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Affordability, Flexibility and Decarbonization Through Dual Fuel Technologies

The ETA Forum brings together utilities, regulators, researchers, manufacturers, and other industry experts to explore emerging technologies and strategies that can help balance energy affordability, reliability, flexibility and decarbonization goals.  

This year, the 2026 forum is focusing on dual fuel and load-flexibility technologies, highlighting how Minnesota and other cold climate regions approach evolving energy challenges and prepare for future load growth.  

October 7, 2026 | Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey School of Public Affairs  

Speakers

Resource Hub

Following the Forum, presentation materials, a recording of the event, photos, and additional resources will be made available on this page.

Agenda & Topics 

1:30 – 2:00 
Check in and networking 

2:00 – 2:10 
Welcome and Introduction   

2:10 – 2:30   
Keynote: Navigating the Moment: Electrification, Load Flexibility, and Affordability Across North America  
John Taylor, Executive Director, Consortium for Energy Efficiency 

2:30 – 2:50 
Perspectives from the Public Utilities Commission   
Commissioner Ham, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

2:50 – 3:10 
A look into Minnesota’s Future – How Can We Meet the Moment?   
Josh Quinnell Ph. D., Senior Research Scientist, Center for Energy and Environment   

3:10 – 3:30  
Closing the Gap: Dual Fuel and Load Flexibility in the Northwest  
Becky Walker, Chief Program Officer, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance 

3:30 – 3:50  
Énergir's Dual Fuel Model: Early Results from a Gas-Electric Partnership   
Jerry Joseph, Executive Director, Énergir  

3:50 – 4:15 
Panel Discussion   
All speakers   

4:20 – 5:15 
Networking reception in the atrium   
Hosted bar and light appetizers