisor
DRET TBA (moderated by Ivy So, Aptim)
Denver Hinds manages load flexibility and DER integration research and development for pilots and programs at SMUD. Since 2012 he has been expanding customer participation at the grid edge, through intelligent orchestration of flexible systems. He collaborates across SMUD departments and industry alliances to advance the use of communication and protocol standards harmonized with grid and customer use cases for grid harmonization of battery energy storage, electric vehicle charging, and smart appliances.
SMUD
R&D Load Flexibility Supervisor
DRET TBA (moderated by Ivy So, Aptim)
Denver Hinds manages load flexibility and DER integration research and development for pilots and programs at SMUD. Since 2012 he has been expanding customer participation at the grid edge, through intelligent orchestration of flexible systems. He collaborates across SMUD departments and industry alliances to advance the use of communication and protocol standards harmonized with grid and customer use cases for grid harmonization of battery energy storage, electric vehicle charging, and smart appliances.
Edwin Hornquist
EPRI
Sr Principal Team Leader
Topic: Flexible Demand & HPWHs (moderated by TBA)
Edwin Hornquist is a Principal Technical Leader at EPRI in the Electrification and Customer Solutions organization. Prior to joining EPRI, he led the Statewide Electric Emerging Technologies Program at Southern California Edison. His 30-plus-year career spans utilities and non-utility experience focusing on energy efficiency, demand management, advanced meter data acquisition systems, and supply-side resource planning. He is a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in business administration.
EPRI
Sr Principal Team Leader
Topic: Flexible Demand & HPWHs (moderated by TBA)
Edwin Hornquist is a Principal Technical Leader at EPRI in the Electrification and Customer Solutions organization. Prior to joining EPRI, he led the Statewide Electric Emerging Technologies Program at Southern California Edison. His 30-plus-year career spans utilities and non-utility experience focusing on energy efficiency, demand management, advanced meter data acquisition systems, and supply-side resource planning. He is a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in business administration.
Yu Hou
California Energy Commission
Manager
Advancing Equitable Building Electrification in California Homes and Buildings (moderated by Aanchal Kohli, CARB)
Yu Hou is a supervisor at the California Energy Commission, where he leads a diverse team of scientists and engineers in administering research programs focused on building decarbonization technology. Hou’s work involves overseeing the evaluation of building efficiency and decarbonization research technologies as well as guiding energy policies and planning.
California Energy Commission
Manager
Advancing Equitable Building Electrification in California Homes and Buildings (moderated by Aanchal Kohli, CARB)
Yu Hou is a supervisor at the California Energy Commission, where he leads a diverse team of scientists and engineers in administering research programs focused on building decarbonization technology. Hou’s work involves overseeing the evaluation of building efficiency and decarbonization research technologies as well as guiding energy policies and planning.
Adam Jue
ProspectSV
Project Manager
The Future of Heat Pumps: Multi-Function and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (moderated by Cheryl Winfield, CARB)
Adam Jue is a Project Manager at ProspectSV, a nonprofit organization bridging emerging technology to meet decarbonization goals. He manages projects moving next-generation building technologies from pilot to practice, focusing on natural, low-GWP refrigerant heat pumps, including CO2 (R-744) systems in commercial, cold storage, and multifamily applications. He translates research and field data into resources for engineers, operators, and other building industry professionals.
ProspectSV
Project Manager
The Future of Heat Pumps: Multi-Function and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (moderated by Cheryl Winfield, CARB)
Adam Jue is a Project Manager at ProspectSV, a nonprofit organization bridging emerging technology to meet decarbonization goals. He manages projects moving next-generation building technologies from pilot to practice, focusing on natural, low-GWP refrigerant heat pumps, including CO2 (R-744) systems in commercial, cold storage, and multifamily applications. He translates research and field data into resources for engineers, operators, and other building industry professionals.
Akane Karasawa
CEO and Principal Engineer
ASK Energy, Inc.
CalNEXT: Connecting Emerging Technologies to the EE Portfolio (moderated by Abhijeet Pande, TRC)
Akane Karasawa is CEO and principal engineer at ASK Energy and is responsible for advancing the company's mission to empower a smarter, more sustainable energy future by delivering innovative solutions that solve complex challenges for clients and communities. With over a decade of hands-on experience conducting field tests for emerging technology studies, she brings practical insight into how new solutions perform in real-world environments.
CEO and Principal Engineer
ASK Energy, Inc.
CalNEXT: Connecting Emerging Technologies to the EE Portfolio (moderated by Abhijeet Pande, TRC)
Akane Karasawa is CEO and principal engineer at ASK Energy and is responsible for advancing the company's mission to empower a smarter, more sustainable energy future by delivering innovative solutions that solve complex challenges for clients and communities. With over a decade of hands-on experience conducting field tests for emerging technology studies, she brings practical insight into how new solutions perform in real-world environments.
Ryan Kerr
GTI Energy
Director, Emerging Technologies
Topic: Dual Fuels (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Ryan Kerr leads business development strategy and execution for a $25 million-plus RD&D business unit investigating energy efficiency, renewable energy and fuels, and carbon capture in buildings and industry. Kerr founded and continues to lead GTI Energy’s Emerging Technology Program, a collaborative of more than thirty North American utilities working to identify, develop, and deploy emerging decarbonization technologies. Kerr is an advisor to the California Energy Transition Council and a director of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
GTI Energy
Director, Emerging Technologies
Topic: Dual Fuels (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Ryan Kerr leads business development strategy and execution for a $25 million-plus RD&D business unit investigating energy efficiency, renewable energy and fuels, and carbon capture in buildings and industry. Kerr founded and continues to lead GTI Energy’s Emerging Technology Program, a collaborative of more than thirty North American utilities working to identify, develop, and deploy emerging decarbonization technologies. Kerr is an advisor to the California Energy Transition Council and a director of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
Amruta Khanolkar
EnegiX Innovations
Founder and Principal
Topic: Load Balancing with EVs (moderated by Nick Fiore, SDG&E)
Amruta Khanolkar has more than 20 years of experience in the building industry across private and nonprofit sectors. She has deep technical expertise in decarbonization, net-zero energy design and demand-response management. She was a co-founder of Advanced Water Heating Initiative, a national effort to accelerate transition to low-carbon water heating solutions. In 2026, she founded EnergiX Innovations with a goal to continue pushing the energy efficiency & decarbonization industry forward.
EnegiX Innovations
Founder and Principal
Topic: Load Balancing with EVs (moderated by Nick Fiore, SDG&E)
Amruta Khanolkar has more than 20 years of experience in the building industry across private and nonprofit sectors. She has deep technical expertise in decarbonization, net-zero energy design and demand-response management. She was a co-founder of Advanced Water Heating Initiative, a national effort to accelerate transition to low-carbon water heating solutions. In 2026, she founded EnergiX Innovations with a goal to continue pushing the energy efficiency & decarbonization industry forward.
Charles Kim
Southern California Edison
Sr. Engineer
Addressing California's Affordable Building Crisis from a Holistic (Operational and Embodied Carbon) Perspective (moderated by Derek Okada, Energy Solutions)
Topic: Load Balancing with EVs (moderated by Nick Fiore, SDG&E)
Charles Kim is a senior engineer at Southern California Edison with over 30 years of experience in the energy and utility industries. He has provided his services to electric utilities and state and federal agencies. Currently, Kim serves as a program manager, overseeing the building and appliance standards advocacy program as well as various cross-cutting technologies in energy efficiency, flexible demand, and sustainable energy solutions.
Southern California Edison
Sr. Engineer
Addressing California's Affordable Building Crisis from a Holistic (Operational and Embodied Carbon) Perspective (moderated by Derek Okada, Energy Solutions)
Topic: Load Balancing with EVs (moderated by Nick Fiore, SDG&E)
Charles Kim is a senior engineer at Southern California Edison with over 30 years of experience in the energy and utility industries. He has provided his services to electric utilities and state and federal agencies. Currently, Kim serves as a program manager, overseeing the building and appliance standards advocacy program as well as various cross-cutting technologies in energy efficiency, flexible demand, and sustainable energy solutions.
Eric Kirchhoff
SoCalGas
Manager, Clean EE Strategies
Eric Kirchhoff’s extensive experience and innovative contributions to the building and energy engineering sector are commendable. His leadership in managing teams and his strategic energy efficiency role showcase his multifaceted expertise. His work with SoCalGas and presentations to notable engineering organizations highlight his commitment to advancing the industry. Kirchhoff’s blend of creativity and practical engineering solutions continues to shape the future of energy efficiency.
SoCalGas
Manager, Clean EE Strategies
Eric Kirchhoff’s extensive experience and innovative contributions to the building and energy engineering sector are commendable. His leadership in managing teams and his strategic energy efficiency role showcase his multifaceted expertise. His work with SoCalGas and presentations to notable engineering organizations highlight his commitment to advancing the industry. Kirchhoff’s blend of creativity and practical engineering solutions continues to shape the future of energy efficiency.
Aanchal Kohli
California Air Resources Board
Air Resources Supervisor
Dr. Aanchal Kohli leads the development of innovative policies and regulations to reduce emissions of fluorinated gases, particularly hydrofluorocarbons from the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors. Kohli’s team manages the largest incentive program nationwide to reduce fluorinated gases, totaling $66 million. Kohli has a doctorate in environmental science and engineering and a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Moderator of "Advancing Equitable Building Electrification in California Homes and Buildings".
California Air Resources Board
Air Resources Supervisor
Dr. Aanchal Kohli leads the development of innovative policies and regulations to reduce emissions of fluorinated gases, particularly hydrofluorocarbons from the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors. Kohli’s team manages the largest incentive program nationwide to reduce fluorinated gases, totaling $66 million. Kohli has a doctorate in environmental science and engineering and a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Moderator of "Advancing Equitable Building Electrification in California Homes and Buildings".
Paul Kuck
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Senior Staff Engineer
CalNEXT: Connecting Emerging Technologies to the EE Portfolio (moderated by Abhijeet Pande, TRC)
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Senior Staff Engineer
CalNEXT: Connecting Emerging Technologies to the EE Portfolio (moderated by Abhijeet Pande, TRC)
G. P. Li
CalPlug, UC Irvine
Director
Advancing the Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (moderated by Jonah Steinbuck, CEC)
Dr. G. P. Li is a distinguished Electrical Engineering and Computer Science professor at the University of California, Irvine. He serves as director of California Plug Load Research Center (CalPlug), which researches and develops solutions for improving flexible demand plug and process loads' energy efficiency and their active management. Dr. Li holds 40 U.S. patents and has published more than 440 research papers including physical AI for efficient energy utilization and manufacturing.
CalPlug, UC Irvine
Director
Advancing the Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (moderated by Jonah Steinbuck, CEC)
Dr. G. P. Li is a distinguished Electrical Engineering and Computer Science professor at the University of California, Irvine. He serves as director of California Plug Load Research Center (CalPlug), which researches and develops solutions for improving flexible demand plug and process loads' energy efficiency and their active management. Dr. Li holds 40 U.S. patents and has published more than 440 research papers including physical AI for efficient energy utilization and manufacturing.
James Linwood Haile, P.E.
Frontier Energy Inc.
Senior Engineer
Shifting Load Made Easy: Just Add Water (moderated by Kristen Driskell, West Monroe)
James Linwood Haile, P.E. has conducted building science research since 2008. His primary focus is electrification and decarbonization solutions that respect the holistic nature and relationship of the building and its occupants, which have included heat pumps (all kinds), hydronics, radiant delivery, water heating, energy storage, and more. He leads field and lab projects conducted out of Frontier Energy's Building Science Research Laboratory in Davis, CA and the Central Valley Research Homes.
Frontier Energy Inc.
Senior Engineer
Shifting Load Made Easy: Just Add Water (moderated by Kristen Driskell, West Monroe)
James Linwood Haile, P.E. has conducted building science research since 2008. His primary focus is electrification and decarbonization solutions that respect the holistic nature and relationship of the building and its occupants, which have included heat pumps (all kinds), hydronics, radiant delivery, water heating, energy storage, and more. He leads field and lab projects conducted out of Frontier Energy's Building Science Research Laboratory in Davis, CA and the Central Valley Research Homes.
Jordan Litwin
SoCalGas
Program Manager, Emerging Technology
Jordan Litwin is the Program Manager of the Statewide Energy Efficiency Emerging Technologies program at SoCalGas. Jordan began his journey with the company as an intern and has now been with SoCalGas for ten years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and brings a strong passion for innovative and emerging technologies to his work.
Moderator of "Heat Pump Performance in California: A Comparison Study for Fuel-Fired Water Heating Applications".
SoCalGas
Program Manager, Emerging Technology
Jordan Litwin is the Program Manager of the Statewide Energy Efficiency Emerging Technologies program at SoCalGas. Jordan began his journey with the company as an intern and has now been with SoCalGas for ten years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and brings a strong passion for innovative and emerging technologies to his work.
Moderator of "Heat Pump Performance in California: A Comparison Study for Fuel-Fired Water Heating Applications".
Bing Liu
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Director of Buildings & Industrial Programs
Boost your Buildings Value: Pathway to Commercial Buildings Performance (moderated by Siva Sankaranarayanan, EPRI)
Bing Liu provides visionary leadership at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, guiding teams in building and industrial energy innovation. She oversees diverse programs for the U.S. Department of Energy, advancing cutting-edge technology research, facilitating lab-to-market testing and validation, and integrating policies through codes and appliance standards. Bing’s comprehensive approach ensures impactful progress across a dynamic portfolio dedicated to sustainable solutions.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Director of Buildings & Industrial Programs
Boost your Buildings Value: Pathway to Commercial Buildings Performance (moderated by Siva Sankaranarayanan, EPRI)
Bing Liu provides visionary leadership at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, guiding teams in building and industrial energy innovation. She oversees diverse programs for the U.S. Department of Energy, advancing cutting-edge technology research, facilitating lab-to-market testing and validation, and integrating policies through codes and appliance standards. Bing’s comprehensive approach ensures impactful progress across a dynamic portfolio dedicated to sustainable solutions.
Steven Long
ICF (GasET)
Director of Engineering
Steven Long has over 30 years of experience in energy efficiency (EE), including work in research, project development, measurement and verification, engineering, policy, commissioning, retro-commissioning, controls programming, web-based monitoring, solar water heating, and whole building simulation. He currently oversees a group of engineers that support multiple EE programs in the western US. Long is the technical lead for the California Statewide Gas Emerging Technologies Program (GET).
Moderator of "Bridging the DHW Gap with Water Heating Technologies".
ICF (GasET)
Director of Engineering
Steven Long has over 30 years of experience in energy efficiency (EE), including work in research, project development, measurement and verification, engineering, policy, commissioning, retro-commissioning, controls programming, web-based monitoring, solar water heating, and whole building simulation. He currently oversees a group of engineers that support multiple EE programs in the western US. Long is the technical lead for the California Statewide Gas Emerging Technologies Program (GET).
Moderator of "Bridging the DHW Gap with Water Heating Technologies".
Jenny Low
POWER Group
Director
Advancing Equitable Building Electrification in California Homes and Buildings (moderated by Aanchal Kohli, CARB)
Jenny Low values communication and relationships and believes that one of the best ways to tackle complex problems is by building strong connections. She holds a master’s degree in environmental science and management from the Bren School at University of California, Santa Barbara, and a bachelor’s in integrative biology from University of California, Berkeley. At Build It Green, she has been supporting and leading efforts to address intersectional issues of sustainability, affordability, and equity through collaborations like the POWER group.
POWER Group
Director
Advancing Equitable Building Electrification in California Homes and Buildings (moderated by Aanchal Kohli, CARB)
Jenny Low values communication and relationships and believes that one of the best ways to tackle complex problems is by building strong connections. She holds a master’s degree in environmental science and management from the Bren School at University of California, Santa Barbara, and a bachelor’s in integrative biology from University of California, Berkeley. At Build It Green, she has been supporting and leading efforts to address intersectional issues of sustainability, affordability, and equity through collaborations like the POWER group.
Christopher Malotte
Southern California Edison
Sr. Manager of Codes and Standards
Christopher Malotte is Senior Manager of Energy Efficiency Codes and Standards at Southern California Edison, where he leads a multidisciplinary team advancing building and appliance efficiency standards, decarbonization strategies, and energy policy development at the federal, state, and local levels. Chris has experience in energy, utility planning, regulatory policy, and has led innovative initiatives. Chris has an MS in Alternative Energy from ASU and a BS in Physics from UCSD.
Southern California Edison
Sr. Manager of Codes and Standards
Christopher Malotte is Senior Manager of Energy Efficiency Codes and Standards at Southern California Edison, where he leads a multidisciplinary team advancing building and appliance efficiency standards, decarbonization strategies, and energy policy development at the federal, state, and local levels. Chris has experience in energy, utility planning, regulatory policy, and has led innovative initiatives. Chris has an MS in Alternative Energy from ASU and a BS in Physics from UCSD.
J. Andrew McAllister, PhD
California Energy Commission
Commissioner
Plenary TBA (moderated by Yu Hou, CEC)
Andrew McAllister is serving his third term on the California Energy Commission, where he leads the policy area of energy efficiency, including Building Energy Efficiency Standards, appliance efficiency, and load management and flexibility. More broadly, he is focused on enabling modern, data-rich analytical tools to support strong clean energy policy development and program implementation. McAllister is a board member and immediate past board chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and a board member of the Alliance to Save Energy. Before joining the CEC, he was managing director at the California Center for Sustainable Energy.
California Energy Commission
Commissioner
Plenary TBA (moderated by Yu Hou, CEC)
Andrew McAllister is serving his third term on the California Energy Commission, where he leads the policy area of energy efficiency, including Building Energy Efficiency Standards, appliance efficiency, and load management and flexibility. More broadly, he is focused on enabling modern, data-rich analytical tools to support strong clean energy policy development and program implementation. McAllister is a board member and immediate past board chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and a board member of the Alliance to Save Energy. Before joining the CEC, he was managing director at the California Center for Sustainable Energy.
Jeff Mitchell
Resource Innovations (CalMTA)
Principal, Market Transformation
CalMTA: Market Transformation: Innovation and Leverage to Achieve California’s Decarbonization Goals (moderated by Rick Dunn, Resource Innovations (CalMTA))
Jeff Mitchell has over 20 years of energy experience and 10 years of direct market transformation experience working in the utility, consulting, and nonprofit sectors. At Resource Innovations, he leads the identification and implementation of market transformation initiatives. He has a background in evaluating emerging technologies, designing innovative programs, conducting market research, and engaging in the voluntary and federal standards process.
Resource Innovations (CalMTA)
Principal, Market Transformation
CalMTA: Market Transformation: Innovation and Leverage to Achieve California’s Decarbonization Goals (moderated by Rick Dunn, Resource Innovations (CalMTA))
Jeff Mitchell has over 20 years of energy experience and 10 years of direct market transformation experience working in the utility, consulting, and nonprofit sectors. At Resource Innovations, he leads the identification and implementation of market transformation initiatives. He has a background in evaluating emerging technologies, designing innovative programs, conducting market research, and engaging in the voluntary and federal standards process.
Ram Narayanamurthy
CEC
Program Manager, Existing Buildings
Topic: Dual Fuels (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Ram Narayanamurthy has more than two decades of experience in development and deployment of building technologies. His research work extends to the identification of technologies that overcome infrastructure and cost barriers to decarbonization retrofits, such as low-power heat pumps and heat pump water heaters that can help scale deployments. Narayanamurthy has also worked extensively with the California Energy Commission and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Moderator of "How Low Can You Go? Refrigerant Limbo!".
CEC
Program Manager, Existing Buildings
Topic: Dual Fuels (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Ram Narayanamurthy has more than two decades of experience in development and deployment of building technologies. His research work extends to the identification of technologies that overcome infrastructure and cost barriers to decarbonization retrofits, such as low-power heat pumps and heat pump water heaters that can help scale deployments. Narayanamurthy has also worked extensively with the California Energy Commission and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Moderator of "How Low Can You Go? Refrigerant Limbo!".
Derek Okada
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Senior Fellow
Derek Okada is a senior fellow with Energy Solutions’ Business Strategy Team. Okada has worked in the demand-side management (DSM) industry for the past 14 years, leading teams in energy efficiency program operations for the commercial, industrial, agricultural, and public sectors as well as leading a DSM strategy team at Southern California Edison. He has also served as a board member for NASEMC and AESP (national and California chapter). He has a BA from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MA from The University of Chicago.
Moderator of "Addressing California's Affordable Building Crisis from a Holistic (Operational and Embodied Carbon) Perspective".
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Senior Fellow
Derek Okada is a senior fellow with Energy Solutions’ Business Strategy Team. Okada has worked in the demand-side management (DSM) industry for the past 14 years, leading teams in energy efficiency program operations for the commercial, industrial, agricultural, and public sectors as well as leading a DSM strategy team at Southern California Edison. He has also served as a board member for NASEMC and AESP (national and California chapter). He has a BA from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MA from The University of Chicago.
Moderator of "Addressing California's Affordable Building Crisis from a Holistic (Operational and Embodied Carbon) Perspective".
Abhijeet Pande
TRC
Vice President, Research and Consulting
Mr. Pande leads TRC's Research and Consulting group, where he leads a team of researchers, consultants and analysts who provide objective data-driven solutions to clients ranging from utilities, regulators, cities and local governments, community choice aggregators, research institutes and state and federal agencies. Mr. Pande oversees a portfolio of projects and programs related to commercialization, Tech-to-Market initiatives, market assessments, evaluations and codes and standards.
Moderator of "CalNEXT: Connecting Emerging Technologies to the EE Portfolio".
TRC
Vice President, Research and Consulting
Mr. Pande leads TRC's Research and Consulting group, where he leads a team of researchers, consultants and analysts who provide objective data-driven solutions to clients ranging from utilities, regulators, cities and local governments, community choice aggregators, research institutes and state and federal agencies. Mr. Pande oversees a portfolio of projects and programs related to commercialization, Tech-to-Market initiatives, market assessments, evaluations and codes and standards.
Moderator of "CalNEXT: Connecting Emerging Technologies to the EE Portfolio".
Paul Raftery
Center for the Built Environment, University of California Berkeley
Professional Researcher
How Low Can You Go? Refrigerant Limbo! (moderated by Ram Narayanamurthy, CEC)
Paul Raftery PhD., Fulbright Fellow, is a Professional Researcher at the Center for the Built Environment at UC Berkeley. He has two decades of experience in HVAC engineering, building decarbonization, simulation, and technology development. His goal is to help reduce emissions from buildings while improving indoor environmental quality. He is currently leading a CEC research project to reduce emissions from existing large buildings using ultra-low global warming potential refrigerant equipment.
Center for the Built Environment, University of California Berkeley
Professional Researcher
How Low Can You Go? Refrigerant Limbo! (moderated by Ram Narayanamurthy, CEC)
Paul Raftery PhD., Fulbright Fellow, is a Professional Researcher at the Center for the Built Environment at UC Berkeley. He has two decades of experience in HVAC engineering, building decarbonization, simulation, and technology development. His goal is to help reduce emissions from buildings while improving indoor environmental quality. He is currently leading a CEC research project to reduce emissions from existing large buildings using ultra-low global warming potential refrigerant equipment.
Siva Sankaranarayanan
EPRI
Principal Technical Leader
Siva Sankaranarayanan is a Principal Technical Leader at EPRI with more than 20 years of experience in data analytics, energy systems, and technology innovation. He leads initiatives that leverage advanced analytics and scalable solutions to support the transformation of the energy industry.
Moderator of "Boost your Buildings Value: Pathway to Commercial Buildings Performance".
EPRI
Principal Technical Leader
Siva Sankaranarayanan is a Principal Technical Leader at EPRI with more than 20 years of experience in data analytics, energy systems, and technology innovation. He leads initiatives that leverage advanced analytics and scalable solutions to support the transformation of the energy industry.
Moderator of "Boost your Buildings Value: Pathway to Commercial Buildings Performance".
JoAnna Saunders
California Energy Commission
Building Performance Specialist
Boost your Buildings Value: Pathway to Commercial Buildings Performance (moderated by Siva Sankaranarayanan, EPRI)
JoAnna Saunders is a Building Performance Specialist with the California Energy Commission focused on the implementation of the existing statewide energy benchmarking law and development of a statewide building performance strategy. Prior to joining the CEC, she worked in Washington, DC for 7 years for the local DC Department of Energy and Environment on their benchmarking and building energy performance standards programs. She has a background in environmental policy and energy efficiency.
California Energy Commission
Building Performance Specialist
Boost your Buildings Value: Pathway to Commercial Buildings Performance (moderated by Siva Sankaranarayanan, EPRI)
JoAnna Saunders is a Building Performance Specialist with the California Energy Commission focused on the implementation of the existing statewide energy benchmarking law and development of a statewide building performance strategy. Prior to joining the CEC, she worked in Washington, DC for 7 years for the local DC Department of Energy and Environment on their benchmarking and building energy performance standards programs. She has a background in environmental policy and energy efficiency.
Mudit Saxena
XeroHome
CEO & Founder
Next-Gen Infrastructure: Navigating the AI Boom in Buildings and Data Centers (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
Mr. Mudit Saxena is the CEO and Founder of XeroHome, a building energy modeling-based application for residential energy retrofits. Mr. Saxena holds a master’s degree in architecture and building science. His work has focused on developing tools and providing technical consulting for clients such as utilities, national labs and the California Energy Commission on building energy. He has over 20 years of experience as an energy efficiency consultant and his company is based in Sacramento, CA.
XeroHome
CEO & Founder
Next-Gen Infrastructure: Navigating the AI Boom in Buildings and Data Centers (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
Mr. Mudit Saxena is the CEO and Founder of XeroHome, a building energy modeling-based application for residential energy retrofits. Mr. Saxena holds a master’s degree in architecture and building science. His work has focused on developing tools and providing technical consulting for clients such as utilities, national labs and the California Energy Commission on building energy. He has over 20 years of experience as an energy efficiency consultant and his company is based in Sacramento, CA.
Annalisa Schilla, Ph.D.
California Air Resources Board
Chief, Sustainable Transportation & Communities Division
Welcome & Opening Panel, "Affordability in the Transition to California’s 2045 Energy Market" (moderated by Will Vicent, CEC)
Annalisa Schilla, Ph.D., is the Chief of the Sustainable Transportation & Communities Division at the California Air Resources Board. In this role, Annalisa oversees a multi-disciplinary team that integrates research, planning, and policy focused on land use, building decarbonization, and climate investments with the goal of fostering sustainable, equitable communities.
California Air Resources Board
Chief, Sustainable Transportation & Communities Division
Welcome & Opening Panel, "Affordability in the Transition to California’s 2045 Energy Market" (moderated by Will Vicent, CEC)
Annalisa Schilla, Ph.D., is the Chief of the Sustainable Transportation & Communities Division at the California Air Resources Board. In this role, Annalisa oversees a multi-disciplinary team that integrates research, planning, and policy focused on land use, building decarbonization, and climate investments with the goal of fostering sustainable, equitable communities.
Hardik Shah
GTI Energy
Manager, Technical Programs
Heat Pump Performance in California: A Comparison Study for Fuel-Fired Water Heating Applications (moderated by Jordan Litwin, SoCalGas)
Hardik Shah has over a decade of experience with end-to-end product development and evaluation in energy efficiency, renewable, and industrial sectors. His GTI Energy’s End Use R&D group has led industry and government development and demonstration programs including execution and has also led data analysis across all end-use types, including buildings, industry, and vehicles. He co-leads the Buildings R&D business unit, securing, overseeing, and performing buildings and industrial R&D programs. His background includes integrated energy systems, industrial applications, and commercial buildings.
GTI Energy
Manager, Technical Programs
Heat Pump Performance in California: A Comparison Study for Fuel-Fired Water Heating Applications (moderated by Jordan Litwin, SoCalGas)
Hardik Shah has over a decade of experience with end-to-end product development and evaluation in energy efficiency, renewable, and industrial sectors. His GTI Energy’s End Use R&D group has led industry and government development and demonstration programs including execution and has also led data analysis across all end-use types, including buildings, industry, and vehicles. He co-leads the Buildings R&D business unit, securing, overseeing, and performing buildings and industrial R&D programs. His background includes integrated energy systems, industrial applications, and commercial buildings.
Isaac Smith
Center for Energy and Environment
Director of Market Transformation Technologies
CalMTA: Market Transformation: Innovation and Leverage to Achieve California’s Decarbonization Goals (moderated by Rick Dunn, Resource Innovations (CalMTA))
As the Director of Market Transformation Technologies, Isaac leads the development of emerging tech initiatives within Minnesota's Efficient Technology Accelerator and oversees CEE's energy code work. With 15+ years of experience in the energy efficiency industry, Isaac has designed innovative efficiency programs, developed contractor training, and collaborated with CEE's research department on emerging tech research nationwide.
Center for Energy and Environment
Director of Market Transformation Technologies
CalMTA: Market Transformation: Innovation and Leverage to Achieve California’s Decarbonization Goals (moderated by Rick Dunn, Resource Innovations (CalMTA))
As the Director of Market Transformation Technologies, Isaac leads the development of emerging tech initiatives within Minnesota's Efficient Technology Accelerator and oversees CEE's energy code work. With 15+ years of experience in the energy efficiency industry, Isaac has designed innovative efficiency programs, developed contractor training, and collaborated with CEE's research department on emerging tech research nationwide.
Mike Smith
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Senior Manager, Emerging Technology
CalMTA: Market Transformation: Innovation and Leverage to Achieve California’s Decarbonization Goals (moderated by Rick Dunn, Resource Innovations (CalMTA))
Mike Smith, PE, is the Senior Manager of the Emerging Technology portfolio at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), where he leads a team of Product Managers responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing emerging technologies across the Northwest. His team develops market transformation strategies that bring together manufacturers, utilities, research organizations, and other industry partners to advance the commercialization and adoption of energy-efficient products.
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Senior Manager, Emerging Technology
CalMTA: Market Transformation: Innovation and Leverage to Achieve California’s Decarbonization Goals (moderated by Rick Dunn, Resource Innovations (CalMTA))
Mike Smith, PE, is the Senior Manager of the Emerging Technology portfolio at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), where he leads a team of Product Managers responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing emerging technologies across the Northwest. His team develops market transformation strategies that bring together manufacturers, utilities, research organizations, and other industry partners to advance the commercialization and adoption of energy-efficient products.
Ivy So
APTIM
Program Manager
Ivy So is a program manager and leads California's Demand Response Emerging Technologies (DRET) Collaborative. So provides expertise in demand response (DR), distributed energy resources (DER), and load management as well as emerging technology implementation with APTIM’s Energy Transition unit. Recent work includes determining market potential for DERs, engineering services for DR pilots, and crafting cost-effectiveness frameworks for demand flexibility.
APTIM
Program Manager
Ivy So is a program manager and leads California's Demand Response Emerging Technologies (DRET) Collaborative. So provides expertise in demand response (DR), distributed energy resources (DER), and load management as well as emerging technology implementation with APTIM’s Energy Transition unit. Recent work includes determining market potential for DERs, engineering services for DR pilots, and crafting cost-effectiveness frameworks for demand flexibility.
Jeff Staller
West Monroe
Principal
Customer Perspectives on Market Barriers (moderated by Bryce Dias, PG&E)
Jeff is an energy management professional with almost 30 years of varied experience and responsibility in consulting and research related to energy efficiency, code and standards, and utility programs. He strives to apply a balance of subject matter expertise and technical skills, grounded optimism, with project management experience to provide actionable advice to clients.
West Monroe
Principal
Customer Perspectives on Market Barriers (moderated by Bryce Dias, PG&E)
Jeff is an energy management professional with almost 30 years of varied experience and responsibility in consulting and research related to energy efficiency, code and standards, and utility programs. He strives to apply a balance of subject matter expertise and technical skills, grounded optimism, with project management experience to provide actionable advice to clients.
Jonah Steinbuck
California Energy Commission
Director, R&D Division
Jonah Steinbuck is the director of the California Energy Commission's R&D Division. The division manages technology innovation programs that accelerate progress towards a clean energy economy. Before joining the Energy Commission, he worked on climate and clean energy policies and initiatives in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Energy, the American Meteorological Society, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Moderator of "Advancing the Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships".
California Energy Commission
Director, R&D Division
Jonah Steinbuck is the director of the California Energy Commission's R&D Division. The division manages technology innovation programs that accelerate progress towards a clean energy economy. Before joining the Energy Commission, he worked on climate and clean energy policies and initiatives in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Energy, the American Meteorological Society, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Moderator of "Advancing the Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships".
Madeline Talebi
ICF
Energy Engineer
Heat Pump Performance in California: A Comparison Study for Fuel-Fired Water Heating Applications (moderated by Jordan Litwin, SoCalGas)
In my role as an Energy Engineer at ICF, a global advisory and consulting firm, I support various California and west coast utility company energy efficiency implementation programs including deemed CA measure support, emerging technology studies, and GHG inventory development. Prior to joining ICF, I worked as a researcher on small scale laboratory experiments and computational modeling projects primarily based on carbon capture technologies, pollutant emissions control, and material sciences.
ICF
Energy Engineer
Heat Pump Performance in California: A Comparison Study for Fuel-Fired Water Heating Applications (moderated by Jordan Litwin, SoCalGas)
In my role as an Energy Engineer at ICF, a global advisory and consulting firm, I support various California and west coast utility company energy efficiency implementation programs including deemed CA measure support, emerging technology studies, and GHG inventory development. Prior to joining ICF, I worked as a researcher on small scale laboratory experiments and computational modeling projects primarily based on carbon capture technologies, pollutant emissions control, and material sciences.
Aaron Tam
EPRI
Research Engineer
ESWHs: Opportunities and Challenges (moderated by Rajiv Dabir, CEC)
Aaron Tam is a Research Engineer at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He leads the next-generation refrigerant research at EPRI's Grid Edge Customer Technologies Program, which focuses on understanding emerging end-use devices for energy efficiency, demand flexibility, environmental impact, and affordability.
EPRI
Research Engineer
ESWHs: Opportunities and Challenges (moderated by Rajiv Dabir, CEC)
Aaron Tam is a Research Engineer at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He leads the next-generation refrigerant research at EPRI's Grid Edge Customer Technologies Program, which focuses on understanding emerging end-use devices for energy efficiency, demand flexibility, environmental impact, and affordability.
Will Vicent
California Energy Commission
Deputy Director, Building Standards
Will Vicent leads the team at the California Energy Commission responsible for maintaining and updating California’s Energy Code, its companion energy code compliance software, compliance verification programs, and outreach and education initiatives. He has collaborated with nationally recognized design firms, builders, developers, utilities, and research entities to bring to life verified zero-emission buildings. In 2019, Vicent received the Net Zero Trailblazer award for leadership in decarbonizing our built environment.
Moderator of "Overcoming Challenges to Scaling Building Decarbonization".
California Energy Commission
Deputy Director, Building Standards
Will Vicent leads the team at the California Energy Commission responsible for maintaining and updating California’s Energy Code, its companion energy code compliance software, compliance verification programs, and outreach and education initiatives. He has collaborated with nationally recognized design firms, builders, developers, utilities, and research entities to bring to life verified zero-emission buildings. In 2019, Vicent received the Net Zero Trailblazer award for leadership in decarbonizing our built environment.
Moderator of "Overcoming Challenges to Scaling Building Decarbonization".
Iain Walker
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Scientist
ESWHs: Opportunities and Challenges (moderated by Rajiv Dabir, CEC)
Dr. Iain Walker is a staff scientist at LBNL and an ASHRAE Fellow. He leads the Residential Buildings research team at LBNL (Homes.lbl.gov) and has more than 35 years experience researching energy and indoor air quality in homes. He is the author of over 200 publications and has developed building industry standards for ASHRAE, ASTM, RESNET, and international organizations. His current work focuses on residential ventilation/IAQ and low peak power/power efficient home design and technologies.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Scientist
ESWHs: Opportunities and Challenges (moderated by Rajiv Dabir, CEC)
Dr. Iain Walker is a staff scientist at LBNL and an ASHRAE Fellow. He leads the Residential Buildings research team at LBNL (Homes.lbl.gov) and has more than 35 years experience researching energy and indoor air quality in homes. He is the author of over 200 publications and has developed building industry standards for ASHRAE, ASTM, RESNET, and international organizations. His current work focuses on residential ventilation/IAQ and low peak power/power efficient home design and technologies.
Reginald Wilkins, Ph.D.
Southern California Edison
Advisor, Measurement and Evaluation
How Low Can You Go? Refrigerant Limbo! (moderated by Ram Narayanamurthy, CEC)
Dr. Wilkins has been in the evaluation field since the early 90s, starting in healthcare, insurance and finally energy efficiency. He obtained his Ph.D. at Claremont in Economics along the way. He is a native Californian and is working his way down the state, starting in Monterey and possibly retiring in the Mojave where astronomy is much better.
Southern California Edison
Advisor, Measurement and Evaluation
How Low Can You Go? Refrigerant Limbo! (moderated by Ram Narayanamurthy, CEC)
Dr. Wilkins has been in the evaluation field since the early 90s, starting in healthcare, insurance and finally energy efficiency. He obtained his Ph.D. at Claremont in Economics along the way. He is a native Californian and is working his way down the state, starting in Monterey and possibly retiring in the Mojave where astronomy is much better.
Cheryl Winfield
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Air Resources Engineer
Cheryl has a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering and an MS in Environmental Policy and Management. She has worked at the CA Air Resources Board (CARB) for over seven years now, and has been working in the F-gas Reduction Strategy Section for three and a half years. Cheryl supports CARB’s effort to reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions in California through the implementation of CARB’s HFC Regulation, CARB’s F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP), and California Senate Bill (SB) 1206.
Moderator of "The Future of Heat Pumps: Multi-Function and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants".
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Air Resources Engineer
Cheryl has a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering and an MS in Environmental Policy and Management. She has worked at the CA Air Resources Board (CARB) for over seven years now, and has been working in the F-gas Reduction Strategy Section for three and a half years. Cheryl supports CARB’s effort to reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions in California through the implementation of CARB’s HFC Regulation, CARB’s F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP), and California Senate Bill (SB) 1206.
Moderator of "The Future of Heat Pumps: Multi-Function and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants".
Abby Wiseman
VEIC (CalNEXT)
Senior Engineering Consultant
CalNEXT: Connecting Emerging Technologies to the EE Portfolio (moderated by Abhijeet Pande, TRC)
Abby is a senior engineering consultant who manages and develops systems, programs, and energy analysis tools for VEIC’s Enterprise Services Engineering group. She is responsible for technical review of custom energy efficiency projects for Efficiency Vermont, a statewide energy efficiency program implemented by VEIC. Abby also develops and updates measure characteristics for inclusion in Technical Reference Manuals (TRMs) and reviews measure characterizations developed by other staff to ensure consistent analysis across VEIC. Over the past three years, Abby has worked on various CalNEXT projects studying natural refrigerant technologies, including a market study into package propane refrigeration systems.
VEIC (CalNEXT)
Senior Engineering Consultant
CalNEXT: Connecting Emerging Technologies to the EE Portfolio (moderated by Abhijeet Pande, TRC)
Abby is a senior engineering consultant who manages and develops systems, programs, and energy analysis tools for VEIC’s Enterprise Services Engineering group. She is responsible for technical review of custom energy efficiency projects for Efficiency Vermont, a statewide energy efficiency program implemented by VEIC. Abby also develops and updates measure characteristics for inclusion in Technical Reference Manuals (TRMs) and reviews measure characterizations developed by other staff to ensure consistent analysis across VEIC. Over the past three years, Abby has worked on various CalNEXT projects studying natural refrigerant technologies, including a market study into package propane refrigeration systems.
Lakemariam Worku
California Energy Commission (CEC)
Climate Data Specialist
Data-Driven Decarbonization (moderated by Aleecia Gutierrez, CEC)
California Energy Commission (CEC)
Climate Data Specialist
Data-Driven Decarbonization (moderated by Aleecia Gutierrez, CEC)
Brandon Wray
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Senior Director, Building Innovations
Addressing California's Affordable Building Crisis from a Holistic (Operational and Embodied Carbon) Perspective (moderated by Derek Okada, Energy Solutions)
Brandon Wray is a civil engineer with 13 years of experience in the materials, design, and construction industry. He currently serves as Senior Director of Building Innovations at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), where he works with the design community to advance the use of concrete and emerging concrete technologies, with an emphasis on sustainability and resiliency.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Senior Director, Building Innovations
Addressing California's Affordable Building Crisis from a Holistic (Operational and Embodied Carbon) Perspective (moderated by Derek Okada, Energy Solutions)
Brandon Wray is a civil engineer with 13 years of experience in the materials, design, and construction industry. He currently serves as Senior Director of Building Innovations at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), where he works with the design community to advance the use of concrete and emerging concrete technologies, with an emphasis on sustainability and resiliency.
Danielle Wright
North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC)
Executive Director
How Low Can You Go? Refrigerant Limbo! (moderated by Ram Narayanamurthy, CEC)
Danielle Wright is Executive Director of the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), with over 15 years of experience advancing sustainable refrigeration. She works with policymakers, industry leaders, and market stakeholders to drive adoption of energy-efficient, low-GWP systems through aligned incentives, policies, and deployment strategies. Danielle leads NASRC's TRADE initiative, focused on workforce development to expand technician capacity.
North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC)
Executive Director
How Low Can You Go? Refrigerant Limbo! (moderated by Ram Narayanamurthy, CEC)
Danielle Wright is Executive Director of the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), with over 15 years of experience advancing sustainable refrigeration. She works with policymakers, industry leaders, and market stakeholders to drive adoption of energy-efficient, low-GWP systems through aligned incentives, policies, and deployment strategies. Danielle leads NASRC's TRADE initiative, focused on workforce development to expand technician capacity.