Thanks for joining us at Itron Inspire 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 22-27.
In case you missed it, you can register below to access some of our best sessions.
Itron Inspire is our premier, customer-focused event for utilities and smart communities. By gathering industry leaders together, we are able to explore technology and services to drive business transformation, reimagine customer engagement and ignite innovation. The main event, the Knowledge Conference, takes place Oct. 24-26 and includes a variety of keynotes, thought leadership panels, breakout sessions and networking events, as well as a showcase Itron and partner solutions.
For more details on Itron Inspire 2023, see the FAQ page.
Inspiring Sessions, Available at a Screen Near You.
If you were unable to join us in person, you can still get inspired by the possibilities ahead for our industry and catch some of the conference from your monitor. Select on-demand sessions are back once again this year and will be available for viewing until Dec. 15, 2023.
Mary BaileySenior VP Finance, San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
Women Who Inspire Session Panelist
Mary Bailey joined SAWS in 2006, initially serving as controller. Since then, her responsibilities have included overseeing Customer Service, communicating the utility’s case for multi-year rate adjustments to SAWS customers, City Council and business leaders, and leading the 2015 and 2022 rate studies.
Since 2019 Bailey has headed SAWS ConnectH2O Program, an advance meter infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming SAWS’ interactions with its customers and provide timely and critical water use information that can be used to quickly identify leaks, improve operational efficiency and achieve SAWS conservation goals.
Bailey is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 40 years of accounting and finance experience in the public and private sectors. She received a Best CFO Award from the San Antonio Business Journal in 2013 and is a graduate of Leadership San Antonio. Bailey has served as president of the local chapter of Financial Executives International and board treasurer of AVANCE San Antonio.
Bailey is retiring from SAWS at the end of 2023.
Robert BryceAuthor, Podcaster and Film Producer
Keynote Presenter
Robert Bryce is an author, podcaster, and film producer. He has been writing about energy, power, politics, and innovation for more than three decades. He’s also the acclaimed author of six books on energy and innovation, including most recently, A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations. Bryce has given more than 400 invited or keynote lectures to groups ranging from the Marines Corps War College to the Sydney Institute as well as to a wide variety of associations, universities, and corporations. His articles have been published in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes, Real Clear Energy, The Hill, and Guardian. Bryce has also appeared on a panoply of media outlets ranging from Fox News to Al Jazeera.
Bryce has testified before the U.S. Congress six times. He’s the host of the Power Hungry Podcast and executive producer of the feature-length documentary: Juice: How Electricity Explains the World, which is available on iTunes, Amazon Prime, and many other streaming services. Follow him on Substack: robertbryce.substack.com
He lives in Austin with his wife, Lorin, who is an art teacher, photographer, and master potter.
Rob ChapmanSenior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Big Picture Session Moderator
Rob Chapman is Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions & Chief Sustainability Officer, at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He provides executive oversight for EPRI’s broad portfolio of grid and end-use customer research. This research spans across a large segment of the energy industry value chain encompassing Integrated Grid and Energy Systems, Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure, and Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy. In this role, Chapman also serves as EPRI’s executive sponsor for the institute’s Efficient Electrification Initiative focusing on broadening industry collaboration, including international and government engagement.
Prior to joining EPRI, Chapman worked for Pacific Gas & Electric Energy Services Company (PG&E) from 1995 to 1999. He was the director of the western region responsible for leading a team of engineers in establishing integrated energy services for commercial and industrial customers. Chapman earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California.
Robin Dail MassanopoliManager of Metering Solutions, Dominion Energy
Women Who Inspire Session Panelist
Robin Dail Massanopoli serves as the Manager of Metering Solutions at Dominion Energy. In her role, she manages a team responsible for implementing and maintaining all technology associated with electric metering and is overseeing a $400 million multi-year project to deploy over two million smart meters.
Leading up to Robin’s managerial role, she successfully led the implementation of the first LMS system in Power Delivery, the development of the first computer-based training programs and over 70 construction projects. Prior to joining Dominion Energy, Robin ran her own small business for over six years, providing computer training to area businesses and residents.
Robin has participated in several Dominion Energy-sponsored leadership programs, including the DEV Leadership Development Program for Experienced Managers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in math and physics, as well as a master’s degree in physics from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Tom DeitrichPresident and CEO, Itron
Keynote Presenter
Tom Deitrich was appointed president and chief executive officer and named to Itron's board of directors on Aug. 6, 2019. He joined Itron in 2015 as executive vice president and COO and has played a major role in shaping the company’s strategy to partner with cities and utilities to deliver industrial IoT solutions.
Tom has more than 25 years of experience in global operations at leading technology firms and has held numerous executive management positions where he led business-level strategies that transformed and significantly improved business results. He has extensive experience in product management, research and development, supply chain management and business development in several industries, including industrial equipment, telecommunications and semiconductors.
Before joining Itron, Tom was senior vice president and general manager for Digital Networking at Freescale Semiconductor. Prior to Freescale, Tom worked for Flextronics International, Ericsson Mobile Communications and General Electric Corporation.
Dennis DeMeraCustomer Care & Field Services Manager, Las Vegas Valley Water District
Big Picture Session Panelist
Dennis DeMera has 16 years of water utility experience and is currently the Customer Care and Field Services Manager for the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD). The LVVWD provides water to more than one million people via approximately 430,000 water meters. Currently, LVVWD utilizes its C2M, customer information system, with its AMI network and AMR system to further enhance our operations into a more customer centric omni-channel utility. Dennis currently oversees the technology for the Customer Care & Field Services department which encompasses data collection, meter-to cash systems, customer engagement and water conservation. He has overseen multiple Itron deployments that include Itron Choice Connect (AMI), Mobile Interface (AMR), Field Collection System, Field Deployment Manager, Field Tools, Leak Sensors and Water Analytics. Dennis has Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Information Technology Management, an Associate of Applied Science, Ornamental Horticulture and holds an AWWA WSO Water Distribution and SCRUM Master certification. In his free-time, Dennis enjoys outdoor activities, golf, travel, and spending time with his family.
Marina DonovanVice President, Global Marketing, ESG and Public Affairs, Itron
General Session
Marina Donovan has more than 20 years of global technology marketing and public relations experience with a background in data security, networking and mobile. She joined Itron as vice president of global marketing & public affairs in January 2018. Prior to joining Itron, she was vice president of marketing for Silver Spring Networks, where Marina led all aspects of outbound marketing including branding and corporate positioning, demand creation, events, product marketing, public relations and web properties. Prior to joining Silver Spring, she held executive marketing positions at IronKey by Imation, Syniverse, VeriSign and RSA Security. Marina holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from San Jose State University.
Rudy GarzaPresident & CEO, CPS Energy
Keynote Presenter
Rudy D. Garza is the President & CEO for CPS Energy, the nation’s largest community-owned electric and natural gas utility. Rudy has more than 25 years of experience as a leader in the utility industry and has served in both the public and private sectors over the course of his career. He is the first Hispanic leader to hold the position.
While Rudy served as Interim President & CEO for 10 months, he successfully led the company to the approval of the first rate case in 8 years, approval for the next phase of energy efficiency and conservation programs, and discussions with the Board of Trustees and the Rate Advisory Committee on future generation planning.
Rudy joined CPS Energy in 2012 and previously served as Chief Customer & Stakeholder Engagement Officer and as Senior Vice President of Distribution Service & Operations where he oversaw the maintenance and construction activity of the electric distribution system. He has also served the company in the role of Vice President of External Relations.
Rudy has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Texas.
He continues to serve his community through multiple board roles including the Archdiocese Hope for the Future, the Antonian School Council, Brooks Development Authority, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, EPIcenter, Greater:SATX, and serves his UT Austin alma mater as an advisory board member for the School of Electrical Engineering.
Spencer GillVice President & Executive Lead - Asset Management & Grid Modernization, Hydro One
Big Picture Session Panelist
Spencer Gill is the Vice President of Planning at Hydro One. He and his team are responsible for integrating planning and investments to maintain the safe and reliable operation of Hydro One’s transmission and distribution system assets. With over $2.7B per year in transmission and distribution projects and programs, the planning team creates value for Hydro One and its customers by focusing on safety, reliability, the environment while considering future needs to enable the energy transition.
With more than 14 years’ experience at Hydro One, Spencer has built a reputation as a transformational leader with extensive knowledge of the utilities sector. Spencer has held multiple roles within the organization, including VP Customer Service, Strategic Advisor to the President & CEO, Director of Customer Solutions & Key Account Management, and Director of External Relations. Throughout his career, Spencer has advocated to the needs of Hydro One customers by shaping programs, policies, and innovative technologies. As a thought leader, Spencer continues to participate in several working groups related to the integration of Distributed Energy Resources, and has served as a member of the Ontario Energy Board's Framework for Energy Innovation Working Group, and Chair of the Electricity Distributor Association’s Electrification Council.
Spencer holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Nuclear Engineering from Ontario Tech University, and a Diploma in Electro-Mechanical (Robotics and Automation) Technology from Durham College.
Ben HugginsSenior Vice President, Customer and Market Experience, Itron
Innovator Award Presenter
Ben Huggins has a wealth of global experience in sales and general management. He brings more than 20 years of diverse experience in the military, aerospace and industrial markets. He has served in leadership roles within the maintenance, manufacturing, supply chain, general management and sales functions.
As senior vice president of Customer and Market Experience (CME) at Itron, Ben is responsible for leading Itron’s sales, marketing, channel management, business development, customer support and customer success activities across the full company portfolio.
Prior to joining Itron, Ben worked with Honeywell for 15 years, serving in a variety of leadership and sales roles, most recently as the global vice president of sales for the Process Solutions business unit. Prior to Honeywell, Ben was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Ben holds a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
Brianne JordanSenior Manager of Customer Projects and System Support, Pepco Holdings
Women Who Inspire Session Panelist
Brianne Jordan is the Senior Manager of Customer Projects and System Support at Pepco Holdings. Throughout her tenure, Brianne has both supported and managed applications for electric and gas distribution systems, Advanced Metering Infrastructure and emerging smart grid technologies. Before her current role, Brianne oversaw the governance and strategy for Innovation, Research and Development, and Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Brianne serves as a professional mentor and has participated in Delaware’s Millennial Summit in the Coaches Corner since 2018. She fuels her passion to support her community by serving as a Board Member for the Teen Warehouse in Wilmington, Delaware and is on the Board of Directors for Safe Haven Healing.
Brianne holds a bachelor’s degree in human ecology from the College of the Atlantic and a master’s degree in geography from West Chester University. In 2019, she graduated as a Fellow from the 11th cohort of Leadership Delaware.
Bilal KhursheedWorldwide Power & Utilities Leader, Microsoft
Big Picture Session Moderator
With almost two decades at the forefront of the Power and Utility (P&U) industry, Bilal Khursheed holds the role of Worldwide Power & Utilities Leader at Microsoft. His diverse leadership roles have spanned Transmission & Distribution, Nuclear Operations, and the pivotal realm of Digital Transformation. Renowned for merging innovation with tangible results, Bilal drives Microsoft's Global P&U vision and dedicates his expertise championing sustainability and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.
Suresh KothaChief Information Officer, SMUD
Big Picture Session Panelist
Suresh Kotha has been SMUD’s Chief Information
Officer since April 2022. He oversees Information
Technology (IT) functions including Strategy &
Governance, Infrastructure Platform Services, Customer
& Grid Technology Center, Enterprise Solutions
Engineering & Emerging Technologies and
Cybersecurity – all which play a pivotal role in helping
SMUD reach its ambitious 2030 Clean Energy Vision.
Suresh has been a member of SMUD’s senior leadership
team since 2010. With 30 years of experience
implementing IT & Operational Technology projects at
multi-billion dollar organizations, he’s now leading
SMUD’s Technology & Innovation organization into the
next generation of Smart Grids with clean energy
technologies.
Suresh is an innovative, forward-looking and inclusive
thought leader with a track record of building strong,
diverse teams that are highly engaged and promote
Innovation in solving business and technical problems.
Suresh joined SMUD in 2002 as a principal technical
developer, with responsibility for designing and leading
implementation and upgrades of multiple technology
systems, including SAP and our meter-to-cash (billing)
systems. Suresh progressed through the ranks to hold
positions with increasing levels of management
responsibility through the course of his career at SMUD.
Suresh holds a Master of Technology in Computer
Science and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics &
Communications Engineering from esteemed universities
in India.
Hari KrishnamurthyGlobal Head of Energy Transition & Utilities, Capgemini Engineering
Big Picture Session Panelist
Hari is a proven leader with over two decades of experience in the Energy & Utility sector. He is passionate about leveraging technology to help Energy & Utility companies transform and scale their businesses.
He has extensive experience in all aspects of the customer’s business transformation journeys, from business case development to program governance to delivery. He has an impressive track record of success in designing and executing large digital transformation programs. He has engaged with clients in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Northern Ireland, and Turkey on their de-regulation imperatives to help them navigate through the market changes and challenges.
Hari is currently the Global Lead for Energy and Utilities at Capgemini Engineering, where he is responsible for developing and executing strategic plans for this business, including customer engagement, solution design, and delivery oversight. He is also responsible for building and managing the Energy & Utilities ecosystem at Capgemini Engineering.
Previously, Hari served as the Vice President and Market Unit Leader for Capgemini's utility market unit in the US and led Wipro's global domain and digital business for the Utility sector.
Outside of work, Hari enjoys reading books on philosophy and is an avid runner. He is married to Hemalatha, and they are doting parents to their son, Pranav.
Andrea NuesserDirector of Customer Strategy & Experience, Hydro One
Women Who Inspire Session Moderator
Andrea Nuesser is the Director of Customer Strategy & Experience at Hydro One. In her role, she is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to build the grid of the future and serve the needs and expectations of Hydro One’s broad customer base.
Andrea is an experienced leader, outside-of-the box thinker, and engaging strategist who is passionate about shaping the future of energy. In an evolving utility landscape, she provides thought leadership and drives collaboration through various industry working groups to enable innovative energy solutions and help customers with their energy transition.
Andrea has a broad background in social sciences, marketing and customer behaviour. Before joining Hydro One, she was a Vice President at Innovative Research Group, a public opinion research and consulting firm. Andrea holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Evan O’MahoneyChief Information Officer (CIO), CPS Energy
Big Picture Session Panelist
Evan O’Mahoney is responsible for leading all aspects of the Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) organization, to include Infrastructure & Operations, Enterprise Architecture, Business Solutions, Digital Experience, and Execution Excellence. Evan leads the development of digital and technology strategies in support of our enterprise objectives aimed to prepare for our energy future. Evan also sponsors our Digital Transformation program, Evolve, which is designed to improve how employees work and deliver customer-facing solutions that offer tailored experiences and real-time access to information.
In his previous role, Evan served as Vice President of Technology Services where he was directly responsible for all aspects of our technology operations.
Evan’s career has been focused on driving change and growth in organizations such as Toshiba Corporation, where he served as Director of Solutions & Professional Services leading large-scale technology implementations for national and global organizations.
Before joining CPS Energy in 2019, he was the Chief Technology Officer for Bexar County where he led the development and implementation of technology plans and modernization strategies.
Evan is a San Antonio native and has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word and is also a graduate of the Rice University Advanced Management Program.
Robert PuentePresident & CEO, San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
Keynote Presenter
Robert R. Puente, San Antonio Water System’s President and CEO since May 2008, leads one of the nation’s largest utilities delivering water and wastewater services to over 1.6 million consumers.
Since taking the helm at SAWS, Puente has led the entity through many historic financial and operational successes and is often called on to share these successes throughout the United States and abroad. Puente has also led the entity to achieve the highest bond rating in its history.
Additionally, the utility has earned several recognitions and awards, including the Texas Environmental Excellence Award, Top Workplace Award three years in a row, a Business Opportunity Diversity Award as well as several other operational awards and recognitions.
Prior to SAWS, Puente served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1991-2008 and was Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. In the legislature Puente authored and led the charge in passing several historic bills related to water which continue to serve as model legislation throughout the U.S.
Robert is married to Carmen Muñiz Puente and they have three children.
Vidya RangacharVice President of Business Solutions and Digital Experience, CPS Energy
Big Picture Session Panelist
Vidya Rangachar is the Vice President of Business Solutions and Digital Experience at CPS Energy. Her team supports the utility by developing digital products, enhancing enterprise applications, and providing analytics solutions that help the organization make data-driven decisions.
Vidya is currently leading an enterprise-wide digital transformation that will position CPS Energy as the Utility of the Future. Her unique background is informed by her experience with leading diverse teams such as technology experts and electric operations field teams. This broad experience with technology, engineering and energy delivery operations helps her collaborate across the organization to drive innovative solutions, delivering the value of increased efficiencies in the process. In her vast spare time, she tries to read (mostly light fiction) and is currently a member of the advisory board for the CAST STEM High School in San Antonio.
Vidya holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Osmania University in India, and a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Arizona State University (Go Sun Devils!)
Farah SaeedResearch Director, Digital Electric Grid, Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan Awards
Farah Saeed is an industry expert with nearly 20 years of consulting, project management and fulfillment expertise focused on power and energy equipment and services. Saeed currently serves as Research Director Digital Grid.
In her current role, Saeed works closely with OEMs to validate market opportunities and assess risks, providing a deep understanding of business issues facing mature as well as emerging energy markets and technologies. She also specializes in forecasting models and customer survey designs centered on regional and geographic trends, while keeping a pulse on disruptive trends and technologies that are influencing the competitive environment.
Saeed’s industry expertise includes extensive experience in high-growth and emerging power and energy devices, such as transmission and distribution equipment. This includes IT/OT, power distribution equipment, demand side management, home automation, smart meters, related network infrastructure, and distributed generation.
Wednesday, Oct. 25
A keynote fireside chat with Rudy Garza, President & CEO of CPS Energy and Robert Puente, President & CEO of San Antonio Water System (SAWS) during the opening general session.
This session will be made available to registered attendees on-demand after the event.
General Session
Thursday, Oct. 26
Join us for the Closing General Session with Robert Bryce, author, podcaster and film producer. Today, our power, water and natural gas grids are facing enormous challenges, but what does the future hold? Hear from Robert in this keynote featuring “Energy, Innovation and the Future of the Electric Grid.”
This session will be made available to registered attendees on-demand after the event.
Women Who Inspire Session
Now in its eighth year, we have renamed the annual Women in Utilities session to Women Who Inspire. This session celebrates the women at the forefront of our industry, who are driving transformation, creating lasting change and showcasing the power of community.
This session will be made available to registered attendees on-demand after the event.
Wednesday, Oct. 25 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Sponsored by Capgemini
From transportation electrification and an increase in new distributed energy resources to environmental pressures, water scarcity, gas safety and mandates for carbon reduction–the grid is facing more demands than ever before. During this Big Picture Session, a panel of industry experts will discuss how utilities and cities can enable next-generation AMI that’s reliable, resilient and efficient.
Big Picture Session: AI, Machine Learning and What It Means for Utilities
Thursday, Oct. 26 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Microsoft
The world is on the cusp of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. So, what does this mean for the utility industry? AI can be a powerful tool for the utility sector, especially in light of increasing grid complexity. Join us for a Big Picture Session where we discuss how AI can enable more informed and efficient planning, better decision making and even take actions that may otherwise be impossible.
Knowledge Center
The Knowledge Center is a showcase of Itron's comprehensive solutions and partner offerings—your gateway to more intelligence and more possiblities. See product demos, talk to knowledgeable product experts, watch Lightning Talks at the Town Square and much more.
While here, stop by the Itron Experience, an interactive demo area where you can "Choose Your Own Grid Adventure" and see how your decisions just might make or break the grid.
“Itron is my favorite conference to attend. It is always very informative and very helpful information. I love the pre-conference classes, they are always so good and the contacts you meet are very beneficial.”
Attendee
“We received pre-conference training that was exceptional. We are getting ready to upgrade our platform to FCS, and are more confident than ever.”
Training Attendee
“I enjoyed this session more than expected, appreciated the open conversation format...less scripted...well done.”
Women in Utilities Session Attendee
“This has been my first time attending and I am BLOWN away. Thank you for all of your hard work and coordinating. This has been so valuable. I will be back!!!!”
First-Time Attendee
“Another fantastic conference! Thanks to everyone at Itron and the User Advisory Board for their tireless efforts for coordinating this conference!”
Attendee
“I found this to be very valuable. As a male leader, it’s important for me to understand how I can better help my female employees grow and develop their career.”
Women in Utilities Session Attendee
Awards Season
Excellence in Resourcefulness Awards
Frost & Sullivan announced Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) as recipients of its eighth annual Excellence in Resourcefulness Awards in collaboration with Itron. The awards were presented during Itron Inspire 2023, Itron’s premier customer conference.
2023 Itron Innovator Award
Tampa Electric Company (TECO), one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, was presented with the 2023 Itron Innovator Award, which recognizes an Itron customer that leverages Itron’s partner enablement program. The utility was recognized for deploying more than one technology partner solution and acknowledges TECO’s Smart Cities and Load Management programs and for the improvements that benefit Tampa Electric customers.