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REAL IMPACT '26: Energy Leadership Conference

August 18, 2026 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CDT)

Description



Join the Renewable Energy Alliance of Houston for REAL IMPACT '26, our annual conference bringing together energy industry leaders, policymakers, business professionals, and community stakeholders to discuss the future of clean energy, infrastructure, innovation, and economic growth. 

The day will feature a keynote presentation, expert panel discussions, fireside chats, and valuable networking opportunities with leaders from across the energy sector. A networking reception from 5:00–6:30 PM will provide attendees an opportunity to continue the conversation and build new connections. 

Register today to save your spot as space is limited!  

Featured Speakers

Jason Ryan

Executive Vice President, Regulatory Services and Government Affairs
CenterPoint Energy

Jason Ryan, our keynote speaker, will share insights on the future of energy infrastructure, grid modernization, and the critical role utilities play in powering continued economic growth. As Texas experiences unprecedented growth in energy demand, CenterPoint Energy is leading major transmission and infrastructure investments to strengthen grid reliability and support the state's expanding energy needs. Jason will share insights on the future of energy infrastructure, grid modernization, and the critical role utilities play in powering continued economic growth.


Agenda

*All Times subject to change.

10 a.m. Welcome & Intro

10:10 a.m. Great Expectations: The U.S. Power Grid Wrestles with Growth & Reliability Mandates
Hill Vaden | Executive Director, Financial & Capital Markets | S&P Global Energy

10:45 a.m. Policy Fireside: Critical Infrastructure Construction in Texas
David Holt | President | Consumer Energy Alliance – Moderator
Hon. Paul Bettencourt | TX State Senator | District 7
Jimmy Glotfelty | Former Commissioner | Texas Public Utilities Commission

11:25 a.m. Energy Infrastructure, Grid Modernization & Role of Utilities in Powering Texas’ Future
Keynote Speaker Jason Ryan | Executive Vice President, Regulatory Services & Government Affairs | CenterPoint Energy

12:05 p.m. Lunch | Networking – Sponsored by CenterPoint Energy

12:50 p.m. Houston’s Own Unicorn: Fervo & Enhanced Geothermal
Juliana Garaizar | Partner | Greenbackers Investment Capital – Moderator
Dawn Owens | SVP, Development & Commercial Markets | Fervo Energy

1:30 p.m. Renewable Energy Development & Investment on its Own Merits
Scott Cockerham | Senior Managing Director | FTI Consulting – Moderator
Viral Amin | Co-Chief Risk Officer | HASI
Claude Colp | VP of Business Development | GameChange Energy
Erika Taugher | Senior Director, Commercial Origination | Pattern Energy

2:25 p.m. Short of Power, Long on Silicon: Where Capital Goes Next
Nancy Zakhour | Board Member, Perma-Pipe | Advisor to Energy, Infrastructure & Clean Technology Companies – Moderator
Suresh Vasan | Partner, Credit & Capital Solutions | Galvanize

3:15 p.m. Leading the Charge: A CEO’s View on What’s Next for Energy Storage
Elizabeth Kaiga | Chief Commercial Officer for Energy Systems | DNV – Moderator
Brian Hayes | CEO | Key Capture Energy

3:55 p.m. Datacenters at the Crossroads
Gerry Willinger | Managing Director | Marathon Capital, LLC – Moderator
Jeff Barber | Principal Partner & CEO | Hedgehog USA
Joshua Belcher | Partner | Holland & Knight
Brian Chen | Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure – Sales | Stewart Title
Geoffrey Tahuahua | President | ABC Texas

5 p.m. Networking Reception – Sponsored by Consumer Energy Alliance & Stewart Title

Location

Junior League of Houston

Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the garage adjacent to the Junior League of Houston.

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