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News: NES to Host U2030 Annual SPARK Meeting with Brent Baker Delivering the Keynote

Updated: Aug 19



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nashville, TN - March 22, 2024 - The Utility 2030 Collaborative (U2030) proudly announces that Nashville Electric Service (NES) will be the host utility for the highly anticipated U2030 Annual SPARK Meeting. The event is set for September 16-18, 2024, at The Thompson Hotel, a Hyatt property in Nashville's vibrant Gulch neighborhood. Situated between iconic Music Row and downtown Nashville, The Gulch epitomizes the city's dynamic spirit, offering attendees an easy walk to renowned honky-tonks along Lower Broadway.


In its third year, SPARK emerges as an important event in shaping the careers and success records of utility professionals leading innovation and transformation. This year's theme, "Transformational Leadership at the Intersection of Utility Customers & Operations," aligns with NES, which is renowned for its steadfast commitment to leading by example. Collaborating with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), NES spearheads renewable energy initiatives, exemplified by Nashville's inaugural community solar park that leverages nature's abundant resources. Moreover, NES is intensifying its dedication to environmental sustainability, which is evident in initiatives such as deploying ethanol and bio-diesel vehicles for field operations and transitioning to renewable transformer oil, along with robust efforts in equipment and supply recycling and repurposing.


SPARK Agenda

SPARK promises attendees an immersive journey into utility innovation and transformation, fostering strategic networking opportunities through unique hands-on learning experiences that have put the event and U2030 on the map.


In 2024, the event will be led by two distinguished Masters of Ceremonies, members of U2030’s Board of Directors, Chima Chijioke, Vice President of Customer Services for Georgia Power, and Chris Hilborn, former Vice President of Customer Insights & Operations for Liberty Utilities. Attendees will gain insights into navigating the evolving landscape of the energy and water economies.


Transformative leadership discussions will focus on critical areas such as Customer Experience, Energy Transition, Beyond the Meter Solutions, Efficiency & Conservation, and Outage and Emergency Management and Communications.


Featuring an unconventional lineup of creative session formats, the SPARK agenda promises a blend of thought-provoking discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities.


Keynote Address

Gain inspiration from Teresa Broyles-Aplin, CEO of NES, and Brent Baker, Vice President – Chief Customer & Innovation of NES will be participating in a fireside chat on September 17. Moderated by Ram Kasarla from i3, Teresa and Brent will share how NES is embracing innovation to improve the customer experience with efforts to modernize across the utility and how engaging his coworkers and customers help develop a winning strategy.


"We are excited to welcome everyone to Nashville for SPARK,” said Baker. “Partnering with U2030 to deliver this important event will further foster collaboration, drive innovation, and shape the utility industry's future.”


Media Contact

Marlene Rosenberry


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