October 8-9, 2026 | Arlington, VA
The Energy Frontier: Navigating the Future of Energy Through Innovation and Law
This year’s Energy Forum was a day and a half of informative educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the chance to build new connections. We’d like to extend a special thank you to the Professional Education Council, speakers, moderators, and session coordinators for making this event a success.
In Case You Missed It
Providing a first day welcome and opening keynote, Krista Tanner (President and CEO, ITC Holdings Corp.) took the stage. As the leader of the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company, Krista offered a valuable first-hand look at the strategic choices, infrastructure needs, and market developments currently defining the future of electric transmission. Krista remarked that now is the best time to be in the energy industry, because [we] have the chance to make decisions that will shape the future for generations to come and create a solid foundation for the next chapter of growth.
Later that afternoon following lunch and award presentations, a featured live interview took place onstage. Rich Heidorn Jr. (Editor Emeritus, RTO Insider) sat down with Dr. David Patton, (President, Potomac Economics) market monitor for MISO, NYISO, ISO New England, and ERCOT. With 30 years of experience as an energy economist providing expert advice, analysis and testimony to clients in the electricity and natural gas industries, Dr. Patton’s experience provided a unique and relevant perspective to attendees.
On Friday morning, FERC General Counsel James Dawson provided keynote remarks, touching on the importance of working as a team and not operating in silos, FERC Chairman Laura V. Swett’s focus on eliminating unnecessary burdens, his priorities in the role, and how pre-filing meetings can be extraordinarily useful when executed well. James remarked it is “the privilege of a lifetime” to serve in [this] position and strongly encouraged attendees, and especially young lawyers, to apply to work at FERC! Following his keynote, James sat with Cecelia (CeCe) Coffey (Legal Advisor to FERC Chairman Swett) for a Q&A presented by the Young Lawyers Council.
General and concurrent educational sessions explored major issues facing the energy sector, including large-load and data-center growth, transmission and cost allocation, FERC practice, judicial review, grid-enhancing technologies, AI, and the evolving relationship between power demand and natural gas infrastructure. Stay tuned on EBA’s LinkedIn page for photos and recaps of each session.
The Forum concluded Friday afternoon with the annual Women in Energy Lunch presented by founding sponsor McGuireWoods LLP. This luncheon recognizes prominent women in the energy law community. This year Noha Sidhom (Founder and CIO, Viribus Fund) was the featured guest speaker, taking part in a fireside chat Q&A alongside Julia English (Partner, McGuireWoods LLP). Noha’s career at the intersection of energy markets, investing, law, and public policy in addition to her past experience practicing energy law at a private firm and serving as a FERC Attorney Advisor gave her a unique perspective to share with attendees.
Thank you to our attendees, EBA Board of Directors members, committee and council leaders, and staff for making this event another one not to miss!
Outgoing Chapter Leaders Recognized
During the month of September, many EBA chapters elect new board members. During the Forum, we recognized the following Outgoing Chapter Presidents:
- Carolyn Calwell – Canadian Chapter
- Nathan G. Huntwork – Louisiana Chapter
- Jim Holsclaw – Midwest Chapter
- Jenna McGrath – Northeast Chapter
- Craig Johnson – Rocky Mountain Chapter
- Adria E. Harper – Southern Chapter
- Vidhya Prabhakaran – Western Chapter
Congratulations to the 2026 EBA Award Winners!
During lunch on the second day of the Energy Forum, EBA President Nicholas Pascale recognized three EBA members for their contributions to the EBA and the energy community. Read more about each of the fall award winners below:
Paul E. Nordstrom Service Award: Honors exemplary long-term service or a particularly significant example of public service by a current or past member to the community through participation in the EBA, CFEBA, or the FELJ
- 2026 Recipient: Randall (Randy) S. Rich (Partner, Pierce Atwood, LLP)
Rising Star in Energy Award: Given to one or more person(s) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the EBA, CFEBA, and/or FELJ within the first 10 years of their practice as an attorney/energy professional.
- 2026 Recipient: Lauren Caliendo (Associate, Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP).
State/Provincial Regulatory Practitioner Award: Created to recognize the impact of EBA members who represent clients before U.S., or Canadian provincial, regulatory agencies.
- 2026 Recipient: (given posthumously) James (Jim) Guy II (Fmr. General Counsel, Mecklenberg Electric Cooperative)
2026 Administrative Law Judges Reception
Thursday, October 8 | Arlington, VA
The reception honors the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Administrative Law Judges and is sponsored by the Foundation of the Energy Law Journal (FELJ). This annual reception is the FELJ’s primary fundraiser for the year and also provides attendees an opportunity to network with other Energy Forum attendees and ALJs in a casual environment after the first full day of programs.
FELJ President Delia Patterson (Salt River Project) provided welcome remarks, thanked sponsors and attendees, and announced that $52,050 had been raised to support the publication of the Energy Law Journal. Chief Administrative Law Judge Andrew Satten introduced guest of honor Adrian Gause, sharing kind words and memories of Adrian’s interview and immediate hiring, his experience bringing technology to the organization, and the kindness, sense of humor, and professionalism he has that won over so many of his colleagues over the years. We were glad to have Adrian’s family present for this event!
Thank you to our sponsors for their support of this year’s Honorable Chief Judge Curtis L. Wagner, Jr. ALJ Reception!
