Ammi Amarnath
EPRI
Principal Technical Executive
What's Load Got to Do with It? The Rise of Flexible Heat Pump Technology (moderated by Kelly Cunningham, PG&E)
Ammi Amarnath is a principal technical executive in EPRI’s Electrification & Customer Solutions Research Area. 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.
EPRI
Principal Technical Executive
What's Load Got to Do with It? The Rise of Flexible Heat Pump Technology (moderated by Kelly Cunningham, PG&E)
Ammi Amarnath is a principal technical executive in EPRI’s Electrification & Customer Solutions Research Area. 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.
Lisa Arellanes
Southern California Edison
Principal Manager of eMobility
Charging Ahead: Statewide Efforts to Deploy EV Charging Infrastructure (moderated by Jaron Weston, CEC)
Lisa Arellanes has led projects for electric vehicle charging infrastructure since 2016, aiming to electrify 90% of California’s vehicles by 2045 with a program portfolio of over $1 billion. Arellanes has over 15 years of experience in energy management and sustainability. She holds an MBA from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor’s from University of California, Berkeley. Arellanes also serves on the board of META, supporting Latinx scholars from Southern California.
Southern California Edison
Principal Manager of eMobility
Charging Ahead: Statewide Efforts to Deploy EV Charging Infrastructure (moderated by Jaron Weston, CEC)
Lisa Arellanes has led projects for electric vehicle charging infrastructure since 2016, aiming to electrify 90% of California’s vehicles by 2045 with a program portfolio of over $1 billion. Arellanes has over 15 years of experience in energy management and sustainability. She holds an MBA from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor’s from University of California, Berkeley. Arellanes also serves on the board of META, supporting Latinx scholars from Southern California.
Juan Argueta
Southern California Edison
Senior Manager, Customer Engagement Division
Solutions to Equitably Fulfill the Workforce Needs for Our Decarbonized Future (moderated by Axel Pearson, PNNL)
Juan Argueta is the senior manager of Strategic Initiatives and Energy Education Centers in the Customer Engagement Division of Southern California Edison. Argueta leads a team of professionals responsible for projects and initiatives in areas such as microgrids, customer generation, interconnection, and workforce development and training. His education includes an MBA from the University of Southern California and a mechanical engineering degree from California State University, Los Angeles.
Southern California Edison
Senior Manager, Customer Engagement Division
Solutions to Equitably Fulfill the Workforce Needs for Our Decarbonized Future (moderated by Axel Pearson, PNNL)
Juan Argueta is the senior manager of Strategic Initiatives and Energy Education Centers in the Customer Engagement Division of Southern California Edison. Argueta leads a team of professionals responsible for projects and initiatives in areas such as microgrids, customer generation, interconnection, and workforce development and training. His education includes an MBA from the University of Southern California and a mechanical engineering degree from California State University, Los Angeles.
Greg Barker
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Technical Director
Successful Technology Transfer through CalNEXT (moderated by Savannah McLaughlin, CPUC)
Prioritizing Technology Opportunities through CalNEXT (moderated by Derek Okada, CalNEXT)
Greg Barker has led technical teams in energy efficiency and demand response for over 19 years at Energy Solutions, designing and implementing a variety of program types with a wide range of technologies. He has expertise in developing energy use and demand savings estimates, energy modeling, and codes and standards. Barker is a licensed Professional Engineer and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Technical Director
Successful Technology Transfer through CalNEXT (moderated by Savannah McLaughlin, CPUC)
Prioritizing Technology Opportunities through CalNEXT (moderated by Derek Okada, CalNEXT)
Greg Barker has led technical teams in energy efficiency and demand response for over 19 years at Energy Solutions, designing and implementing a variety of program types with a wide range of technologies. He has expertise in developing energy use and demand savings estimates, energy modeling, and codes and standards. Barker is a licensed Professional Engineer and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Jeff Barnes
San Diego Gas & Electric
Emerging Technologies Project Manager
A Balancing Act: The Precision and Power of Smart Control Tech (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
Modeling and Modulating: Innovative Solutions Enabling Residential/Commercial Customer Flexibility (moderated by Ivy So, APTIM)
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
Jeff Barnes is an Emerging Technologies Project Manager for San Diego Gas & Electric, with over 20 years of experience managing utility customer programs. His current role at SDG&E is focused on assessing new technologies for demand response programs; enhancing the market integration of distributed energy resources such as storage and EVs; and facilitating the technology transfer of demand response research. Barnes previously managed water efficiency programs at Helix Water District, a retail water agency in San Diego County.
San Diego Gas & Electric
Emerging Technologies Project Manager
A Balancing Act: The Precision and Power of Smart Control Tech (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
Modeling and Modulating: Innovative Solutions Enabling Residential/Commercial Customer Flexibility (moderated by Ivy So, APTIM)
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
Jeff Barnes is an Emerging Technologies Project Manager for San Diego Gas & Electric, with over 20 years of experience managing utility customer programs. His current role at SDG&E is focused on assessing new technologies for demand response programs; enhancing the market integration of distributed energy resources such as storage and EVs; and facilitating the technology transfer of demand response research. Barnes previously managed water efficiency programs at Helix Water District, a retail water agency in San Diego County.
Brad Begin
Alpen High Performance Products
Chairman
Part 1: Window Projects: Exploring the Value Proposition for High-Performance Windows (moderated by Rick Dunn, CalMTA)
Brad Begin is chairman of Alpen High Performance Products. Prior to this role, Begin was CEO since 2006, broadening Alpen’s focus from manufacturing high-performance insulated glass units to include super-insulating North American–style and European-style windows, doors, and fenestration products. Prior to Alpen, Begin was CEO of Metalwest, one of the nation’s largest Western-based metal processors and distributors, from 1994 until 2006. Begin began his career practicing law in Dallas, Texas, from 1985 to 1994. He holds a BA in history and political science from Texas Christian University and a JD from the University of Texas.
Alpen High Performance Products
Chairman
Part 1: Window Projects: Exploring the Value Proposition for High-Performance Windows (moderated by Rick Dunn, CalMTA)
Brad Begin is chairman of Alpen High Performance Products. Prior to this role, Begin was CEO since 2006, broadening Alpen’s focus from manufacturing high-performance insulated glass units to include super-insulating North American–style and European-style windows, doors, and fenestration products. Prior to Alpen, Begin was CEO of Metalwest, one of the nation’s largest Western-based metal processors and distributors, from 1994 until 2006. Begin began his career practicing law in Dallas, Texas, from 1985 to 1994. He holds a BA in history and political science from Texas Christian University and a JD from the University of Texas.
Scott Blunk
California Energy Commission
Deputy Director, Existing Buildings, Load Flexibility, and Appliance Efficiency
Heat Pump Space Heating (moderated by Haile Bucaneg, CEC)
Scott Blunk has over 20 years of experience working in existing buildings on topics including equity, efficiency, and decarbonization. Currently, he is a deputy director in the Efficiency Division at the California Energy Commission, where he oversees Load Flexibility, Appliance Efficiency and Existing Buildings.
California Energy Commission
Deputy Director, Existing Buildings, Load Flexibility, and Appliance Efficiency
Heat Pump Space Heating (moderated by Haile Bucaneg, CEC)
Scott Blunk has over 20 years of experience working in existing buildings on topics including equity, efficiency, and decarbonization. Currently, he is a deputy director in the Efficiency Division at the California Energy Commission, where he oversees Load Flexibility, Appliance Efficiency and Existing Buildings.
Jose Bodipo-Memba
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Chief Diversity Officer
Jose Bodipo-Memba is responsible for companywide programs and services such as human resources, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable communities. His focus is on advocating diversity, inspiring an inclusive culture based on trust and respect, and creating belonging and connection among employees, customers, and communities, which ultimately results in positive, equitable outcomes for all.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Chief Diversity Officer
Jose Bodipo-Memba is responsible for companywide programs and services such as human resources, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable communities. His focus is on advocating diversity, inspiring an inclusive culture based on trust and respect, and creating belonging and connection among employees, customers, and communities, which ultimately results in positive, equitable outcomes for all.
Kyle Booth
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Associate Director, Engineering
Successful Technology Transfer through CalNEXT (moderated by Savannah McLaughlin, CPUC)
Food Service: Providing Technologies and Support for Decarbonization (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Kyle Booth oversees market studies and emerging technologies work for Energy Solutions, where he leads the Energy Efficiency Department engineering team and has led the development of several CalNEXT projects. With over 14 years of experience in the energy efficiency (EE) industry, Booth has specialized in measure development for EE programs and led the development of dozens of EE measures in state technical reference manuals.
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Associate Director, Engineering
Successful Technology Transfer through CalNEXT (moderated by Savannah McLaughlin, CPUC)
Food Service: Providing Technologies and Support for Decarbonization (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Kyle Booth oversees market studies and emerging technologies work for Energy Solutions, where he leads the Energy Efficiency Department engineering team and has led the development of several CalNEXT projects. With over 14 years of experience in the energy efficiency (EE) industry, Booth has specialized in measure development for EE programs and led the development of dozens of EE measures in state technical reference manuals.
Nico Bouwkamp
GTI Energy
Business Development Manager H2
Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for Infrastructure (moderated by Steven Long, GET)
Nico Bouwkamp has over 20 years of experience in contributing his extensive knowledge of issues related to hydrogen and fuel cells to GTI Energy and CaFCP/H2FCP’s strategic leadership, stakeholder facilitation, projects, and public education efforts. He also performs technical and regulatory data analysis and helps develop resources to support automotive, stationary, energy and fueling industry client initiatives.
GTI Energy
Business Development Manager H2
Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for Infrastructure (moderated by Steven Long, GET)
Nico Bouwkamp has over 20 years of experience in contributing his extensive knowledge of issues related to hydrogen and fuel cells to GTI Energy and CaFCP/H2FCP’s strategic leadership, stakeholder facilitation, projects, and public education efforts. He also performs technical and regulatory data analysis and helps develop resources to support automotive, stationary, energy and fueling industry client initiatives.
Irina Brauzman
California Building Standards Commission
Supervising Architect
Embodied Carbon (moderated by Dave Intner, SCE)
Irina Brauzman oversees the development of building standards to be included in the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). Additionally, she participates in and administers the CALGreen development process, conducts technical committee meetings, and provides training regarding the state code adoption process. Prior, Brauzman worked in the private sector as an architect/technical director for architectural companies in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, and in Russia.
California Building Standards Commission
Supervising Architect
Embodied Carbon (moderated by Dave Intner, SCE)
Irina Brauzman oversees the development of building standards to be included in the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). Additionally, she participates in and administers the CALGreen development process, conducts technical committee meetings, and provides training regarding the state code adoption process. Prior, Brauzman worked in the private sector as an architect/technical director for architectural companies in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, and in Russia.
Haile Bucaneg
California Energy Commission
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Haile Bucaneg worked on the 2022 Energy Code and the 2025 Energy Code as Senior Mechanical Engineer with the California Energy Commission (CEC) Building Standard Branch. Bucaneg also works with the CEC’s software development team to describe compliance software modeling rules which are used for compliance through the performance pathway.
California Energy Commission
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Haile Bucaneg worked on the 2022 Energy Code and the 2025 Energy Code as Senior Mechanical Engineer with the California Energy Commission (CEC) Building Standard Branch. Bucaneg also works with the CEC’s software development team to describe compliance software modeling rules which are used for compliance through the performance pathway.
Jacobe Caditz
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Manager, Community Education and Regional Workforce Development
Solutions to Equitably Fulfill the Workforce Needs for Our Decarbonized Future (moderated by Axel Pearson, PNNL)
Jacobe Caditz represents the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s Community Education and Regional Workforce group, which promotes sustainable practices and technologies for an all-electric future, while working to increase equitable access to the economic opportunities being created by SMUD’s Zero Carbon plan. Caditz’s background is in public engagement and community development. For the past 11 years, Caditz has worked with local communities to help inspire the next generation of leaders in the energy industry.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Manager, Community Education and Regional Workforce Development
Solutions to Equitably Fulfill the Workforce Needs for Our Decarbonized Future (moderated by Axel Pearson, PNNL)
Jacobe Caditz represents the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s Community Education and Regional Workforce group, which promotes sustainable practices and technologies for an all-electric future, while working to increase equitable access to the economic opportunities being created by SMUD’s Zero Carbon plan. Caditz’s background is in public engagement and community development. For the past 11 years, Caditz has worked with local communities to help inspire the next generation of leaders in the energy industry.
Jaeson Cardiff
CleanO2 Carbon Capture Technologies
CEO and Cofounder
Other (Natural Gas) Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, GET)
Jaeson Cardiff is the CEO and visionary behind CleanO2 Carbon Capture Technologies and the inventor of CarbinX, a micro-scale carbon capture system. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Cardiff leads a team of twenty toward reducing carbon emissions and positively impacting the environment.
CleanO2 Carbon Capture Technologies
CEO and Cofounder
Other (Natural Gas) Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, GET)
Jaeson Cardiff is the CEO and visionary behind CleanO2 Carbon Capture Technologies and the inventor of CarbinX, a micro-scale carbon capture system. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Cardiff leads a team of twenty toward reducing carbon emissions and positively impacting the environment.
Albert Chiu
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Expert Product Manager
A Balancing Act: The Precision and Power of Smart Control Tech (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
Modeling and Modulating: Innovative Solutions Enabling Residential/Commercial Customer Flexibility (moderated by Ivy So, APTIM)
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
Albert Chiu is an Expert Product Manager in the Integrated Grid Planning and Innovation Department at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In his 20-plus years working in load management, integrated demand side management, and distributed energy resource, Chiu has developed energy efficiency, demand response, and vehicle grid integration policies and programs for utility customers. He is the lead of the DR Emerging Technology and IDSM Programs at PG&E, guiding DR technology-related studies, policies development and strategies.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Expert Product Manager
A Balancing Act: The Precision and Power of Smart Control Tech (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
Modeling and Modulating: Innovative Solutions Enabling Residential/Commercial Customer Flexibility (moderated by Ivy So, APTIM)
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
Albert Chiu is an Expert Product Manager in the Integrated Grid Planning and Innovation Department at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In his 20-plus years working in load management, integrated demand side management, and distributed energy resource, Chiu has developed energy efficiency, demand response, and vehicle grid integration policies and programs for utility customers. He is the lead of the DR Emerging Technology and IDSM Programs at PG&E, guiding DR technology-related studies, policies development and strategies.
Anoushka Cholakath
ICF (GET)
Energy Engineer
Other (Natural Gas) Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, 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.
ICF (GET)
Energy Engineer
Other (Natural Gas) Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, 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.
Morgan Copeland
Oilon US Inc.
Regional Sales Manager, Heat Pumps
Role of Refrigerants in the Electrification of Commercial HVAC (moderated by Paul Delaney)
Morgan Copeland is a passionate advocate for sustainable energy solutions. Over the past decade, Copeland has held various roles within the mechanical/HVAC manufacturing industry on the industrial and commercial side. As the Western regional manager of heat pumps for Oilon US, Copeland is uniquely interested in helping advance adoption of decarbonization technologies through high-performance heat pumps.
Oilon US Inc.
Regional Sales Manager, Heat Pumps
Role of Refrigerants in the Electrification of Commercial HVAC (moderated by Paul Delaney)
Morgan Copeland is a passionate advocate for sustainable energy solutions. Over the past decade, Copeland has held various roles within the mechanical/HVAC manufacturing industry on the industrial and commercial side. As the Western regional manager of heat pumps for Oilon US, Copeland is uniquely interested in helping advance adoption of decarbonization technologies through high-performance heat pumps.
Adam Cornelius
Consortium for Energy Efficiency
Senior Program Manager
Heat Pump Space Heating (moderated by Haile Bucaneg, CEC)
Adam Cornelius leads the Emerging Technologies Collaborative at the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, a sponsored project consisting of program managers and emerging technologies (ET) teams at utilities across the US and Canada. He works with sponsors to identify and explore timely ET and innovative program approaches across a range of applications and market sectors. He also works to share information about members’ program portfolios and ET efforts and to build relationships between utilities, manufacturers, national laboratories, trade associations, and other relevant industry partners that align the research and development efforts of industry partners with sponsors’ program goals.
Consortium for Energy Efficiency
Senior Program Manager
Heat Pump Space Heating (moderated by Haile Bucaneg, CEC)
Adam Cornelius leads the Emerging Technologies Collaborative at the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, a sponsored project consisting of program managers and emerging technologies (ET) teams at utilities across the US and Canada. He works with sponsors to identify and explore timely ET and innovative program approaches across a range of applications and market sectors. He also works to share information about members’ program portfolios and ET efforts and to build relationships between utilities, manufacturers, national laboratories, trade associations, and other relevant industry partners that align the research and development efforts of industry partners with sponsors’ program goals.
Kelly Cunningham
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Codes and Standards
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.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Codes and Standards
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.
Doug Davenport
ProspectSV
CEO
Low-GWP Refrigerants: New Equipment vs. Retrofits (moderated by Paul Delaney, ETCC)
Doug Davenport is founder and CEO of ProspectSV and is responsible for its mission and impact. In the past 10 years, Davenport has leveraged over $125 million in public funding and financing to advance technology solutions in the transportation, energy, and infrastructure sectors. His work has included technology demonstration and testing for buildings and fleets, applying carbon performance standards, and decarbonization planning and design consulting.
ProspectSV
CEO
Low-GWP Refrigerants: New Equipment vs. Retrofits (moderated by Paul Delaney, ETCC)
Doug Davenport is founder and CEO of ProspectSV and is responsible for its mission and impact. In the past 10 years, Davenport has leveraged over $125 million in public funding and financing to advance technology solutions in the transportation, energy, and infrastructure sectors. His work has included technology demonstration and testing for buildings and fleets, applying carbon performance standards, and decarbonization planning and design consulting.
Amin Delagah
TRC (CalNEXT)
Associate Director, Research & Consulting Group, Advanced Energy Division
Removing Barriers to Heat Pump Water Heaters in Foodservice Facilities (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Amin Delagah has spent 16 years in hot water research with advocacy, education, and program and code readiness measure development. He has experience testing heaters and distribution systems in residential and commercial buildings and equipment that uses hot water in restaurants. He has managed lab testing of heat pump water heaters in various configurations to identify viable designs to support sizing-guideline development and C&S energy modeling efforts. Delagah serves on committees for ASHRAE, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Advanced Water Heating Initiative, and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
TRC (CalNEXT)
Associate Director, Research & Consulting Group, Advanced Energy Division
Removing Barriers to Heat Pump Water Heaters in Foodservice Facilities (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Amin Delagah has spent 16 years in hot water research with advocacy, education, and program and code readiness measure development. He has experience testing heaters and distribution systems in residential and commercial buildings and equipment that uses hot water in restaurants. He has managed lab testing of heat pump water heaters in various configurations to identify viable designs to support sizing-guideline development and C&S energy modeling efforts. Delagah serves on committees for ASHRAE, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Advanced Water Heating Initiative, and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
Paul Delaney
ETCC
Facilitator
Paul Delaney is a facilitator for ETCC and a principal of PSD Associates. He has 45 years of experience in energy and environmental engineering and is knowledgeable in energy efficiency, Direct Access, demand management, and global warming issues. He has been responsible for over 160 projects during the last ten years to assess new/emerging technologies and provide incentives for utility customers.
ETCC
Facilitator
Paul Delaney is a facilitator for ETCC and a principal of PSD Associates. He has 45 years of experience in energy and environmental engineering and is knowledgeable in energy efficiency, Direct Access, demand management, and global warming issues. He has been responsible for over 160 projects during the last ten years to assess new/emerging technologies and provide incentives for utility customers.
Michael Delaney
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Vice President, Utility Partnerships & Innovation
Opening Panel, "What’s Needed in the Next 5 Years, with PG&E, SCE, SMUD, and SoCalGas" (moderated by Carol Yin, ETCC)
Michael Delaney is responsible for strategy and delivery of programs and technologies that accelerate California’s clean energy transition at the lowest overall cost to customers. He oversees the company’s energy efficiency, demand response, clean energy transportation, distributed energy resource programs, and research and development.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Vice President, Utility Partnerships & Innovation
Opening Panel, "What’s Needed in the Next 5 Years, with PG&E, SCE, SMUD, and SoCalGas" (moderated by Carol Yin, ETCC)
Michael Delaney is responsible for strategy and delivery of programs and technologies that accelerate California’s clean energy transition at the lowest overall cost to customers. He oversees the company’s energy efficiency, demand response, clean energy transportation, distributed energy resource programs, and research and development.
Ron Domitrovic
EPRI
Program Manager
Low-GWP Refrigerants: New Equipment vs. Retrofits (moderated by Paul Delaney, ETCC)
Role of Refrigerants in the Electrification of Commercial HVAC (moderated by Paul Delaney)
Dr. Ron Domitrovic is responsible for guiding EPRI’s research related to end-use equipment, including lighting, data centers, appliances, air conditioning, water heating, and refrigeration for application in energy efficiency, demand response and other customer use cases. Prior to EPRI, he was the president of Redwood Electric Corp. and spent his early career as a researcher at the Oak Ridge National Lab.
EPRI
Program Manager
Low-GWP Refrigerants: New Equipment vs. Retrofits (moderated by Paul Delaney, ETCC)
Role of Refrigerants in the Electrification of Commercial HVAC (moderated by Paul Delaney)
Dr. Ron Domitrovic is responsible for guiding EPRI’s research related to end-use equipment, including lighting, data centers, appliances, air conditioning, water heating, and refrigeration for application in energy efficiency, demand response and other customer use cases. Prior to EPRI, he was the president of Redwood Electric Corp. and spent his early career as a researcher at the Oak Ridge National Lab.
Rick Dunn
CalMTA
Senior Manager, Emerging Technology
Part 1: Window Projects: Exploring the Value Proposition for High-Performance Windows (moderated by Rick Dunn, CalMTA)
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.
CalMTA
Senior Manager, Emerging Technology
Part 1: Window Projects: Exploring the Value Proposition for High-Performance Windows (moderated by Rick Dunn, CalMTA)
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.
Nick Fiore
San Diego Gas & Electric
Clean Transportation Innovation Manager
Leveraging EVs to Manage the Electric Grid (moderated by Jingjing Liu, LBNL)
Nick Fiore leads clean transportation pilots and partnerships at San Diego Gas & Electric, with a strong emphasis on vehicle grid integration and V2X technology. For 15 years prior, Fiore held roles across the government, policy, and technology startup spaces.
San Diego Gas & Electric
Clean Transportation Innovation Manager
Leveraging EVs to Manage the Electric Grid (moderated by Jingjing Liu, LBNL)
Nick Fiore leads clean transportation pilots and partnerships at San Diego Gas & Electric, with a strong emphasis on vehicle grid integration and V2X technology. For 15 years prior, Fiore held roles across the government, policy, and technology startup spaces.
Eric Daniel Fournier, PhD
Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles
Research Director, California Center for Sustainable Communities
Avoiding Panel Upsizing: Who Needs an Upgrade, Really? (moderated by Emma Tome, CARB)
Eric Daniel Fournier’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.
Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles
Research Director, California Center for Sustainable Communities
Avoiding Panel Upsizing: Who Needs an Upgrade, Really? (moderated by Emma Tome, CARB)
Eric Daniel Fournier’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.
James Frasher
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Director, Research & Development, Grants & Partnerships
Opening Panel, "What’s Needed in the Next 5 Years, with PG&E, SCE, SMUD, and SoCalGas" (moderated by Carol Yin, ETCC)
James Frasher joined the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in 2017, with 10-plus years of industry experience. Frasher’s work developing, testing, and funding new, clean technologies is crucial to SMUD’s goal of reaching zero carbon emissions by 2030. Prior, Frasher most recently was the vice president of engineering at Greenlots and CODA Energy and a founding member of several start-ups.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Director, Research & Development, Grants & Partnerships
Opening Panel, "What’s Needed in the Next 5 Years, with PG&E, SCE, SMUD, and SoCalGas" (moderated by Carol Yin, ETCC)
James Frasher joined the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in 2017, with 10-plus years of industry experience. Frasher’s work developing, testing, and funding new, clean technologies is crucial to SMUD’s goal of reaching zero carbon emissions by 2030. Prior, Frasher most recently was the vice president of engineering at Greenlots and CODA Energy and a founding member of several start-ups.
Noah Gabriel
New Buildings Institute
Project Manager
Advancing Hot Water Solutions: Field Insights, Installations, and Efficiency Strategies for Heat Pump Water Heaters (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
At New Buildings Institute, Noah Gabriel manages multiple projects involving cutting-edge heat pump water heater (HPWH) research and deployment. Gabriel is a subject matter expert on HPWH load shifting and leads the demand response component of the Advanced Water Heating Initiative.
New Buildings Institute
Project Manager
Advancing Hot Water Solutions: Field Insights, Installations, and Efficiency Strategies for Heat Pump Water Heaters (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
At New Buildings Institute, Noah Gabriel manages multiple projects involving cutting-edge heat pump water heater (HPWH) research and deployment. Gabriel is a subject matter expert on HPWH load shifting and leads the demand response component of the Advanced Water Heating Initiative.
Joe Gagliano
Air Products
Retail Hydrogen Fueling Station Development Manager
Hydrogen Overview and the Path Forward (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Joe Gagliano has over 30 years of experience managing clean technology programs and projects in the government, private, and nonprofit sectors. For the past 12 years, Gagliano has been a key player in the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) industry coordinating station operator and FCEV automaker technical and operational efforts in support of the development of California’s retail hydrogen station network.
Air Products
Retail Hydrogen Fueling Station Development Manager
Hydrogen Overview and the Path Forward (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Joe Gagliano has over 30 years of experience managing clean technology programs and projects in the government, private, and nonprofit sectors. For the past 12 years, Gagliano has been a key player in the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) industry coordinating station operator and FCEV automaker technical and operational efforts in support of the development of California’s retail hydrogen station network.
Maya Gantley
2050 Partners
Senior Consultant
Removing Barriers to Heat Pump Water Heaters in Foodservice Facilities (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Maya Gantley is a senior consultant at 2050 Partners who manages field and lab research projects evaluating advanced HVAC and water heating equipment to support code and standard advancement in California. Gantley has managed research on dedicated outdoor air systems, variable refrigerant flow, hydronic heat pump, residential heat pump water heaters (HPWHs), and foodservice HPWH technologies or systems. She has experience managing multifamily building retrofits, including the design and installation of heat pump HVAC and central HPWH systems.
2050 Partners
Senior Consultant
Removing Barriers to Heat Pump Water Heaters in Foodservice Facilities (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Maya Gantley is a senior consultant at 2050 Partners who manages field and lab research projects evaluating advanced HVAC and water heating equipment to support code and standard advancement in California. Gantley has managed research on dedicated outdoor air systems, variable refrigerant flow, hydronic heat pump, residential heat pump water heaters (HPWHs), and foodservice HPWH technologies or systems. She has experience managing multifamily building retrofits, including the design and installation of heat pump HVAC and central HPWH systems.
Chad Gretzner
Kliewer and Associates
Research Engineer
Part 2: Building Envelopes, They’ve Got Everything—Efficiency, Decarbonization, Health, Safety, Climate Resiliency (moderated by Payam Bozorgchami, CEC)
Chad Gretzner is a research engineer for K&A Building Science. He helped build and fireproof many commercial buildings for the Carpenters union (local 1506), Department of Health Care Access and Information projects including Loma Linda’s Children’s Hospital, Division of the State Architect projects such as San Bernardino Valley College, Southern California Edison (SCE) substations throughout Southern California, SCE tubular tower transmission line projects, and many ready-mix sites as a special inspector and senior engineering technician. Gretzner has been trained by the National Fire Protection Association in reducing wildfire risk to property and certified by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians in work-at-height skills.
Kliewer and Associates
Research Engineer
Part 2: Building Envelopes, They’ve Got Everything—Efficiency, Decarbonization, Health, Safety, Climate Resiliency (moderated by Payam Bozorgchami, CEC)
Chad Gretzner is a research engineer for K&A Building Science. He helped build and fireproof many commercial buildings for the Carpenters union (local 1506), Department of Health Care Access and Information projects including Loma Linda’s Children’s Hospital, Division of the State Architect projects such as San Bernardino Valley College, Southern California Edison (SCE) substations throughout Southern California, SCE tubular tower transmission line projects, and many ready-mix sites as a special inspector and senior engineering technician. Gretzner has been trained by the National Fire Protection Association in reducing wildfire risk to property and certified by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians in work-at-height skills.
Curtis Harrington
Western Cooling Efficiency Center, UC Davis
Engineering Manager
Part 2: Building Envelopes, They’ve Got Everything—Efficiency, Decarbonization, Health, Safety, Climate Resiliency (moderated by Payam Bozorgchami, CEC)
Curtis Harrington is an engineering manager at the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center with 15 years of experience in research and technology development focused on energy efficiency in buildings. He has managed a wide range of projects, including aerosol envelope sealing, building energy modeling, evaporative cooling, evaluation of low-GWP refrigerants, and advanced heat pump technologies.
Western Cooling Efficiency Center, UC Davis
Engineering Manager
Part 2: Building Envelopes, They’ve Got Everything—Efficiency, Decarbonization, Health, Safety, Climate Resiliency (moderated by Payam Bozorgchami, CEC)
Curtis Harrington is an engineering manager at the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center with 15 years of experience in research and technology development focused on energy efficiency in buildings. He has managed a wide range of projects, including aerosol envelope sealing, building energy modeling, evaporative cooling, evaluation of low-GWP refrigerants, and advanced heat pump technologies.
Spencer Harrison
NeoCharge
CEO/Co-Founder
Solutions for Optimizing Electrical Panel Usage and Avoiding Unnecessary Panel Upsizing (moderated by Yu Hou, CEC)
Spencer Harrison is the CEO and co-founder of NeoCharge, a company accelerating the shift to home electrification and clean energy. For the last 6 years, he has helped lead NeoCharge in working toward making home electrification as easy, affordable, and accessible as possible. Starting with the Smart Splitter for EV charging/appliance access, NeoCharge has expanded into software for grid optimization.
NeoCharge
CEO/Co-Founder
Solutions for Optimizing Electrical Panel Usage and Avoiding Unnecessary Panel Upsizing (moderated by Yu Hou, CEC)
Spencer Harrison is the CEO and co-founder of NeoCharge, a company accelerating the shift to home electrification and clean energy. For the last 6 years, he has helped lead NeoCharge in working toward making home electrification as easy, affordable, and accessible as possible. Starting with the Smart Splitter for EV charging/appliance access, NeoCharge has expanded into software for grid optimization.
Robert Hart
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Technology Researcher
Part 1: Window Projects: Exploring the Value Proposition for High-Performance Windows (moderated by Rick Dunn, CalMTA)
Robert Hart performs research and model development of energy-efficient windows and window attachments within the Windows and Envelope Materials Group. His recent work includes the development and experimental analysis of highly insulating “super windows,” shading systems, and vacuum glazing. He holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an MS in mechanical engineering, with concentrations in heat transfer and fluid dynamics, from Stanford University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of California and a LEED AP.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Technology Researcher
Part 1: Window Projects: Exploring the Value Proposition for High-Performance Windows (moderated by Rick Dunn, CalMTA)
Robert Hart performs research and model development of energy-efficient windows and window attachments within the Windows and Envelope Materials Group. His recent work includes the development and experimental analysis of highly insulating “super windows,” shading systems, and vacuum glazing. He holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an MS in mechanical engineering, with concentrations in heat transfer and fluid dynamics, from Stanford University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of California and a LEED AP.
Blake Heidenreich
Southern California Edison
Strategic Advisor
Leveraging EVs to Manage the Electric Grid (moderated by Jingjing Liu, LBNL)
At Southern California Edison, Blake Heidenreich has spent the past five years working in the Electrification Department on the Strategy & Program Development team focused on transportation electrification. Heidenreich contributes to SCE’s VGI strategy and the coordination between teams impacted by the projected growth of EV and VGI adoption. He leads initiatives aimed at the integration of EVs into current pilots or the development of new programs/rates that support V1G and V2G.
Southern California Edison
Strategic Advisor
Leveraging EVs to Manage the Electric Grid (moderated by Jingjing Liu, LBNL)
At Southern California Edison, Blake Heidenreich has spent the past five years working in the Electrification Department on the Strategy & Program Development team focused on transportation electrification. Heidenreich contributes to SCE’s VGI strategy and the coordination between teams impacted by the projected growth of EV and VGI adoption. He leads initiatives aimed at the integration of EVs into current pilots or the development of new programs/rates that support V1G and V2G.
Randall Higa
Southern California Edison
Consulting Engineer
Building Resiliency through Robust Flexible Demand and DERs (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
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
Building Resiliency through Robust Flexible Demand and DERs (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
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
Overcoming Challenges to Scaling Building Decarbonization (moderated by Will Vicent, CEC)
Southern California Edison
Senior Project Manager, Codes and Standards
Overcoming Challenges to Scaling Building Decarbonization (moderated by Will Vicent, CEC)
Stacey Hobart
Resource Innovations (CalMTA)
Principal, Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
Idea to Initiative: Advancing Market Transformation in California
Stacey Hobart has spent her career working to communicate progress and accomplishments in energy efficiency, with experience spanning areas of public affairs, marketing and communications, and stakeholder engagement. At CalMTA, she oversees stakeholder engagement and communications for this developing program. Previously, she led marketing and communications at New Buildings Institute and worked as corporate marketing manager at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
Resource Innovations (CalMTA)
Principal, Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
Idea to Initiative: Advancing Market Transformation in California
Stacey Hobart has spent her career working to communicate progress and accomplishments in energy efficiency, with experience spanning areas of public affairs, marketing and communications, and stakeholder engagement. At CalMTA, she oversees stakeholder engagement and communications for this developing program. Previously, she led marketing and communications at New Buildings Institute and worked as corporate marketing manager at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
Brad Hoover
DNV Energy Insights USA, Inc.
Principal Consultant
Low-GWP Refrigerants: Safety, Flammability, and Leakage Rates (moderated by Danielle Wright, NASRC)
Brad Hoover’s 20 years at DNV and legacy companies have been focused on measurement and verification, low-GWP refrigerant policy and energy impacts, and other energy-related market studies. Hoover has served as the Health, Safety, and Environment representative for his DNV business line since 2013. In his HSE role and everyday work, Hoover strives to carry out DNV’s purpose—to safeguard life, property, and the environment.
DNV Energy Insights USA, Inc.
Principal Consultant
Low-GWP Refrigerants: Safety, Flammability, and Leakage Rates (moderated by Danielle Wright, NASRC)
Brad Hoover’s 20 years at DNV and legacy companies have been focused on measurement and verification, low-GWP refrigerant policy and energy impacts, and other energy-related market studies. Hoover has served as the Health, Safety, and Environment representative for his DNV business line since 2013. In his HSE role and everyday work, Hoover strives to carry out DNV’s purpose—to safeguard life, property, and the environment.
Edwin Hornquist
EPRI
Principal Technical Leader
What's Load Got to Do with It? The Rise of Flexible Heat Pump Technology (moderated by Kelly Cunningham, PG&E)
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
Principal Technical Leader
What's Load Got to Do with It? The Rise of Flexible Heat Pump Technology (moderated by Kelly Cunningham, PG&E)
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
Supervisor
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
Supervisor
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.
Dave Intner
Southern California Edison
Senior Advisor
Dave Intner, with Southern California Edison’s Codes & Standards team, is a Licensed Architect, LEED AP and Certified Energy Manager. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Intner provides education and outreach supporting building decarbonization and energy code compliance improvement. Intner has 30 years of professional experience split between architectural practice and utility program delivery.
Southern California Edison
Senior Advisor
Dave Intner, with Southern California Edison’s Codes & Standards team, is a Licensed Architect, LEED AP and Certified Energy Manager. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Intner provides education and outreach supporting building decarbonization and energy code compliance improvement. Intner has 30 years of professional experience split between architectural practice and utility program delivery.
Xin Jin
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Sensors and Controls Lead
Solutions for Optimizing Electrical Panel Usage and Avoiding Unnecessary Panel Upsizing (moderated by Yu Hou, CEC)
Dr. Xin Jin’s research focuses on building-grid integration and grid-edge decarbonization. Dr. Jin has led RD&D projects funded by the US Department of Energy, state funding agencies, and utilities. One of his current projects focuses on affordable residential electrification under panel constraints. He received his PhD from Penn State and is a recipient of the 2018 R&D Award.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Sensors and Controls Lead
Solutions for Optimizing Electrical Panel Usage and Avoiding Unnecessary Panel Upsizing (moderated by Yu Hou, CEC)
Dr. Xin Jin’s research focuses on building-grid integration and grid-edge decarbonization. Dr. Jin has led RD&D projects funded by the US Department of Energy, state funding agencies, and utilities. One of his current projects focuses on affordable residential electrification under panel constraints. He received his PhD from Penn State and is a recipient of the 2018 R&D Award.
Philip Johnston
Daikin Applied Americas Inc.
Vice President, Environmental Business Development Center
Role of Refrigerants in the Electrification of Commercial HVAC (moderated by Paul Delaney)
Philip Johnston, PEng, joined Daikin Applied Americas (formerly McQuay International) in 2001. He held a series of senior leadership roles in development, new product introduction, and product management. In 2019, Johnston became the general manager in charge of transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants, and in 2022, he became the vice president of DAA’s Environmental Business Development Center.
Daikin Applied Americas Inc.
Vice President, Environmental Business Development Center
Role of Refrigerants in the Electrification of Commercial HVAC (moderated by Paul Delaney)
Philip Johnston, PEng, joined Daikin Applied Americas (formerly McQuay International) in 2001. He held a series of senior leadership roles in development, new product introduction, and product management. In 2019, Johnston became the general manager in charge of transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants, and in 2022, he became the vice president of DAA’s Environmental Business Development Center.
Carol Kay
SMUD
Project Manager, Research & Development
Leveraging EVs to Manage the Electric Grid (moderated by Jingjing Liu, LBNL)
SMUD
Project Manager, Research & Development
Leveraging EVs to Manage the Electric Grid (moderated by Jingjing Liu, LBNL)
Ryan Kerr
GTI Energy
Director, Emerging Technologies
Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for End-Use Equipment (moderated by Steven Long, GET)
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
Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for End-Use Equipment (moderated by Steven Long, GET)
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.
Pooya Khodaparast
California Energy Commission
Utilities Engineer
Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for Infrastructure (moderated by Steven Long, GET)
Pooya Khodaparast is a utilities engineer in the Infrastructure Transition unit of CEC’s Research and Development Division. He manages agreements whose primary focus is risk assessment of California’s aging gas infrastructure. He holds a PhD in petroleum and natural engineering from Pennsylvania State University and, prior to joining the commission, worked at the University of Southern California’s Center for Energy Transition as a post-doctoral scholar.
California Energy Commission
Utilities Engineer
Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for Infrastructure (moderated by Steven Long, GET)
Pooya Khodaparast is a utilities engineer in the Infrastructure Transition unit of CEC’s Research and Development Division. He manages agreements whose primary focus is risk assessment of California’s aging gas infrastructure. He holds a PhD in petroleum and natural engineering from Pennsylvania State University and, prior to joining the commission, worked at the University of Southern California’s Center for Energy Transition as a post-doctoral scholar.
Charles Kim
Southern California Edison
Senior Engineer
Building Resiliency through Robust Flexible Demand and DERs (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
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
Senior Engineer
Building Resiliency through Robust Flexible Demand and DERs (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
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.
Ron Kliewer
Kliewer and Associates
Senior Building Scientist
Part 2: Building Envelopes, They’ve Got Everything—Efficiency, Decarbonization, Health, Safety, Climate Resiliency (moderated by Payam Bozorgchami, CEC)
Ron Kliewer started out framing houses and remodeling homes, becoming a custom home builder and general contractor. He has worked around the world, building everything from an outhouse to nuclear power plants while wearing many hats, which include framer, cabinetmaker, electrician, plumber, special inspector, and general contractor. He has focused on heat pump water heater performance research for the last few years. His most current work is with Southern California Edison, the Electric Power Research Institute, and South Coast Air Quality Management District conducting energy retrofit inspections and working in building science and energy storage projects.
Kliewer and Associates
Senior Building Scientist
Part 2: Building Envelopes, They’ve Got Everything—Efficiency, Decarbonization, Health, Safety, Climate Resiliency (moderated by Payam Bozorgchami, CEC)
Ron Kliewer started out framing houses and remodeling homes, becoming a custom home builder and general contractor. He has worked around the world, building everything from an outhouse to nuclear power plants while wearing many hats, which include framer, cabinetmaker, electrician, plumber, special inspector, and general contractor. He has focused on heat pump water heater performance research for the last few years. His most current work is with Southern California Edison, the Electric Power Research Institute, and South Coast Air Quality Management District conducting energy retrofit inspections and working in building science and energy storage projects.
Jared Landsman
E3
Senior Managing Consultant
Dual-Fuel/Hybrid Systems for Residential Heating (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Jared Landsman joined E3 in 2021, where he works primarily on building electrification and decarbonization through a technical, policy, and economic lens. Landsman has developed a number of models to forecast heat pump adoption on a regional and national scale as well as help cities and states understand the consumer and utility impacts of building electrification. Prior to joining E3, Landsman worked at the MEP engineering firm Integral Group, leading the Building Performance team.
E3
Senior Managing Consultant
Dual-Fuel/Hybrid Systems for Residential Heating (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Jared Landsman joined E3 in 2021, where he works primarily on building electrification and decarbonization through a technical, policy, and economic lens. Landsman has developed a number of models to forecast heat pump adoption on a regional and national scale as well as help cities and states understand the consumer and utility impacts of building electrification. Prior to joining E3, Landsman worked at the MEP engineering firm Integral Group, leading the Building Performance team.
Sandy Laube
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Fellow, Energy Efficiency
Overcoming Challenges to Scaling Building Decarbonization (moderated by Will Vicent, CEC)
Sandy Laube has been changing hearts and light bulbs in the energy efficiency world for over 25 years. At Energy Solutions, she provides strategic vision for a variety of projects in the areas of Workforce Education & Training and Equitable Decarbonization. Laube has deep expertise in residential retrofit programs and has led both implementation and marketing teams for Energy Upgrade California.
Energy Solutions (CalNEXT)
Fellow, Energy Efficiency
Overcoming Challenges to Scaling Building Decarbonization (moderated by Will Vicent, CEC)
Sandy Laube has been changing hearts and light bulbs in the energy efficiency world for over 25 years. At Energy Solutions, she provides strategic vision for a variety of projects in the areas of Workforce Education & Training and Equitable Decarbonization. Laube has deep expertise in residential retrofit programs and has led both implementation and marketing teams for Energy Upgrade California.
Jeremy Laundergan
EnerNex
Vice President, Consulting Services
Building Resiliency through Robust Flexible Demand and DERs (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
Jeremy Laundergan has over 30 years of experience and has worked on smart grid and grid modernization initiatives for 20 years. He assists EnerNex’s utility clients in planning and implementing grid modernization initiatives to realize the expected benefits utilizing technologies and systems utilizing standards that EnerNex has helped develop through National Institute of Standards and Technology and other forums.
EnerNex
Vice President, Consulting Services
Building Resiliency through Robust Flexible Demand and DERs (moderated by Mark Martinez, SCE)
Jeremy Laundergan has over 30 years of experience and has worked on smart grid and grid modernization initiatives for 20 years. He assists EnerNex’s utility clients in planning and implementing grid modernization initiatives to realize the expected benefits utilizing technologies and systems utilizing standards that EnerNex has helped develop through National Institute of Standards and Technology and other forums.
Bing Liu
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Building Sector Manager
At the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Bing Liu focuses on building decarbonization and grid-and-building-intersection strategic development and implementation. At PNNL, Liu led a Building Energy Research and Analysis group of thirty researchers. She was also the program manager of the Building Energy Codes Program, leading the research team to support the development and implementation of building energy codes in support of DOE. The lead author of the award-winning Advanced Energy Design Guide and an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, Liu was one of Engineered Systems magazine’s “20 to Watch: Women in HVAC” in 2020.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Building Sector Manager
At the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Bing Liu focuses on building decarbonization and grid-and-building-intersection strategic development and implementation. At PNNL, Liu led a Building Energy Research and Analysis group of thirty researchers. She was also the program manager of the Building Energy Codes Program, leading the research team to support the development and implementation of building energy codes in support of DOE. The lead author of the award-winning Advanced Energy Design Guide and an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, Liu was one of Engineered Systems magazine’s “20 to Watch: Women in HVAC” in 2020.
Jingjing Liu
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Program Manager
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
Jingjing Liu is a technology researcher and program manager at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She is managing the California Energy Commission–funded $16 million CalFlexHub program and automated price response technology demonstrations. With 17 years of experience in utility demand-side management, she is also leading research projects on grid-interactive efficient buildings, demand flexibility for grid services, heat pumps, EV smart charging, clean energy for communities, and workforce development.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Program Manager
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
Jingjing Liu is a technology researcher and program manager at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She is managing the California Energy Commission–funded $16 million CalFlexHub program and automated price response technology demonstrations. With 17 years of experience in utility demand-side management, she is also leading research projects on grid-interactive efficient buildings, demand flexibility for grid services, heat pumps, EV smart charging, clean energy for communities, and workforce development.
Steven Long
ICF (GET)
Director, 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).
ICF (GET)
Director, 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).
Jenny Low
Build It Green
Senior Program Manager
Avoiding Panel Upsizing: Who Needs an Upgrade, Really? (moderated by Emma Tome, 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.
Build It Green
Senior Program Manager
Avoiding Panel Upsizing: Who Needs an Upgrade, Really? (moderated by Emma Tome, 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.
Caton Mande
Western Cooling Efficiency Center, UC Davis
Senior R&D Engineer
What's Load Got to Do with It? The Rise of Flexible Heat Pump Technology (moderated by Kelly Cunningham, PG&E)
Caton Mande is a Senior R&D Engineer at the Western Cooling Efficiency Center at the University of California, Davis, with over a decade of applied research experience in energy efficiency in buildings. His expertise includes control systems, high-accuracy airflow measurements, and characterizing the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Western Cooling Efficiency Center, UC Davis
Senior R&D Engineer
What's Load Got to Do with It? The Rise of Flexible Heat Pump Technology (moderated by Kelly Cunningham, PG&E)
Caton Mande is a Senior R&D Engineer at the Western Cooling Efficiency Center at the University of California, Davis, with over a decade of applied research experience in energy efficiency in buildings. His expertise includes control systems, high-accuracy airflow measurements, and characterizing the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Mark Martinez
Southern California Edison
Senior Portfolio Manager
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
Mark Martinez is a senior portfolio manager with over 30 years of experience in innovative demand side management, advanced emerging technologies, and integrated customer solutions for demand flexibility. His current responsibilities include managing a portfolio of demonstrations and also laboratory and field assessments of early-to-market demand-responsive technologies for future cost-effective utility programs.
Southern California Edison
Senior Portfolio Manager
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
Mark Martinez is a senior portfolio manager with over 30 years of experience in innovative demand side management, advanced emerging technologies, and integrated customer solutions for demand flexibility. His current responsibilities include managing a portfolio of demonstrations and also laboratory and field assessments of early-to-market demand-responsive technologies for future cost-effective utility programs.
Cristalle Mauleon, PE
Lincus Inc. (GET)
Engineering Manager
Gas Heat Pumps (moderated by Merry Sweeney, SDG&E)
Dual-Fuel/Hybrid Systems for Residential Heating (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Multifamily Applications Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, GET)
Cristalle Mauleon has over 10 years of experience in the energy efficiency (EE) field, including reviewing EE incentive applications, performing building audits, conducting process improvement reviews, introducing new measures into utility EE portfolios, engineering support of utility EE programs, and managing emerging technology projects. Mauleon currently supports the California Statewide Gas Emerging Technologies Program, administered by ICF under a contract with SoCalGas. Previously, she supported the electric side of emerging technologies.
Lincus Inc. (GET)
Engineering Manager
Gas Heat Pumps (moderated by Merry Sweeney, SDG&E)
Dual-Fuel/Hybrid Systems for Residential Heating (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Multifamily Applications Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, GET)
Cristalle Mauleon has over 10 years of experience in the energy efficiency (EE) field, including reviewing EE incentive applications, performing building audits, conducting process improvement reviews, introducing new measures into utility EE portfolios, engineering support of utility EE programs, and managing emerging technology projects. Mauleon currently supports the California Statewide Gas Emerging Technologies Program, administered by ICF under a contract with SoCalGas. Previously, she supported the electric side of emerging technologies.
J. Andrew McAllister, PhD
California Energy Commission
Commissioner
Welcome (by Jose Bodipo-Memba, SMUD) & Opening Panel, "How to Accelerate Decarbonization in California, with AHRI, CEC, and DOE" (moderated by Brian Stonerock, SCE)
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
Welcome (by Jose Bodipo-Memba, SMUD) & Opening Panel, "How to Accelerate Decarbonization in California, with AHRI, CEC, and DOE" (moderated by Brian Stonerock, SCE)
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.
Lujuana Medina
Southern California Regional Energy Network, County of Los Angeles
Environmental Initiatives Division Manager
Solutions to Equitably Fulfill the Workforce Needs for Our Decarbonized Future (moderated by Axel Pearson, PNNL)
With over 19 years in the energy industry, Lujuana Medina, a local government leader, manages and operates environmental initiatives programs administered by the County of Los Angeles which serve the entire Southern California. This includes the Southern California Regional Energy Network (a portfolio of energy efficiency programs) and the Southern California EVen Access (a portfolio of EV infrastructure programs).
Southern California Regional Energy Network, County of Los Angeles
Environmental Initiatives Division Manager
Solutions to Equitably Fulfill the Workforce Needs for Our Decarbonized Future (moderated by Axel Pearson, PNNL)
With over 19 years in the energy industry, Lujuana Medina, a local government leader, manages and operates environmental initiatives programs administered by the County of Los Angeles which serve the entire Southern California. This includes the Southern California Regional Energy Network (a portfolio of energy efficiency programs) and the Southern California EVen Access (a portfolio of EV infrastructure programs).
Jeff Mitchell
Resource Innovations (CalMTA)
Principal, Market Transformation
Idea to Initiative: Advancing Market Transformation in California
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
Idea to Initiative: Advancing Market Transformation in California
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.
Michael Mutmansky
TRC Companies, Inc.
Associate Director
Avoiding Panel Upsizing: Who Needs an Upgrade, Really? (moderated by Emma Tome, CARB)
Michael Mutmansky has worked on energy efficiency for 30 years, starting with energy-efficient lighting design and later moving into the development of codes and standards and emerging technologies. He has worked on a variety of projects over the years, developing skills and knowledge to remain an industry leader as the efficiency space evolved and the market moves towards decarbonization and electrification.
TRC Companies, Inc.
Associate Director
Avoiding Panel Upsizing: Who Needs an Upgrade, Really? (moderated by Emma Tome, CARB)
Michael Mutmansky has worked on energy efficiency for 30 years, starting with energy-efficient lighting design and later moving into the development of codes and standards and emerging technologies. He has worked on a variety of projects over the years, developing skills and knowledge to remain an industry leader as the efficiency space evolved and the market moves towards decarbonization and electrification.
Ram Narayanamurthy
Department of Energy
Deputy Director, Building Technologies Office, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Welcome (by Jose Bodipo-Memba, SMUD) & Opening Panel, "How to Accelerate Decarbonization in California, with AHRI, CEC, and DOE" (moderated by Brian Stonerock, SCE)
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.
Department of Energy
Deputy Director, Building Technologies Office, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Welcome (by Jose Bodipo-Memba, SMUD) & Opening Panel, "How to Accelerate Decarbonization in California, with AHRI, CEC, and DOE" (moderated by Brian Stonerock, SCE)
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.
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.
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.
Axel Pearson
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Project Manager
Axel Pearson is a project manager at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, leading the Integrated Lighting Campaign and commercial building workforce development efforts. Prior, Pearson led the DesignLights Consortium’s Solid-State Lighting Program and managed development of the technical requirements. Pearson also has experience with codes and standards development, lighting auditing, utility incentive programs, and energy education.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Project Manager
Axel Pearson is a project manager at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, leading the Integrated Lighting Campaign and commercial building workforce development efforts. Prior, Pearson led the DesignLights Consortium’s Solid-State Lighting Program and managed development of the technical requirements. Pearson also has experience with codes and standards development, lighting auditing, utility incentive programs, and energy education.
Karin Perissinotto
CalPortland
Sustainability Manager
Embodied Carbon (moderated by Dave Intner, SCE)
Karin Perissinotto brings 25+ years of experience in sustainability and construction. CalPortland, a leading western U.S. construction materials company, specializes in cement and concrete. Perissinotto champions corporate sustainability and promotes industry-wide practices. She holds a BA from University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s in sustainability leadership from Arizona State University. As a LEED AP BD+C and WELL AP, she is dedicated to sustainable solutions and community resilience.
CalPortland
Sustainability Manager
Embodied Carbon (moderated by Dave Intner, SCE)
Karin Perissinotto brings 25+ years of experience in sustainability and construction. CalPortland, a leading western U.S. construction materials company, specializes in cement and concrete. Perissinotto champions corporate sustainability and promotes industry-wide practices. She holds a BA from University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s in sustainability leadership from Arizona State University. As a LEED AP BD+C and WELL AP, she is dedicated to sustainable solutions and community resilience.
Samuel Petty
U.S. Department of Energy
Technology Manager for Commercial Validations
Heat Pump Space Heating (moderated by Haile Bucaneg, CEC)
Sam Petty is a technology manager for Commercial Validations within Building Technologies Office’s Commercial Buildings Integration program. His work at BTO focuses on the Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator, leading the Technology Challenge, along with programmatic support for envelope, windows, controls, and embodied carbon research. Petty received his BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Denver in 2010 and is certified as a Project Management Professional.
U.S. Department of Energy
Technology Manager for Commercial Validations
Heat Pump Space Heating (moderated by Haile Bucaneg, CEC)
Sam Petty is a technology manager for Commercial Validations within Building Technologies Office’s Commercial Buildings Integration program. His work at BTO focuses on the Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator, leading the Technology Challenge, along with programmatic support for envelope, windows, controls, and embodied carbon research. Petty received his BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Denver in 2010 and is certified as a Project Management Professional.
Marco Pritoni
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Research Scientist
Modeling and Modulating: Innovative Solutions Enabling Residential/Commercial Customer Flexibility (moderated by Ivy So, APTIM)
Marco Pritoni is a research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he conducts research in advanced controls, data-driven modeling, and data analytics applied to buildings. He leads a team of researchers working on optimization of building operation and building-to-grid interaction. Pritoni has a multidisciplinary background spanning mechanical engineering, building science, data science, and human behavior. He holds a PhD and MS in mechanical and aeronautical engineering from the University of California, Davis, and an MS in industrial engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Research Scientist
Modeling and Modulating: Innovative Solutions Enabling Residential/Commercial Customer Flexibility (moderated by Ivy So, APTIM)
Marco Pritoni is a research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he conducts research in advanced controls, data-driven modeling, and data analytics applied to buildings. He leads a team of researchers working on optimization of building operation and building-to-grid interaction. Pritoni has a multidisciplinary background spanning mechanical engineering, building science, data science, and human behavior. He holds a PhD and MS in mechanical and aeronautical engineering from the University of California, Davis, and an MS in industrial engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy.
Josh Rasin
SMUD
Manager of Technology Acceleration
As manager of Technology Acceleration, Josh Rasin leads the team responsible for R&D of customer-facing technologies and solutions to enable Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s ambitious goal of zero carbon in 2030. His 15-plus years of experience managing energy efficiency and demand response projects has evolved to encompass strategizing about load flexibility, energy storage, renewable fuels, and electrification of buildings and vehicles. Rasin holds a BA in environmental economics from Binghamton University.
SMUD
Manager of Technology Acceleration
As manager of Technology Acceleration, Josh Rasin leads the team responsible for R&D of customer-facing technologies and solutions to enable Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s ambitious goal of zero carbon in 2030. His 15-plus years of experience managing energy efficiency and demand response projects has evolved to encompass strategizing about load flexibility, energy storage, renewable fuels, and electrification of buildings and vehicles. Rasin holds a BA in environmental economics from Binghamton University.
Alison Rhodes
EPRI
Senior Technical Assistant
Food Service: Providing Technologies and Support for Decarbonization (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Alison Rhodes leads the Electric Foodservice Council at EPRI. This council is housed within EPRI’s electrification research program (Program 199).
EPRI
Senior Technical Assistant
Food Service: Providing Technologies and Support for Decarbonization (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Alison Rhodes leads the Electric Foodservice Council at EPRI. This council is housed within EPRI’s electrification research program (Program 199).
Rebecca Rothman
VEIC (CalNEXT)
Manager, Consulting
Solutions for Optimizing Electrical Panel Usage and Avoiding Unnecessary Panel Upsizing (moderated by Yu Hou, CEC)
Successful Technology Transfer through CalNEXT (moderated by Savannah McLaughlin, CPUC)
Prioritizing Technology Opportunities through CalNEXT (moderated by Derek Okada, CalNEXT)
Rebecca Rothman is an expert in civil and environmental engineering who specializes in sustainable solutions in the built environment. She excels at strategic planning, process improvement, and management of diverse, multidisciplinary teams. She has extensive experience in regulatory interpretation and permitting. Based in California, Rothman leads VEIC’s participation in CalNEXT, the state’s program for emerging electric technology. She provides strategic planning, leads research projects, and heads a team of technical professionals overseeing the research project selection process.
VEIC (CalNEXT)
Manager, Consulting
Solutions for Optimizing Electrical Panel Usage and Avoiding Unnecessary Panel Upsizing (moderated by Yu Hou, CEC)
Successful Technology Transfer through CalNEXT (moderated by Savannah McLaughlin, CPUC)
Prioritizing Technology Opportunities through CalNEXT (moderated by Derek Okada, CalNEXT)
Rebecca Rothman is an expert in civil and environmental engineering who specializes in sustainable solutions in the built environment. She excels at strategic planning, process improvement, and management of diverse, multidisciplinary teams. She has extensive experience in regulatory interpretation and permitting. Based in California, Rothman leads VEIC’s participation in CalNEXT, the state’s program for emerging electric technology. She provides strategic planning, leads research projects, and heads a team of technical professionals overseeing the research project selection process.
Jack Rusk
EHDD
Director of Climate Strategy
Embodied Carbon (moderated by Dave Intner, SCE)
Jack Rusk is the director of Climate Strategy at EHDD, an architecture firm with offices in San Francisco and Seattle. He works across projects at the firm to identify and implement climate-positive design strategies. Rusk also leads the development of the early-phase integrated carbon assessment, a free web application for planning whole life carbon reductions. EPIC is used by almost five thousand architects and engineers to illustrate the potential for deep decarbonization on their projects. Rusk is a graduate of the Yale School of the Environment and the Yale School of Architecture.
EHDD
Director of Climate Strategy
Embodied Carbon (moderated by Dave Intner, SCE)
Jack Rusk is the director of Climate Strategy at EHDD, an architecture firm with offices in San Francisco and Seattle. He works across projects at the firm to identify and implement climate-positive design strategies. Rusk also leads the development of the early-phase integrated carbon assessment, a free web application for planning whole life carbon reductions. EPIC is used by almost five thousand architects and engineers to illustrate the potential for deep decarbonization on their projects. Rusk is a graduate of the Yale School of the Environment and the Yale School of Architecture.
Greg Sarvas
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Electric Transportation Program Supervisor
Charging Ahead: Statewide Efforts to Deploy EV Charging Infrastructure (moderated by Jaron Weston, CEC)
Greg Sarvas is an electrical engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. His team oversees LADWP’s Electric Transportation Program, designing and installing public EV charging stations and promoting third-party installations by developing incentive programs and establishing partnerships with public and private agencies. Prior, Sarvas led technical projects at Disneyland and other entertainment venues.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Electric Transportation Program Supervisor
Charging Ahead: Statewide Efforts to Deploy EV Charging Infrastructure (moderated by Jaron Weston, CEC)
Greg Sarvas is an electrical engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. His team oversees LADWP’s Electric Transportation Program, designing and installing public EV charging stations and promoting third-party installations by developing incentive programs and establishing partnerships with public and private agencies. Prior, Sarvas led technical projects at Disneyland and other entertainment venues.
Eric Seilo
Southern California Edison
Principal Manager, Customer Programs Integration and Development
Opening Panel, "What’s Needed in the Next 5 Years, with PG&E, SCE, SMUD, and SoCalGas" (moderated by Carol Yin, ETCC)
Eric Seilo is principal manager of Southern California Edison’s codes and standards as well as customer program strategy and development teams for energy efficiency, demand response, income-qualified programs, customer generation, transportation electrification, and building electrification. Since 2011, Seilo has spearheaded over $1 billion in California Public Utilities Commission–approved programs to accelerate the deployment of EVs, DERs, and equity-focused programs.
Southern California Edison
Principal Manager, Customer Programs Integration and Development
Opening Panel, "What’s Needed in the Next 5 Years, with PG&E, SCE, SMUD, and SoCalGas" (moderated by Carol Yin, ETCC)
Eric Seilo is principal manager of Southern California Edison’s codes and standards as well as customer program strategy and development teams for energy efficiency, demand response, income-qualified programs, customer generation, transportation electrification, and building electrification. Since 2011, Seilo has spearheaded over $1 billion in California Public Utilities Commission–approved programs to accelerate the deployment of EVs, DERs, and equity-focused programs.
Hardik Shah
GTI Energy
Manager, Technical Programs
Other (Natural Gas) Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, GET)
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
Other (Natural Gas) Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, GET)
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.
Saurabh Shekhadar
ICF (GET)
Energy Engineer
Gas Heat Pumps (moderated by Merry Sweeney, SDG&E)
Dual-Fuel/Hybrid Systems for Residential Heating (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Saurabh Shekhadar is a mechanical engineer with over 3 years of experience in energy efficiency. In his current role at ICF, Shekhadar researches, develops, and manages engineering studies related to emerging technologies in natural gas and carbon emissions reductions in California. Also, he led Texas A&M’s Industrial Assessment Center (US DOE) during his master's. Shekhadar is a recipient of the ACEEE Linda Latham Scholarship (2021) and the AEE Foundation Scholarship (2020).
ICF (GET)
Energy Engineer
Gas Heat Pumps (moderated by Merry Sweeney, SDG&E)
Dual-Fuel/Hybrid Systems for Residential Heating (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Saurabh Shekhadar is a mechanical engineer with over 3 years of experience in energy efficiency. In his current role at ICF, Shekhadar researches, develops, and manages engineering studies related to emerging technologies in natural gas and carbon emissions reductions in California. Also, he led Texas A&M’s Industrial Assessment Center (US DOE) during his master's. Shekhadar is a recipient of the ACEEE Linda Latham Scholarship (2021) and the AEE Foundation Scholarship (2020).
Samantha Slater
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs,
Welcome (by Jose Bodipo-Memba, SMUD) & Opening Panel, "How to Accelerate Decarbonization in California, with AHRI, CEC, and DOE" (moderated by Brian Stonerock, SCE)
Samantha Slater directs the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute’s policy team, including state and federal legislative policy, state and federal regulatory policy, and international policy, codes, and research.
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs,
Welcome (by Jose Bodipo-Memba, SMUD) & Opening Panel, "How to Accelerate Decarbonization in California, with AHRI, CEC, and DOE" (moderated by Brian Stonerock, SCE)
Samantha Slater directs the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute’s policy team, including state and federal legislative policy, state and federal regulatory policy, and international policy, codes, and research.
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.
Brian Stonerock
SCE
Director, Advanced Energy Solutions
Brian Stonerock leads Advanced Energy Solutions at Southern California Edison, focusing on energy efficiency and carbon-free demand response and supporting 1.4 million low-income customers. Since joining SCE in 1998, he has held roles in strategic planning, operations, transportation electrification, project management, system planning, grid technology, and engineering. Stonerock holds a BS in electrical and computer engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from Claremont Graduate University.
SCE
Director, Advanced Energy Solutions
Brian Stonerock leads Advanced Energy Solutions at Southern California Edison, focusing on energy efficiency and carbon-free demand response and supporting 1.4 million low-income customers. Since joining SCE in 1998, he has held roles in strategic planning, operations, transportation electrification, project management, system planning, grid technology, and engineering. Stonerock holds a BS in electrical and computer engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from Claremont Graduate University.
Crystal Sujeski
CAL FIRE / Office of the State Fire Marshal
Chief, Code Development & Analysis
Low-GWP Refrigerants: Safety, Flammability, and Leakage Rates (moderated by Danielle Wright, NASRC)
Crystal L. Sujeski is the Chief of Code Development and Analysis for Cal Fire / Office of the State Fire Marshal. The program is charged with developing regulations for the state of California on topics that promote fire, life, and panic safety.
CAL FIRE / Office of the State Fire Marshal
Chief, Code Development & Analysis
Low-GWP Refrigerants: Safety, Flammability, and Leakage Rates (moderated by Danielle Wright, NASRC)
Crystal L. Sujeski is the Chief of Code Development and Analysis for Cal Fire / Office of the State Fire Marshal. The program is charged with developing regulations for the state of California on topics that promote fire, life, and panic safety.
Merry Sweeney
San Diego Gas & Electric
Project Manager II, Emerging Technologies
Merry Sweeney has nearly 15 years of experience in emerging technology (ET) R&D. Her background in the nonprofit, research, and government sectors informs her perspective on the issues facing sustainable and affordable energy usage and development, ET evaluation, market transformation, and utility energy efficiency programs. She holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of Michigan.
San Diego Gas & Electric
Project Manager II, Emerging Technologies
Merry Sweeney has nearly 15 years of experience in emerging technology (ET) R&D. Her background in the nonprofit, research, and government sectors informs her perspective on the issues facing sustainable and affordable energy usage and development, ET evaluation, market transformation, and utility energy efficiency programs. She holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of Michigan.
Oliver Ta
Southern California Edison
Engineer, Foodservice Technology Center
Food Service: Providing Technologies and Support for Decarbonization (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Southern California Edison
Engineer, Foodservice Technology Center
Food Service: Providing Technologies and Support for Decarbonization (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Madeline Talebi
ICF (GET)
Energy Engineer
Gas Heat Pumps (moderated by Merry Sweeney, SDG&E)
Multifamily Applications Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, GET)
Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for End-Use Equipment (moderated by Steven Long, GET)
Prior to joining ICF, Madeline Talebi worked as a researcher on small-scale laboratory experiments and computational modeling projects based on carbon capture technologies, pollutant emissions control, and material sciences. Currently, Talebi supports the California Statewide Gas Emerging Technologies program, Southern California Edison Corporate Sustainability Report GHG Emissions reporting, and California Technical Forum Measure Package development. Talebi earned a BS and MS from the University of California, Irvine, in chemical engineering.
ICF (GET)
Energy Engineer
Gas Heat Pumps (moderated by Merry Sweeney, SDG&E)
Multifamily Applications Research (moderated by Saurabh Shekhadar, GET)
Natural Gas and Hydrogen Blends for End-Use Equipment (moderated by Steven Long, GET)
Prior to joining ICF, Madeline Talebi worked as a researcher on small-scale laboratory experiments and computational modeling projects based on carbon capture technologies, pollutant emissions control, and material sciences. Currently, Talebi supports the California Statewide Gas Emerging Technologies program, Southern California Edison Corporate Sustainability Report GHG Emissions reporting, and California Technical Forum Measure Package development. Talebi earned a BS and MS from the University of California, Irvine, in chemical engineering.
Emma Tome
California Air Resources Board
Air Pollution Specialist, Building Decarbonization and Innovative Strategies
Emma Tome is an air pollution specialist in California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Transportation and Communities Division. They are part of the team developing zero-emission appliance and equipment standards. CARB is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change.
California Air Resources Board
Air Pollution Specialist, Building Decarbonization and Innovative Strategies
Emma Tome is an air pollution specialist in California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Transportation and Communities Division. They are part of the team developing zero-emission appliance and equipment standards. CARB is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change.
Kevin Uy
California Energy Commission
Branch Manager
Hydrogen Overview and the Path Forward (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Kevin Uy is the manager of the Energy Supply Branch in the California Energy Commission’s Energy Research and Development Division. His work focuses on renewable generation technologies, distributed energy resource integration, and the production, use, and impacts of low-carbon fuels including hydrogen. Uy holds BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Davis, and is a registered professional engineer in the state of California.
California Energy Commission
Branch Manager
Hydrogen Overview and the Path Forward (moderated by Eric Kirchhoff, SoCalGas)
Kevin Uy is the manager of the Energy Supply Branch in the California Energy Commission’s Energy Research and Development Division. His work focuses on renewable generation technologies, distributed energy resource integration, and the production, use, and impacts of low-carbon fuels including hydrogen. Uy holds BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Davis, and is a registered professional engineer in the state of California.
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.
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.
Martin Vu
RMS Energy Consulting, LLC
Principal Engineer and Patent Attorney
Martin Vu has over 20 years of utility operations and supervisory experience for Fortune 200 energy utility clients, training institutes, and government regulating bodies. One of California’s energy efficiency experts, Vu has a proven record of bringing to market emerging technologies that thoughtfully balance innovation and growth opportunities with consumer ratepayer protection mandates.
RMS Energy Consulting, LLC
Principal Engineer and Patent Attorney
Martin Vu has over 20 years of utility operations and supervisory experience for Fortune 200 energy utility clients, training institutes, and government regulating bodies. One of California’s energy efficiency experts, Vu has a proven record of bringing to market emerging technologies that thoughtfully balance innovation and growth opportunities with consumer ratepayer protection mandates.
Stefanie Wayland
California Energy Commission
Load Flexibility Lead
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
At the California Energy Commission, Stefanie Wayland focuses on load flexibility across California. Ze works on updating and implementing the Load Management Standards. Wayland leads MIDAS, providing access to electricity prices and GHGs from electricity generation. Ze provides technical expertise for the Flexible Demand Appliance Standards. Before joining the CEC, Wayland was an evaluator of energy efficiency, demand response, and load flexibility programs.
California Energy Commission
Load Flexibility Lead
The Future of Flexibility: An Interactive Discussion (moderated by Josh Rasin, SMUD)
At the California Energy Commission, Stefanie Wayland focuses on load flexibility across California. Ze works on updating and implementing the Load Management Standards. Wayland leads MIDAS, providing access to electricity prices and GHGs from electricity generation. Ze provides technical expertise for the Flexible Demand Appliance Standards. Before joining the CEC, Wayland was an evaluator of energy efficiency, demand response, and load flexibility programs.
Don Widjaja
SoCalGas
Vice President, Customer Field and Solutions
Opening Panel, "What’s Needed in the Next 5 Years, with PG&E, SCE, SMUD, and SoCalGas" (moderated by Carol Yin, ETCC)
At SoCalGas, Don Widjaja oversees all aspects of customer-service field operations, customer programs for energy efficiency and customer assistance, and clean transportation. Previously, Widjaja was director of strategic planning and analysis for Sempra. He has been with the Sempra family of companies since 2008 and has held positions such as director of financial planning and regulatory accounts for San Diego Gas & Electric. Widjaja has a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration with an emphasis in finance from Washington University in St. Louis.
SoCalGas
Vice President, Customer Field and Solutions
Opening Panel, "What’s Needed in the Next 5 Years, with PG&E, SCE, SMUD, and SoCalGas" (moderated by Carol Yin, ETCC)
At SoCalGas, Don Widjaja oversees all aspects of customer-service field operations, customer programs for energy efficiency and customer assistance, and clean transportation. Previously, Widjaja was director of strategic planning and analysis for Sempra. He has been with the Sempra family of companies since 2008 and has held positions such as director of financial planning and regulatory accounts for San Diego Gas & Electric. Widjaja has a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration with an emphasis in finance from Washington University in St. Louis.
Danielle Wright
North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council
Executive Director
Training Regarding Systems Using Low and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (moderated by Danielle Wright, NASRC)
Danielle Wright is the executive director of the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing climate-friendly natural refrigerants which have been identified as a leading global climate solution. Prior, she managed large-scale utility energy efficiency incentive programs in the commercial sector, with a focus on food retail refrigeration, achieving both energy savings and lower operational costs.
North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council
Executive Director
Training Regarding Systems Using Low and Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (moderated by Danielle Wright, NASRC)
Danielle Wright is the executive director of the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing climate-friendly natural refrigerants which have been identified as a leading global climate solution. Prior, she managed large-scale utility energy efficiency incentive programs in the commercial sector, with a focus on food retail refrigeration, achieving both energy savings and lower operational costs.
Carol Yin
ETCC
Facilitator
Carol Yin has led the ETCC facilitation team since 2018, helping its member utilities and the California Energy Commission coordinate research on technologies for customer programs. Yin has been consulting in the energy efficiency industry since 2004 and, in her spare time, enjoys scuba diving off the Southern California coast.
ETCC
Facilitator
Carol Yin has led the ETCC facilitation team since 2018, helping its member utilities and the California Energy Commission coordinate research on technologies for customer programs. Yin has been consulting in the energy efficiency industry since 2004 and, in her spare time, enjoys scuba diving off the Southern California coast.
Mehdi Zeyghami
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Mechanical Engineer
Removing Barriers to Heat Pump Water Heaters in Foodservice Facilities (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Advancing Hot Water Solutions: Field Insights, Installations, and Efficiency Strategies for Heat Pump Water Heaters (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
Mehdi Zeyghami is a mechanical engineer at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Zeyghami's current work focuses on the technical assessment of new building energy technologies, with the aim of providing data to improve building energy codes and standards.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Mechanical Engineer
Removing Barriers to Heat Pump Water Heaters in Foodservice Facilities (moderated by Martin Vu, RMS Consulting)
Advancing Hot Water Solutions: Field Insights, Installations, and Efficiency Strategies for Heat Pump Water Heaters (moderated by Bing Liu, PNNL)
Mehdi Zeyghami is a mechanical engineer at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Zeyghami's current work focuses on the technical assessment of new building energy technologies, with the aim of providing data to improve building energy codes and standards.