The 2026 Stakeholder Symposium Agenda now available: Powering the Future - Shaping the Next Era of Energy

The California ISO Stakeholder Symposium returns October 5-6 at Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, bringing together energy leaders, policymakers, market participants, and stakeholders from across the West for a full day of insight, discussion, and collaboration on the future of the energy industry.

Since our last Symposium two years ago, the industry has evolved rapidly.  The launch of the Extended Day-Ahead Market, the significant progress toward an independently governed Regional Organization for Western Energy, and ongoing advancements in technology, grid modernization and load growth reshape the energy landscape. 

This year’s agenda was just released on our Symposium website. It features opening comments from our organization’s leadership followed by keynote remarks from Commissioner Judy W. Chang of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Commissioner Chang will share her perspective on the future of energy, highlighting the innovation, policy considerations, and market evolution needed to support a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future.

As we celebrate the successful launch of the Extended Day-Ahead Market, we look forward to hearing from the leadership of PacifiCorp and Portland General Electric, its two earliest participants, who will share their insights and experiences with the new market. 

The continued evolution of regional collaboration will again be a key topic of discussion at this year’s event. A panel moderated by Kathleen Staks, Executive Director of Western Freedom, will examine today’s governance framework, key transition milestones ahead, and the roadmap to independent governance with a distinguished group of panelists. You won’t want to miss hearing about the latest developments from this panel. 

Following a networking lunch, attendees will experience a new addition to this year’s Symposium: Power Shifts: Short Talks on Big Change. This TED-style set of presentations will explore emerging trends including the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in grid and market-related decision-making and a timely discussion of the challenges and opportunities presented by increasing large-load demand in a rapidly electrifying economy.

The symposium will also spotlight the important voice of our stakeholders. The ISO’s success has been built on collaboration and partnership, so in this session stakeholders will share their perspective on the industry’s future and the ISO’s role in supporting a resilient, reliable and forward-looking grid. 

The event’s capstone session—Powering the Future: CAISO’s Next Five Years—will focus on the soon-to-be-launched California ISO’s new 5-Year Strategic Plan. Led by Elliot Mainzer and joined by emerging leaders from across the organization, the session will highlight the priorities, opportunities and innovations that will guide the ISO’s work in the years ahead.

Over the years, the California ISO Stakeholder Symposium has become one of the largest gatherings of energy professionals in the West. Executives, thought leaders, policy makers and subject matter experts from across the energy sector nationwide will come together for insightful dialogue, knowledge-sharing and networking. 

Register today through the Stakeholder Symposium webpage where you can view the full agenda, learn more about our speakers, and explore sponsorship opportunities.

We look forward to seeing you in person and welcoming you to Sacramento on October 5-6 for two days of networking and meaningful conversations about the future of energy and the grid we are building together.