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10/29/2025
USAEE/IAEE Conference: Barnes, Burnett, Hobbs & Sams on Data Centers & Texas Power Appetite
USAEE/IAEE Conference:
Still Time to Register!
Panel Spotlight: Barnes, Burnett, Hobbs, and Sams
on Data Centers and Tracking Texas' Power Appetite
There is still time to register for the 2025 USAEE/IAEE North American Conference and then join us November 16—19 in Fort Worth!
The conference program features a strong cross-industry, macroeconomic orientation and is packed with top-tier keynote and plenary speakers over three days of sessions, including a featured panel on Tuesday, November 18: "From Data Centers to Driveways: Tracking Texas' Power Appetite." This timely panel comprises:
- Bill Barnes, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs for NRG
- Chad Burnett, Vice President of Regulatory and Finance for AEP-Texas
- Kristi Hobbs, ERCOT’s Vice President of System Planning and Weatherization
- Moderator Bryan Sams, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Calpine
Be sure to join us for this not-to-be-missed event for anyone serious about staying ahead in their field!
42nd USAEE/IAEE North American Conference
Sunday, November 16 through Wednesday, November 19
Fort Worth, Texas
The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel
Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel Gabrielle.Guinn@marriott.com
Additional conference highlights include:
- Keynote and plenary sessions featuring leading voices in energy economics
- Well over 100 research presentations from experts and practitioners across academia, industry, and government
- Networking events, including a special reception at the legendary Joe T. Garcia’s
- Robust student-focused programming, mentoring opportunities, and career development
From Data Centers to Driveways: Tracking Texas' Power Appetite
Texas is growing fast and so is its appetite for electricity. Getting electric load forecasts right isn’t just about planning for the next heat wave, it’s about ensuring reliable power, guiding infrastructure investment and shaping the future of one of the most dynamic energy markets in the world. MORE
Bill Barnes is Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs for NRG located in Austin. He is responsible for covering ERCOT market design issues for the Texas retail and wholesale electricity markets, providing market analysis, commercial advice, and regulatory advocacy. Bill represents NRG at the Texas Legislature, Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), and in the ERCOT stakeholder process. MORE
Chad Burnett is the Vice President of Regulatory and Finance for AEP-Texas. In this role, Chad is responsible for the development and execution of the company’s short and long-term financial and regulatory plans. In addition, he oversees the Billing and Account Operations team as well as the Competitive Retail Relations department which manages the relationships with the retail electric providers operating within the AEP Texas service territory. Chad has worked as an Economist for AEP for over 25 years. MORE
Kristi Hobbs is ERCOT’s Vice President of System Planning and Weatherization. In her role, Mrs. Hobbs oversees transmission planning as well as resource and large load interconnection activities. Mrs. Hobbs is responsible for guiding new, in-depth generation and transmission inspections and coordinating enforcement actions with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. She also leads advancements in generation and transmission planning to help meet long-term forecasting needs and ensures that the latest grid and technology changes are incorporated into models used by ERCOT for analysis. MORE
Bryan Sams is Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Calpine, where he leads the company's market advocacy in Texas. His extensive experience in the electric industry spans various segments including generators, retail electric providers, and investor-owned utilities. With a strong background in business and policy, Bryan has been actively involved in numerous Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) activities, including rulemakings, contested cases, and compliance matters. His leadership extends to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), where he has held various committee roles and is currently an elected member of the Technical Advisory Committee. MORE
Join us as a conference or association sponsor just in time for next month's conference! Provide vital support for USAEE's mission and enjoy a range of benefits that enhance visibility and impact both at the conference and year-round!
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