Retrofit | Redesign | Reimagine
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Portland, OR
As the United States works toward advanced positions in both AI and energy sectors, industries are faced with the challenge of transforming their operations while continuing to provide a reliable service. In other words, we’re all building the plane while we fly it.
Let’s step back and look at the different ways this change is happening.
Retrofit: The ongoing work of layering advanced technology onto existing infrastructure
Redesign: Integrating AI-enabled, utility-scale components into the grid while meeting the challenge of load growth
Reimagine: Envisioning the dynamic, resilient, AI-first grid of the (fast approaching) future
The AI Clean Energy Summit (AICES) is an invitation-only gathering of AI and energy-sector leaders. Presented by BrightNight, AICES offers a rare opportunity for experts to engage in advanced, action-oriented discussions on the industry’s most pressing challenges and biggest opportunities.
Spaces are limited. Request an invitation using the form below.
Why Attend?
Invitation-only event
Join a select audience of experts and decision makers for a day of conversation, learning, and networking.
Advanced content
Go beyond standard conference fare, with expert-level discussions of some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Practical solutions
We’re bringing a bias toward action to the agenda, focusing on what needs to be done and how to make progress.
Agenda
8:00 – 9:00
9:00 – 9:20 AM
Martin Hermann, Founder & CEO, BrightNight
9:20 – 10:00 AM
PANEL SPEAKERS:
Indran Ratanthicam, Chief Growth Officer, Technosylva
Jim Schaefer, Senior Managing Director in Energy Investment Banking, Guggenheim Securities
David Logsdon, Director of Electrification and Strategic Technology, Seattle City Light
Shanna Brownstein, Head of Utility Partnerships, GridCARE AI
Moderator: Morgan Scott, Vice President, Sustainability & Global Outreach, EPRI
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Ryan Flynn, President, Pacific Power
Moderator: Bob Rowe, Energy Advisor, past CEO of Northwest Energy
10:30 – 10:45 AM
10:45 – 11:25 AM
PANEL SPEAKERS:
Donald Williams, Principal/Owner, From The Light Consulting LLC
Sarah Edmonds, President & CEO, Western Power Pool
Larry Bekkedahl, Senior VP, Advanced Energy Delivery, Portland General Electric
Josh Jacobs, VP, Clean Energy Strategy & Planning, Puget Sound Energy
Moderator: Debra Smith, past CEO Seattle City Light
11:25 – 11:55 AM
John McFarland, Vice President, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Portland General Electric
Moderator: Bob Rowe, Energy Advisor, past CEO of Northwest Energy
11:55 – 1:10 PM
1:10 – 1:40 PM
Megan Decker, Founder, Staircase Advisory (former Oregon PUC Chair)
Brian Rybarik, Chair, Washington UTC
Moderator: Scott Bolton, SVP External Affairs, BrightNight
1:40 – 2:20 PM
PANEL SPEAKERS:
Matthew Chambliss, EVP of Commercial Strategy & Energy, Aligned
Jeff Bladen, Head of Energy, Verrus Data
Bryce Yonker, Executive Director & CEO, Grid Forward
Jacqueline Elliot, Senior Director of National Customers, Edison Electric Institute
Michael Crabb, SVP Business Development, BrightNight
Moderator: Steve Wright, Energy Consultant, past CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration
2:20 – 2:50 PM
Moderator: Bob Rowe, Energy Advisor, past CEO of Northwest Energy
2:50 – 3:05 PM
3:05 – 3:45 PM
PANEL SPEAKERS:
Joaquin Lippincott, CEO, Metal Toad
Nate Hill, Head of Energy Policy, Amazon
Morgan Scott, Vice President, Sustainability & Global Outreach, EPRI
Mark Jamison, Director, University of Florida PURC
Moderator: Sarah Costello, Managing Director, Summer Bunker
3:45 – 4:00 PM
Stefan Bird, President, BrightNight
