Report

The Future of Flexibility: Unlocking the Full Value of VPPs for a Changing Grid

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Energy Entrepreneurship 2025

 

May 1 | Washington D.C.

 

 

Energy Entrepreneurship 2025

 

May 1 | Washington D.C.

 


AS WE ENTER A NEW ERA OF ENERGY INNOVATION, IT'S TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK. 

Which solutions are truly delivering results? Where is capital flowing, and why? How can entrepreneurs and policymakers align to drive progress?

During the inaugural DC Climate Week, Heatmap News will convene cross-industry leaders to explore strategies that leverage policy, finance, and technology to meet business and consumer needs while addressing climate challenges. 

Against the backdrop of shifting politics and global market dynamics, this event will reimagine energy and climate solutions with an emphasis on efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness. We’ll explore how energy entrepreneurship can thrive while fostering American innovation and economic growth. 

Whether you’re driving innovation, shaping policy, or deploying capital, you'll gain actionable insights and valuable connections to navigate the evolving energy landscape. Join us on Thursday, May 1, for a candid conversation on what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for energy entrepreneurship.

 

AS WE ENTER A NEW ERA OF ENERGY INNOVATION, IT'S TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK. 

Which solutions are truly delivering results? Where is capital flowing, and why? How can entrepreneurs and policymakers align to drive progress?

During the inaugural DC Climate Week, Heatmap News will convene cross-industry leaders to explore strategies that leverage policy, finance, and technology to meet business and consumer needs while addressing climate challenges. 

Against the backdrop of shifting politics and global market dynamics, this event will reimagine energy and climate solutions with an emphasis on efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness. We’ll explore how energy entrepreneurship can thrive while fostering American innovation and economic growth. 

Whether you’re driving innovation, shaping policy, or deploying capital, you'll gain actionable insights and valuable connections to navigate the evolving energy landscape. Join us on Thursday, May 1, for a candid conversation on what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for energy entrepreneurship.

 

Initial Speakers

The energy industry stands at a pivotal moment, with U.S. electricity demand projected to grow by 5% over the next five years driven by EV adoption, domestic manufacturing, and data centers. As utilities grapple with this unprecedented growth alongside grid reliability challenges, virtual power plants (VPPs) are emerging as a crucial solution for maintaining reliable, affordable energy supply while supporting the transition to clean energy.

This new report from EnergyHub explores how leading utilities are leveraging VPPs to build grid flexibility through real-world case studies and expert insights. It also examines key technology trends like AI-driven predictive analytics, as well as the regulatory and technical developments needed to unlock VPPs' full potential in creating a more resilient and sustainable grid.

Inside the free paper you’ll find:

  • How utilities are evolving beyond basic demand response to deploy cross-DER VPPs

  • Case studies from leading utilities like APS and Ontario IESO demonstrating successful VPP deployments

  • Expert insights on the role of AI and predictive analytics in optimizing VPP performance and reliability

  • Critical barriers and opportunities for scaling VPPs

  • A detailed comparison of VPPs versus traditional power plants

     

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John Curtis

U.S. Senator (R-UT)

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John Hickenlooper

U.S. Senator (D-CO)

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Katie Brigham

Staff Writer,
Heatmap News

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Neil Chatterjee

Chief Government Affairs Officer,
Palmetto

Chris Hutson

 Chris Hutson

Senior Vice President, NYPA Development,
New York Power Authority

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Gabe Kleinman

Operating Partner, Venture Investing, Emerson Collective

Lisbeth Kaufman

Lisbeth Kaufman

Head of Climate Tech BD,
Amazon Web Services

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Nico Lauricella

CEO and Editor-in-Chief,
Heatmap News

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Ray Long

President and CEO,
ACORE

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Robinson Meyer

Executive Editor, Heatmap News

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Heather Reams

President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions

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Jackie Roberts

Senior ESG Advisor,
Capitol Meridian Partners

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Clay Sell

CEO,
X-energy

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George Whitesides

U.S. Representative (CA-27)

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Agenda

8:00–9:00am: Check-in & Networking

Enjoy coffee and breakfast while connecting with fellow attendees before the program begins.

9:00–9:10am: Welcome Remarks from Heatmap
  • Gabe Kleinman, Operating Partner, Venture Investing, Emerson Collective
  • Nico Lauricella, CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Heatmap News
9:10–9:45am: Opening Keynote: Building From Bipartisanship

In this Keynote Fireside Chat, Senator John Hickenlooper and Senator John Curtis will sit down with a Heatmap journalist for a frank discussion on the opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive in the era of Energy Dominance. The conversation will zero in specifically on addressing the real needs of people and businesses, building narratives rooted in those needs, and how bipartisan federal policy and funding will support it.

  • Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
  • Senator John Curtis (R-UT)
  • Moderated by Robinson Meyer, Executive Editor, Heatmap News
9:45–10:00am: Scaling Public-Led Clean Energy: A Blueprint for State Level Action

Presented by New York Power Authority

New York’s public power utility is demonstrating how states can drive the clean energy transition through bold public leadership. This session will explore how NYPA’s ambitious investments in transmission, renewables, and community engagement offer a powerful model for states looking to accelerate climate progress alongside federal efforts.

  • Chris Hutson, Senior Vice President, NYPA Development, New York Power Authority

  • Moderated by Nico Lauricella, CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Heatmap News

10:00–10:20am: Charting America’s Energy Future

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, this session will explore the key priorities, challenges, and opportunities shaping the nation's energy future, highlighting the role of technology innovation, private sector investment, and policy in driving economic growth.

  • Neil Chatterjee, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Palmetto 
  • Robinson Meyer, Executive Editor, Heatmap News 
10:20–11:00am: Coffee Break & Networking
A short pause for attendees to grab coffee, refreshments, and network before the next session.
11:00–11:40am: Nailing the Narrative, From Main Street to Washington

The word “environment” enjoys healthy bipartisan support while “environmentalism” is deeply polarizing. “Energy independence,” “American competitiveness,” and “jobs” are in while “decarbonization” and “sustainability” have lost their luster. And yet a majority of American consumers and businesses want the same thing: faster, cheaper, better products and services that fuel resilient communities, personal economies, and a healthy environment. How do we frame our collective work – from business development pitches to permitting processes – in ways that resonate, build trust, and deliver tangible outcomes?

  • Ray Long, President and CEO, ACORE
  • Heather Reams, President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions
  • George Whitesides, U.S. Representative (CA-27)
  • Moderated by Gabe Kleinman, Operating Partner, Venture Investing, Emerson Collective
11:40–12:20pm: A New Era of Corporate-Startup Partnerships

Amid evolving policy landscapes, leading tech companies are demonstrating the power of the private sector to meet sustainability goals and build a resilient and cost competitive climate tech ecosystem. In this session we’ll hear from a tech giant that is leveraging their resources, expertise, and global reach to identify, pilot, and scale climate tech solutions that are both sustainable and economically viable. We’ll showcase successful collaborations that are driving decarbonization across sectors and offer valuable insights into the future of startup-corporate partnerships in a globally competitive market.

  • Lisbeth Kaufman, Head of Climate Tech Business Development, Startups & VC, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Jackie Roberts, Senior ESG Advisor, Capitol Meridian Partners
  • Clay Sell, CEO, X-Energy 
  • Moderated by Katie Brigham, Staff Writer, Heatmap News 
12:20pm–12:25pm: Closing Remarks
  • Gabe Kleinman, Operating Partner, Venture Investing, Emerson Collective
  • Nico Lauricella, CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Heatmap News
12:25–2:00pm: Networking Lunch
Close out the program with lunch and conversation with fellow attendees.

Event Details

REGISTER 

VENUE

Convene Hamilton Square

600 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

Convene is located on the 4th floor. Please bring a valid ID with you to check into the building. 

 

Nearby Parking

607 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 675 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 1325 G St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

 

CONTACT

Event question? Reach out to Jill Kirkpatrick, Director of Events and Marketing, at jill@heatmap.news.

Interested in event sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to Mike Munsell, VP of Partnerships, at mike@heatmap.news.