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
- Jamila Jarmon, Manager, Growth Strategy, Electrification of Transportation, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)
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