The conference featured former Gov. Chris Christie among many industry experts.
110th Annual NJUA Conference Brings Together All-Star Panelists for Crucial Discussions
MORRISTOWN – Leaders in New Jersey’s utility industry gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Morristown May 28-29 for the 110th Annual New Jersey Utilities Association (NJUA) Conference.
The conference featured former Gov. Chris Christie among many industry experts. The panels were moderated by Tom Bergeron of BINJE, Brian Thompson, formerly of NBC News, and Dr. Steve Adubato Jr.
After an introduction from NJUA President & CEO Richard Henning and South Jersey Industries (SJI) Senior Vice President Melissa Orsen, attendees heard from these highly-informative panels:
Working Together to Prepare for Summer '25
This panel was hyperfocused on supply and demand in the energy industry, as well as affordability. Panelists included:
- Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President, NJBPU
- Stu Bressler, PJM
- Brian Lipman, NJ Ratepayer Advocate
- Amber Perry, Exelon
- Joseph Accardo, PSEG
- Abigail Philips, JCP&L
What is coming down the pipe?
This panel responded to new state and federal regulations focused on PFAS, microplastics, Legionella, and disinfectant byproducts that require whole new levels of water purification. Panelists discussed what comes next and how to prepare water customers. They included:
- Michael Bange, NJBPU
- Mark McDonough, New Jersey American Water
- Alan Weland, Veolia
- Greg Sorensen, Middlesex Water
- Dennis Hart, NJ Chemistry Council
It is Not Your Grandma’s Telephone Company
The panel discussed the digital transformation in the works that is driving telecom companies to build partnerships and collaborative networks the likes of which have never before been seen. They also delved into huge opportunities to build partnerships and collaborative networks to deliver next-gen connectivity solutions. Panelists included:
- Valarry Ballard, Director of Broadband, BPU
- Peter Saharko, Verizon
- Orlando Cruz, Passaic County Commissioner
- Ashley Travers, Fiber Broadband Association
Taking Safety to the Next Level
This panel discussed just a few of the keys to achieving outstanding health and safety success between utilities and their contractor partners, such as good governance structures, well-defined “wins” for all involved and dedicated continuous improvement processes. Panelists included:
- Vincent Santaite, Montana Construction
- Lisa Chowansky, HC Contractors
- Natalie Chesko, Aqua New Jersey
- Martin Downs, JFC
- Kyle England, UTCA
New Jersey: America’s Future Hub for AI?
This panel discussed how New Jersey utilities can prepare for and benefit from the AI wave. Panelists included:
- Zenon Christodoulou, NJBPU
- Eric Miller, Governor’s Office of Clean Energy and the Green Economy
- Dan Kennedy, NAIOP
- John DaCosta, Google
- Ed Gray, PSEG
Read more about this panel here.
Natural Gas Will Play a Strong Role in Our Energy Future
This panel discussed how with continued investment in technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen, the natural gas industry is becoming cleaner, faster and more efficient. Panelists included:
- Alana Daly, NGA
- Dan Lapato, AGA
- Pat Migliaccio, NJNG
- Dominick DiRocco, SJI
Are We Ready for Another Sandy
This panel took a hard look at Superstorm Sandy’s effect on New Jersey infrastructure and featured a robust discussion of the state’s capability to meet the next climate disaster. Panelists included:
- Former Gov. Chris Christie
- Kim Hanemann, PSE&G
- Rick Mroz, former NJBPU President
Workforce 2.0: New Faces are Crucial for Utility Work
This panel discussed workforce attraction and development, which are crucial for success in the evolving utilities landscape, as well as how New Jersey Utilities should adapt. Panelists included:
- Doreene Bennett, NJ American Water
- Stephanie Staub, NJ Consortium of Community Colleges
- Mike Makarski, ELEC825
- Robert Shimko, IBEW Local Union 400
- Robert Bullard, Rowan University
Embracing the New Customer Landscape
This panel discussed the new era of the utility industry, defined not just by the infrastructure that keeps cellphones working, the lights on, gas cooking and water running but also by the intelligence, empathy and transparency that power the customer journey. Panelists included:
- Marian Abdou, NJBPU
- Georgetta Parisi, Veolia
- Marissa Travaline, New Jersey Natural Gas
- Jonathan Knauer, Connectder
Are Utilities in NJ an Attractive Investment?
This panel discussed the significant federal and state regulatory changes in the utilities sector, which have had a profound impact on the profitability of utility companies. Panelists included:
- Heike Doerr, S&P Global
- Gary Albertson, Bernhard Capital
Learn more at njua.com
