ETA Forum
Affordability, Flexibility, and Decarbonization Through Dual Fuel Technologies
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Affordability, Flexibility, and Decarbonization Through Dual Fuel Technologies
Hosted by Minnesota's Efficient Technology Accelerator (ETA)
As Minnesota and the broader energy sector prepare for unprecedented load growth and evolving decarbonization and efficiency goals, dual fuel and load-flexible technologies offer a powerful pathway forward. Speakers will examine Minnesota-specific strategies, highlight emerging innovations across North America, and inspire new ways to address evolving energy challenges.
Participants will walk away with:
▪ A clearer vision of how dual fuel and load-flexible technologies can unlock system-wide benefits
▪ New partnerships and collaborative connections to carry this work forward
▪ A deeper understanding of Minnesota’s opportunities and how to pursue them collectively, with concrete examples of innovation that could be adapted for the region
Join the conversation with our keynote speaker, John Taylor (Consortium for Energy Efficiency), alongside special guest speakers Jerry Joseph (Énergir), and Commissioner Hwikwon Ham (Minnesota Public Utilities Commission) as they offer unique perspectives that highlight the challenges and the opportunities ahead.
Participants will walk away with:
▪ A clearer vision of how dual fuel and load-flexible technologies can unlock system-wide benefits
▪ New partnerships and collaborative connections to carry this work forward
▪ A deeper understanding of Minnesota’s opportunities and how to pursue them collectively, with concrete examples of innovation that could be adapted for the region
Join the conversation with our keynote speaker, John Taylor (Consortium for Energy Efficiency), alongside special guest speakers Jerry Joseph (Énergir), and Commissioner Hwikwon Ham (Minnesota Public Utilities Commission) as they offer unique perspectives that highlight the challenges and the opportunities ahead.
Location
Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey School of Public Affairs,
University of Minnesota
301 19th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN, 55455
University of Minnesota
301 19th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN, 55455
Date & Time
October 7, 2026
1:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
QUESTIONS?
For questions or other inquiries, please contact our team at [email protected].
Speaker Highlight
Jerry Joseph, Énergir
Facing a similar challenge of decarbonizing in a cold climate, Quebec’s largest gas utility, Énergir, has worked in partnership with the province’s electric utility, Hydro-Quebec, to implement an innovative dual-fuel model consisting of customer incentives, a dual-fuel tariff, and a unique cost-sharing agreement. The model aims to significantly reduce emissions while avoiding substantial ratepayer costs by mitigating strain on the electric system during winter peak periods. Join Jerry Joseph as he shares insights from the first few years of implementation.
Schedule & Topics
1:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Check in and networking
2:00 - 4:15 p.m.
Program
Additional details on speakers and presentations will be shared soon.
Keynote: John Taylor, Executive Director, Consortium for Energy Efficiency
Commissioner Hwikwon Ham, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Jerry Joseph, Executive Director, Geothermal Solutions & Customer Relations, Énergir
Panel Discussion
A conversation featuring all speakers with questions from the audience
Keynote: John Taylor, Executive Director, Consortium for Energy Efficiency
Commissioner Hwikwon Ham, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Jerry Joseph, Executive Director, Geothermal Solutions & Customer Relations, Énergir
Panel Discussion
A conversation featuring all speakers with questions from the audience
4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Networking reception in the atrium
Hosted bar and light appetizers.
Minnesota’s Efficient Technology Accelerator (ETA) is a partnership funded by the state’s participating investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and consumer owned utilities (COUs), administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER), and implemented by Center for Energy and Environment (CEE).
Join us on October 7
We look forward to hosting you!
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