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), Becky Walker (NEEA), 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), Becky Walker (NEEA), 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
Becky Walker, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)
The Northwest faces growing electric peaks and a widening resource gap — straining the grid and raising costs. Becky Walker will lay out why dual fuel and load flexible technologies have become a priority for the Northwest and highlight what NEEA is working on now, from program pilots to emerging technology shaping the region's approach.
Schedule & Topics
1:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Check in and networking
2:00 - 2:10 p.m.
Welcome and introduction
Emily McPherson, Director of MT Deployment &
Lindsay Anderson, ECO Research Director, Division of Energy Resources
Lindsay Anderson, ECO Research Director, Division of Energy Resources
2:10 - 2:30 p.m.
Keynote – Navigating the Moment: Electrification, Load Flexibility, and Affordability Across North America
John Taylor, Executive Director, Consortium for Energy Efficiency
John Taylor of the Consortium for Energy Efficiency will open the forum with a North American perspective on the challenges facing our industry as electrification mandates evolve, emissions targets expand, and affordability pressures mount. He'll share what he's hearing across the sector, including how dual fuel and load flexible technologies can serve as tools for navigating this moment. Taylor will highlight the need to pilot and test these resources now, so the industry can build confidence and see the value they can bring.
John Taylor of the Consortium for Energy Efficiency will open the forum with a North American perspective on the challenges facing our industry as electrification mandates evolve, emissions targets expand, and affordability pressures mount. He'll share what he's hearing across the sector, including how dual fuel and load flexible technologies can serve as tools for navigating this moment. Taylor will highlight the need to pilot and test these resources now, so the industry can build confidence and see the value they can bring.
2:30 - 2:50 p.m.
A look into Minnesota’s Future – How Can We Meet the Moment?
Josh Quinnell Ph. D., Senior Research Scientist, Center for Energy and Environment
Josh Quinnell will bring the national conversation home, examining what unmitigated electrification could mean for Minnesota's grid, including residential peaks 3 to 6 times today's levels, and the interventions that can prevent them. He'll break down dual fuel technology as a key piece of the puzzle, helping balance affordability, emissions goals, and reliability. Josh will lay out what's at stake and what it will take to make progress on the state's climate goals before the window closes.
Josh Quinnell will bring the national conversation home, examining what unmitigated electrification could mean for Minnesota's grid, including residential peaks 3 to 6 times today's levels, and the interventions that can prevent them. He'll break down dual fuel technology as a key piece of the puzzle, helping balance affordability, emissions goals, and reliability. Josh will lay out what's at stake and what it will take to make progress on the state's climate goals before the window closes.
2:50 - 3:10 p.m.
Perspectives from the Public Utilities Commission
Hwikwon Ham, Minnesota Public Utilities Commissioner
3:10 - 3:30 p.m.
Closing the Gap: Dual Fuel and Load Flexibility in the Northwest
Becky Walker, Chief Program Officer, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
The Northwest faces growing electric peaks and a widening resource gap — straining the grid and raising costs. Becky Walker will lay out why dual fuel and load flexible technologies have become a priority for the Northwest and highlight what NEEA is working on now, from program pilots to emerging technology shaping the region's approach.
The Northwest faces growing electric peaks and a widening resource gap — straining the grid and raising costs. Becky Walker will lay out why dual fuel and load flexible technologies have become a priority for the Northwest and highlight what NEEA is working on now, from program pilots to emerging technology shaping the region's approach.
3:30 - 3:50 p.m.
Énergir's Dual Fuel Model: Early Results from a Gas-Electric Partnership
Jerry Joseph, Executive Director, 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. Jerry will share insights from the first few years of implementation.
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. Jerry will share insights from the first few years of implementation.
3:50 - 4:15 p.m.
Panel Discussion
A conversation featuring all speakers with questions from the audience.
4:20 - 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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