Adaptation for a new energy era: tapping technology and innovation at the 2025 CLEAResult Energy Forum
Utility leaders across the country are facing a convergence of pressures unlike anything seen before: tightening federal energy policies, mounting regional capacity constraints and the unprecedented electricity appetite of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. At the same time, the electrification of transportation and commercial sectors is pushing grid reliability to its limits. At the 2025 CLEAResult Energy Forum, our theme of “Adaptability” takes center stage as we explore practical solutions utilities can use to succeed amid these shifting challenges.
The Energy Forum’s technology and innovation track is designed to help attendees grasp the scope of these pressures and prepare for 2026. Breakout sessions will highlight scalable solutions for demand response (DR), distributed energy resources (DERS), new program innovations and more.
Here’s a preview of our sessions, designed to help you adapt to today’s changes and tomorrow’s – with the mindset and strategies needed to navigate the energy imbalance with more clarity and confidence.
New technologies for grid flexibility
As utilities seek greater resilience, many are turning to DR and grid-edge distributed energy resources. This session will show how these technologies are being deployed through pilot programs, including the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as mobile grid assets. Learn how our regionally tailored solutions can strengthen capacity planning and grid flexibility. Hear how utilities are maximizing every available kilowatt and discover new ways to apply these strategies in your own grid modernization efforts.
Designing customer-centric pilots
Technology adoption doesn’t happen in isolation. It must adapt to shifting policies and evolving customer expectations. This session highlights our established pilot model, built to ensure that initiatives are not only technically sound but also customer centric. Learn how one utility redesigned its pilot intake process to better connect user priorities with long-term grid goals. Real-world examples and interactive discussion will show how to design pilots that better resonate with customers while delivering stronger outcomes for your utility.
Smart workflows for smart programs: field operations that support grid stability
In this hands-on session, explore how technology is transforming program delivery through an interactive design thinking workshop. Kicking off with a foundational overview of the people, process and technology framework, the session dives into four key areas – customer experience, cost-effectiveness, regulatory reporting and fiduciary responsibility. Together, we’ll explore how innovations like AI and automation are streamlining operations and improving outcomes. Participants will engage in breakout groups to share pain points, identify roadblocks, and co-create solutions, gaining a clearer understanding of how these tech-driven changes directly impact their roles and enhance the value they deliver.
Exploring opportunities for AI in energy planning and program operations
AI is reshaping energy planning, forecasting and program delivery. This session will explore AI’s opportunities and challenges through three utility use cases: automation in your operations; AI applications for grid stability; and designing more responsive customer experience programs. Following AI consultant Sean Alexander’s keynote on AI and the future of energy, our afternoon panel will connect big-picture vision to real-world applications that utilities can put into practice today. We’ll examine both the potential and the limitations of AI – what’s working and what isn’t – and share guidance on where it can deliver value to utilities, with an emphasis on trust, transparency and regulatory considerations.
From pilot to portfolio: building the future of energy storage
Residential energy storage is moving from backup power to a central role in demand-side strategy. This session explores what it takes to launch and scale a successful battery program, from concept to full deployment. Hear from utility leaders who have built programs that empower customers and strengthen the grid. Gain insight into early results, lessons learned and why batteries are poised to become the next big opportunity beyond EVs and smart thermostats.
Explore our full agenda across two days – which includes two keynotes, three general sessions, and four tracks of panel discussions and breakouts with peers and experts. Details on topics, our speakers, and how to join us in Chicago are available at www.clearesult.com/clearesult-energy-forum-2025.
CLEAResult Energy Forum is for utility clients and select partners. If you're interested in attending, please reach out to your CLEAResult representative.