PANEL PRESENTATIONS
Innovation: Electricity Generation and Distribution
Consumers are demanding more from utilities when it comes to price and reliability. The electricity grid has been dependable but innovation is driving change. There are more players in the market that want to meet the needs of the customers, creating resiliency. What are the best new strategies for encouraging innovation while maintaining grid stability, reliability and trust.
Panelists
Maureen Kolla is Director of Renewable Energy within the Clean Energy Division of Alberta Innovates. She leads the Renewable and Alternative Energy program and is responsible for leading initiatives, developing partnerships, evaluating technologies, and managing projects ranging from applied research to technology demonstration. She works closely with industry, technology developers, government, and other stakeholders to advance clean energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify Alberta’s economy. Maureen has a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta and received her M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Ryerson University. Maureen is an avid outdoor enthusiast and an accomplished skier, hiker, and cyclist. When not working, you will often find her seeking adventure in the mountains.
Monica Curtis has worked in energy efficiency for over 25 years, starting her career with Edmonton Power (currently EPCOR) and SaskPower. She served as the Executive Vice President Strategic Development and Energy Finance Solutions with a leader in efficiency programs based in Madison, Wisconsin where she oversaw the delivery of energy efficiency and efficiency finance programs and residential building science training for electric and natural gas utilities and governments.
Monica holds a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba. She serves on the Alternative Energy Strategic Advisory Council at Red Deer College, the Executive Committee of the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre and the Steering Committee of the Energy Futures Lab. She also volunteers with Higher Landing, supporting former oil and gas professionals successfully transitioning to new career opportunities. Monica was recognized as a Compelling Calgarian by the Calgary Herald in 2019 and as one of Canada’s Clean 50 for 2020.
The Path Forward for Rural Alberta
What will help with the vitality of Rural Alberta? What do businesses need to locate in rural Alberta? What do our Agricultural businesses need? Rural Broadband can change the way people think about living and working in rural Alberta. What else stands in the way of a vibrant rural Alberta? What do we need to do to create the future we want?
Moderator
Originally from the UK, Steve immigrated to Canada in 1996 and has worked for both the private and public sector. In his role of Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Corporate Chief Information Officer, he has responsibility for information management and information technology systems across the Government Alberta, excluding the Ministry of Health, and is also working with stakeholders to improve cellular coverage and broadband availability across the Province.
Panelists
James Van Leeuwen has worked in rural development for almost two decades. His core interest is leveraging digital technologies and renewable energy technologies to restore demographic vibrancy and economic health in declining rural communities. Experience has led James to focus on leadership development, youth development and community development as the most critical needs for capitalizing on frontiers of economic growth in the 21st century.
Members are free to purchase electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310.4822 (toll free in Alberta).