Power Talk: Masterclass in Securing Buy-In for the Next-Gen Grid
The greatest barrier to grid modernization is often not the technology, but the “narrative gap.” This session provides a strategic toolkit for utility leaders to articulate the value of AI, electrification, autonomous vehicles, and grid-integrated charging to a diverse audience. Participants will learn how to distill technical complexity into compelling narratives that resonate with skeptical policy makers, cost-conscious regulators, and a public concerned with reliability and affordability. This panel will discuss how to shift the conversation from “rate hikes and infrastructure” to “resiliency, economic opportunity, cleaner air, and even national security.” By the end of this session, attendees will have a framework for building public trust and securing political buy-in for the long-term investments required to build the electrified future.
Moderated by: Karl Popham, Chair of the Electric Vehicle Leadership Council, Chartwell Inc
Karl Popham is the Chair of the Electric Vehicle Leadership Council at Chartwell Inc. and a recognized leader with over 24 years of combined electric utility and consulting experience with a focus on transportation, electrification, strategy, and innovation. Previously, he had a 17-year career at Austin Energy, the nation’s 3rd largest city-owned electric utility, where he co-founded and led their award-winning Electric Vehicles & Emerging Technologies team and served as their Chief Information Officer. A Principal Investigator on twelve successful energy innovation grants, active speaker and board advisor, Karl is co-author of “Smart Cities; Applications & Standards” a college textbook published by Springer. Previous career experience includes strategy and innovation consulting for Global 100 companies and a Captain in the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Panelists:
- Richie Biedenham, Electric Vehicle Program Manager, Cleco Power
Richard Biedenharn is Utility EV Program Manager at Cleco, where he leads the utility’s electric vehicle strategy and oversees programs designed to accelerate transportation electrification across Louisiana. He manages Cleco’s residential and commercial EV charging incentive programs, leads development of innovative utility rates to support public fast charging infrastructure, and uses data-driven analysis to evaluate the impact of EV adoption on the electric grid. Previously, Richard spent more than five years at Entergy, where he led beneficial electrification initiatives and supported large-scale customer electrification projects. He also serves as President of the Board of Louisiana Clean Fuels, advancing clean transportation throughout the state. Richard brings extensive experience in utility strategy, regulatory policy, and electric transportation.
- Jamila Jarmon, Manager, Growth Strategy, Electrification of Transportation, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)
Jamila Jarmon is Manager of Growth Strategy – Electrification of Transportation at Hawaiian Electric, where she leads strategic initiatives to support the rapid adoption of electric vehicles across Hawaiʻi. She oversees the utility’s transportation electrification roadmap, including policy development, innovative pilot programs, customer partnerships, and funding strategies spanning regulatory recovery, grants, and private investment. An attorney by training, Jamila brings a diverse background in law, climate technology, and startup leadership, with previous roles at Elemental Excelerator, Chewbox, and Bickerton Law Group. Recognized for her commitment to equity and community leadership, she was named one of Hawaiʻi’s Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 and is a Pacific Century Fellow. She combines strategic vision with a passion for building inclusive, sustainable energy solutions.
- Preeth Kumar, Head of Revenue Marketing, Bidgely
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