Agenda
Monday, Oct 5
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, 500 J St - 2nd floor, Magnolia Ballroom and Terrace
Sacramento, CA
Welcome reception
Kick off the 2026 Stakeholder Symposium at our Welcome Reception—an opportunity to connect with industry peers, ISO leadership, and stakeholders in a relaxed setting. Enjoy light refreshments and networking as we set the stage for the day ahead. The Supercharge pass is required to attend.
Tuesday, Oct 6
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J St - 2nd level, Ballroom A
Sacramento, CA
Registration and networking breakfast
Welcome and opening remarks
Speakers
Opening keynote
Powering what’s next: Perspectives on the energy future
From policy to progress—expert perspectives on the innovation, infrastructure, and technologies shaping tomorrow’s energy system.
Speaker
The EDAM experience: Perspectives from the first movers
With PacifiCorp and Portland General Electric leading the way on EDAM launch, this panel brings firsthand perspectives from those actively implementing the market. Executives will share candid insights on the value proposition, early experiences, and the road ahead—highlighting how EDAM is expected to unlock new efficiencies, deliver customer value, and reshape the strategic landscape for utilities across the region.
Moderator
Panelists
Networking break
The Road to ROWE: Navigating the 2027 transition
2027 marks a pivotal step in the implementation of the independent Regional Organization for Western Energy (ROWE). This panel will discuss the governance framework in place today, key transition milestones ahead, and the roadmap to independent governance. Panelists will share how stakeholder input and participation will guide the transition and how the region is building on a strong foundation to deliver a successful, transparent transition to independent governance while supporting the long-term success of WEIM and EDAM.
Moderator
Panelists
Networking lunch
Power shifts: Short talks on big change
This fast-paced 2-part series delivers two concise perspectives on the forces reshaping the energy landscape—from AI-driven decision-making to the growing impact of large loads and flexible demand on grid strategy.
Artificial Intelligence in action: Powering smarter grid decisions
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries around the world, the energy sector faces new opportunities to enhance decision-making, improve operational effectiveness, and navigate increasing complexity. This discussion will explore the strategic implications of AI across markets, grid planning and operations, offering perspectives on how CAISO and other organizations can harness emerging technologies to drive value, strengthen resilience, and prepare for the future of the electric grid.
Speaker
Speed to load: Scaling for a high-demand future
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
What rising large loads and flexible demand mean for planning, responsiveness, and grid strategy.
Speaker
Q&A
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Moderator
Panelists
Success through partnership: Building the future together
CAISO’s success has been built in partnership with its stakeholders. This discussion will take a retrospective look at how those partnerships have advanced market design, system reliability, and clean energy integration. Panelists will then turn toward the future—sharing perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead and identifying what the region will need from CAISO over the next five years to continue enabling a resilient and forward-looking grid.
Moderator
Panelists
Networking break
CAISO’s strategy for the next five years
As the Symposium concludes, CAISO looks to what’s next. Elliot Mainzer will reflect on recent accomplishments and introduce the CAISO’s new strategic plan. Through a discussion of the strategic plan’s core priorities, this session will outline how CAISO will strive for continued success in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Moderator
Panelists
Networking reception
Sponsors
