Kentucky Energy Management Conference - Agenda

8:00 a.m.    
Registration and Continental Breakfast with Sponsors

8:30 a.m.    
Welcome and Overview
Timothy J. Hagerty, Partner, FBT Gibbons LLP  

8:35 a.m.
Energy Issues Facing the Commonwealth
Kate Shanks, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Kentucky Chamber  

The Kentucky Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs will provide an overview of pressing energy and environment issues currently facing Kentucky. Shanks will share insights for business on legislative and regulatory issues likely to be taken up in Frankfort and Washington in the coming year.

9:00 a.m. 
In the Trenches: How Are the Trump Administration’s Energy and Environmental Policies Affecting Regulation in the Real World?
Panelists TBA
Moderator: Timothy J. Hagerty, Partner, FBT Gibbons LLP

The first year-plus of the Trump Administration has seen dramatic changes in energy and environmental policy at the federal level, with varying results “on the ground.” This session will examine how the Administration is following through on the President’s numerous Executive Orders and policy pronouncements affecting energy and environmental policy and what those changes have meant – or may mean – for  Kentucky’s energy sector. As major regulatory changes and policy priorities continue to be unveiled – from the repeal of the so-called “endangerment finding” to an emphasis on compliance over enforcement – this panel will discuss what else may be expected in the coming months and how Kentucky businesses can effectively plan for the future.

10:00 a.m.
Morning Break with Sponsors

10:15 a.m.
The Role of EPIC in Kentucky’s Energy Future 
Eric King, Executive Director, Kentucky Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC)

King will discuss the Commission’s mission, early priorities, and its role in shaping thoughtful, data-driven energy policy for the Commonwealth. This session will explore how EPIC is assessing resource adequacy and grid reliability, evaluating the impacts of federal energy policy and emerging generation technologies, and considering Kentucky’s capacity to finance energy production and participate competitively in energy markets. Attendees will gain insight into how EPIC’s work is informing long-term energy planning and supporting a reliable, affordable, and resilient energy future for Kentucky’s economy and communities.

10:45 a.m. 
Navigating Regulatory Agency Requirements – Preventing Project Roadblocks
Chrissy Bienz, Senior Staff Scientist, Terracon Consultants  

Federal regulations affecting the energy sector are tightening, with significant implications for environmental compliance processes involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Recent policy shifts include expedited Section 7 consultation procedures during declared national energy emergencies, allowing USFWS to respond more quickly to infrastructure proposals. At the same time, access to the Information Planning and Consultation (IPaC) planning tool has been restricted for wind and solar developers, complicating pre-consultation planning. Meanwhile, USACE is modernizing its wetland permitting framework under Section 404, introducing updated guidance and enhanced delineation standards. These changes collectively signal a more complex regulatory environment where energy developers must navigate compressed timelines, alternative consultation pathways, and stricter documentation requirements. Early engagement with agencies and strategic planning will be critical to maintaining project momentum while ensuring compliance with evolving federal expectations.

11:30 a.m.
Luncheon with Sponsors

12:30 p.m.
Are Data Centers Really the Cause of Utility Rate Increases?
Ken Gish, Member, Stites & Harbison PLLC  
Katie Glass, Member, Stites & Harbison PLLC 

This presentation will describe how regional transmission organization (“RTO”) markets operate, how prices are determined in such markets, and how RTO market pricing impacts retail rates paid by customers. It will look at RTO capacity and transmission planning and how the introduction of large loads (such as data centers) into an RTO market impacts pricing in those markets. Finally, the presentation will describe efforts that utilities, the RTOs, and FERC are undertaking to manage the impact of large loads on their systems.

1:30 p.m.
Strengthening the Grid with Long-Duration Storage
Sandy Slayton, Vice President of Environmental, Rye Development  
Bree Wilson, Vice President Development, Rye Development  

In this presentation by Rye Development, learn why pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is strategic infrastructure for grid reliability and elevating Kentucky's economic competitiveness. Learn how PSH strengthens the grid by providing long duration energy storage, delivering essential grid services like inertia and black-start capability, and helping utilities move power from off-peak to on-peak hours to reduce overall system costs. Attendees will also discover practical approaches for integrating PSH with existing and emerging energy resources to meet rising demand while maintaining affordability, reliability, and cost efficiency. The session concludes with a project update on Rye's Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage, a proposed closed-loop pumped storage on former mine land in Bell County.

2:15 p.m.
Afternoon Break with Sponsors

2:30 p.m.
Clean Energy Development in the Commonwealth
Panelists TBA
Moderator: Gregory Dutton, Partner, FBT Gibbons LLP  

A panel discussion regarding various updates and initiatives from the clean energy sector. This session would touch on wind, solar and nuclear energy. A point of emphasis will be the federal tax credit elimination taking effect in the summer of 2026 and the impact on the industry. Given the volume of litigation in Kentucky currently regarding energy development, I would like to include an update or discussion on local opposition and subsequent litigation. I would also anticipate an update on efforts to develop nuclear resources. This panel would also cover any relevant changes stemming from the 2026 Kentucky Legislative session.

3:15 p.m.
Mining and the Energy Future in Kentucky
Steve Gardner, Senior Consultant, Pitman Green LLC  

Once synonymous with coal, Kentucky led the nation in production as recently as 1990. While the state now ranks seventh, coal still generates roughly 70% of Kentucky’s electricity. Beyond coal, Kentucky is a national leader in limestone mining, with more underground quarries than any other state. Aggregates, cement, and lime remain essential to construction, manufacturing, and energy production.

Strategically located at the crossroads of America with robust river, rail, and interstate access, Kentucky also holds significant reserves of critical minerals, including fluorspar—once a major industry and now re-emerging as energy needs evolve. As policy priorities shift and coal re-enters the national energy conversation, questions remain about sustainability, technology, and long-term resource management.

This session will examine the future of mining and energy in Kentucky, exploring remaining challenges, emerging technologies, and new developments that could shape the state’s role in America’s energy and materials economy.

4:00 p.m. 
Getting Back to Reality: Federal Energy Policy and the Role of Affordable and Reliable Electricity
Michelle Bloodworth, President & CEO, America’s Power

Recent shifts in federal policy have begun to move the country toward a more practical, reliability-focused approach to electricity generation. However, significant affordability and regulatory challenges remain. This session will examine how changes in Washington are reshaping the U.S. power sector, while also exploring why rising costs, surging electricity demand, and the limitations of renewables mean baseload generation remains indispensable to Kentucky’s economy.

4:45 p.m. 
Day One Wrap Up
Timothy J. Hagerty, Partner, FBT Gibbons LLP
    
4:50 p.m. 
Day One Adjourns

8:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m.
Welcome and Overview
Timothy J. Hagerty, Partner, FBT Gibbons LLP

8:35 a.m.
Opening Keynote: 2026 and Beyond: Kentucky’s Energy and Environment Cabinet Under the Beshear Administration    
Rebecca Goodman, Secretary, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet  

9:20 a.m.
Data Center Development in the Commonwealth
Panelists TBA
Moderator: Gregory Dutton, Partner, FBT Gibbons LLP

A panel with industry professionals participating in the siting and development of data centers. This would explore the development of data centers sourcing energy both from regulated utilities and those seeking to build their own generation. Related issues would include siting and both local/state regulation.

10:05 a.m.
Morning Break with Sponsors

10:20 a.m. 
Utility CEO Panel: Powering Kentucky’s Energy Future 
John Crockett, President, LG&E and KU  
Chris Perry, President & CEO, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives  
Amy Spiller, President – Ohio and Kentucky, Duke Energy Corporation  
Cindy Wiseman, President & COO, Kentucky Power 
Moderator: Timothy J. Hagerty, Partner, FBT Gibbons LLP

Kentucky’s energy sector is undergoing significant change, driven by evolving markets, regulatory shifts, and advancing technologies. In this executive-level panel, CEOs from the Commonwealth’s leading electric and natural gas utilities will discuss how they are ensuring reliable, affordable energy for customers while planning for the future. Panelists will share perspectives on infrastructure investment, regulatory engagement, and customer-focused programs that expand energy efficiency and alternative resources, offering valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping Kentucky’s energy landscape.

11:50 a.m.    
Luncheon with Sponsors

12:50 p.m. 
Powering Our Future: Nuclear in Kentucky
Dr. Rodney Andrews, Director, UK Center for Applied Energy Research
Mayor George Bray, Paducah 
Senator Danny Carroll
Kenya Stump, Executive Director, Kentucky Office of Energy Policy 
Moderator: Angie Hatton, Chair, Kentucky Public Service Commission

This session will discuss new innovations in nuclear power generation and how it can be dispatched to help meet Kentucky’s future energy needs. Nuclear is having a renaissance. Nuclear energy has bipartisan support across the country because it is reliable, dispatchable, green energy. Also, technology has improved to make it more affordable and to ease some of the former concerns regarding nuclear waste. Kentucky is in excellent position to take advantage of the momentum that is gathering with the DOE selecting the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant as one of four sites to develop cutting edge AI data center and two companies leasing space to perform laser enrichment of spent fuel cells at that site. The session will also cover federal and state legislation concerning nuclear generation and what is needed to assist in developing nuclear energy in Kentucky including a pilot project to fund public-private partnerships for nuclear plant early site development.

1:50 p.m.    
Public Service Commission Priorities: Reliability, Affordability and Kentucky’s Energy Future
Angie C. Hatton, Chairman, Kentucky Public Service Commission 
Mary Pat Regan, Commissioner, Kentucky Public Service Commission 
Andrew W. Wood, Commissioner, Kentucky Public Service Commission 
Moderator: Linda Bridwell, Executive Director, Kentucky Public Service Commission

Join the Commissioners of the Kentucky Public Service Commission for an in-depth discussion on key issues shaping the state's utility landscape. This panels will explore regulatory priorities, emerging challenges in energy and infrastructure and the Commission's role in ensuring reliable and affordable services for Kentuckians. Attendees will gain valuable insights into policy developments, industry trends and the Commission's vision for the future.

3:20 p.m.
15th Annual Kentucky Energy Management Conference Adjourns