The Countdown to CFC IBES 2023 Is On

In a few short weeks, we look forward to welcoming executives of non-RUS borrowers to Savannah, Georgia, for CFC IBES 2023, November 13–15! In addition to our general session speakers, we are thrilled to have cooperative leaders and industry experts take the stage in breakout sessions. Topics include EV infrastructure investments, AI applications, governance, virtual power plants and more. Check out more details on these sessions below. The full schedule and speaker lineup can be found on the event website. 

EV Investments in the Cooperative Business Model

Just because we can invest in new infrastructure doesn’t mean we should. Hear three points of view on residential EV adoption, infrastructure planning and how to answer the question of who should pay for system upgrades (and how to communicate the answer).

Grants: Accounting Implications

To defray the costs of deploying new services or implementing new infrastructure initiatives, cooperatives are applying for and receiving grants from national, state and local governments. This session will discuss the accounting implications to consider. 

Georgia Goes Nuclear: Vogtle

The first two nuclear reactors in recent U.S. history just went online. Hear from local cooperative leaders on what this means for their cooperative and members today and into the future.

Governance Communications: The South Carolina Story

In 2018, governance concerns at Tri-County Electric Cooperative made national headlines thanks to then reporter, now Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Vice President of Communications Avery Wilks. Tri-County Electric Cooperative General Manager and CEO Chad Lowder and South Carolina statewide CEO Mike Couick sit down with Wilks to talk through the incident from start to finish.

Understanding the Implications of Policy and Regulatory Drivers

The timeline and regulations surrounding the proposed transition to non-fossil fuel energy has sparked many debates. Nuclear expert and journalist Robert Bryce sits down with David Gattie, an associate professor at the University of Georgia, to discuss what is actually feasible while maintaining reliability and reasonable rates.

Virtual Power Plants: An Emerging Concept

To meet societal, governmental and member expectations, cooperatives are exploring different technologies to maintain reliability and manage their carbon footprint. Hear from cooperatives investing in virtual power plants to learn what they’re doing and why. 

AI Implications and Impacts on the Electric Utility Industry

AI can be used to do more than write emails or create memes. AI experts bring forward use cases for AI application in utilities and talk through what’s hype vs. what the real opportunities are for cooperatives today. 

Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball

Larry Sabato, the master of the most accurate website on politics and the man who repeatedly takes home top honors for his election predictions, gives his up-to-the-minute update on politics and the upcoming elections at the state and federal levels.