DFW Agenda & speakers

GridNEXT, a trusted gathering place for Texas energy professionals.

October 27th, 2026 | The Westin at Las Colinas, Irving TX

Where demand, transmission, resilience, and reliability converge.

The Texas grid is entering a defining era. Rapid load growth, AI-driven demand, evolving policy, and unprecedented infrastructure investment are reshaping our industry. The decisions that determine how we respond are being made today.

GridNEXT DFW is the forum where those conversations happen—bringing together utilities, developers, regulators, technology leaders, and infrastructure experts to explore the ideas shaping the future of the Texas grid.

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GridNEXT DFW 2026

from $399.00

GridNext DFW 2026

October 27th 2026

9AM-5PM

Dallas, TX

Registration Type:

PROGRAM

8:30 – 9:30 AM – Check-in & join us for breakfast!
9:30 – 10:00 AM – Kick off the day with us — don’t miss the opening remarks!
Event Moderator:
Peter Kelly-Detwiler
Co-Founder
NorthBridge Energy Partners
Opening Remarks:
Melissa Miller
Senior VP, Development
Eolian Energy
Dr. Mandhir Sahni
Partner & COO
EEPlus, Inc.
10:00 – 10:45 AM
ERCOT Large Load Interconnection (LLI) Batch Process: Taking Stock & What Lies Ahead
As ERCOT's Large Load Interconnection (LLI) Batch Process continues to evolve, stakeholders are navigating new procedures, lessons learned, and emerging challenges. This panel will examine the current state of the process, key implementation insights, and what market participants can expect as ERCOT, developers, utilities, and regulators work to accommodate unprecedented load growth while maintaining grid reliability.
Bill Blevins
Head of Grid Strategies
Cipher Digital
Harsh Naik, P.E.
Senior Manager, Transmission Planning
Oncor
Christopher Gerety
VP, Technical Service & System Reliability
Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP)
10:45 – 11:30 AM
Impact of the AI/Data Center Economy on Natural Resources & Local Communities – Misinformation vs. Ground Realities
The rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers has sparked widespread discussion about their effects on water, energy, land use, and local communities. This panel will separate perception from reality by exploring the measurable impacts of large-scale data center development, highlighting both challenges and opportunities through the perspectives of industry leaders, local stakeholders, and infrastructure experts.
Luciana Tiblier
Texas Manager, Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Rowan Digital Infrastructure
Brad Richter
Senior VP, Energy
Hut 8 Corp.
Jason Edwards
VP, Owners Engineering & PMO Services
EEPlus, Inc.
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Enjoy lunch while connecting with peers and hearing from a distinguished keynote speaker as we explore the ideas shaping the future of the Texas grid.
Keynote to be announced soon!
12:45 – 1:30 PM
The Future of Cost Allocation in Texas: Supporting Growth While Protecting Consumers
As Texas experiences unprecedented electricity demand growth from data centers, AI infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and other large loads, ensuring a fair and sustainable allocation of transmission costs is increasingly critical.
Robert L. Douglas
Co-Founder, Manager
Guidepost Energy LLC
Christopher Seaman
Director, Engineering & Transmission Services
Rayburn Electric
Meghan Griffiths
Energy & Regulatory Partner
Jackson Walker LLP
1:30 – 2:15 PM
ERCOT LLI Regulatory, Rulemaking & Policy: Updates & Trends
ERCOT's regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly to address the challenges of unprecedented large load growth. This panel will provide an update on recent and pending rulemakings, policy initiatives, and stakeholder activities affecting the Large Load Interconnection process, while discussing how these developments may shape project development, grid planning, and market participation going forward.
Jaren A. Taylor
Partner
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Manny Uy
Consultant
McAdams Energy Group, LLC
Keith E. Emery, P.E.
Senior VP, Origination
Tenaska Power Services Co.
2:15 – 2:30 PM
Some of the day's most valuable insights happen between sessions. Use this time to reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and continue the discussions sparked throughout the morning.
2:30 – 3:15 PM
The Future of the 765-kV Transmission Plan for ERCOT: Challenges, Opportunities & Roadblocks
As electricity demand accelerates across Texas, the potential need for the 765-kV transmission infrastructure approved by PUCT and/or recommended by ERCOT is being further underlined. This panel will examine the technical, economic, regulatory, and implementation considerations surrounding the already approved and potential future high-voltage transmission expansion in ERCOT, discussing the regulatory, CCN, routing, planning, design and other technical challenges, as well as opportunities, such an investment could present as ERCOT looks to transition from concept to reality in terms of EHV transmission infrastructure.
Kristian Koellner
Executive VP & COO, Transmission
LCRA
Bob B. Beckage
General Manager
Electrical Consultants, Inc.
Sarah Kist
VP, Transmission Development
CenterPoint Energy
3:15 – 3:30 PM
We'll conclude the formal program by reflecting on the day's key themes and thanking the speakers and attendees who made GridNEXT DFW possible.
3:30 - 5:30 PM
Happy Hour
Hosted by: Guidepost Energy
The program may conclude, but the conversations are just getting started.
Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and industry leaders over refreshments as the day's discussions turn into new relationships, ideas, and opportunities.
5:30 PM
Thank you for being part of GridNEXT DFW 2026!
We look forward to continuing the conversation and welcoming you back next year.

EVENT INFORmATION

The decisions made today will influence how quickly Texas can meet unprecedented demand while maintaining reliability, affordability, and resilience.
Expect a day of insightful discussions covering:
- Large load interconnections
- AI & data center development
- GPU & compute technologies
- ERCOT policy & regulatory updates
- Transmission planning & the future of 765-kV infrastructure
Whether you’re in policy, utilities, or clean energy, this event delivers timely insights, forward-thinking dialogue, and a holistic view of Texas’s evolving grid.
Why attend GridNEXT DFW 2026 energy conference in Texas?
The challenges facing the Texas grid require informed decisions and strong industry collaboration. GridNEXT DFW brings together the people, perspectives, and practical insights you need to stay ahead.
- Connect with energy experts and peers
- Expand your professional network
- Gain valuable, ERCOT-specific insights
- Explore emerging technologies
- Earn P.E. Credits!
Located in the heart of the Las Colinas business district, The Westin Las Colinas offers a modern and welcoming setting. Just 10 minutes from DFW International Airport with convenient access to Highway 114, the venue is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for both local and out-of-town attendees.
Self-parking, available for $10 per day.
The Westin at Las Colinas
400 W Las Colinas Blvd.,
Irving, TX 75039
(972) 505-2900
Stay Where the Conversations Continue.
The Westin Las Colinas, our official conference hotel, places you at the center of the GridNEXT experience. Stay on-site for easy access to every session, networking event, and conversation. Guests may reserve accommodations online or directly with the hotel.
Looking for additional accommodations? A variety of quality hotels are just a short walk away, with restaurants, entertainment, and beautiful October weather waiting to be enjoyed.
The Westin at Las Colinas
400 W Las Colinas Blvd.,
Irving, TX 75039
(972) 505-2900
Reserve Your Stay!