The day will open with a conversation between two leaders. of California energy agencies. President Reynolds and Chair Hochschild will discuss energy affordability, where the state needs to focus its attention next, and the challenges and decisions that will define the next four years of energy policy in the state. This is a direct look at how the people setting California energy policy are thinking about the road ahead and what it will take to keep the state in a leadership position.

California's electricity costs are among the highest in the nation and still climbing. This panel brings together ratepayer advocates and executives from energy companies who are prioritizing affordability for consumers to discuss what can be deployed to bring costs down now and keep them in check going forward. 

Electricity affordability, wildfire resilience, and load growth are dominating energy coverage in California. This panel brings together reporters and communications professionals covering energy for a candid conversation about how the story is being told and what we can do better to communicate about these issues. 

From landmark legislation signed into law to live and ongoing debates on affordability and reliability, California’s 2025-2026 legislative session has been consequential for clean energy. This panel takes stock of what happened, what didn’t, and where the state is headed to address its most pressing energy issues. 

This hour provides an opportunity to learn about technology solutions being deployed in response to California’s energy needs. Choose your own adventure by selecting which breakout you would like to attend. 

Wildfires and heat waves are a perpetual reminder that California’s energy challenges can lead to life-threatening events. This session examines what solutions the industry has already deployed, what policy solutions are being explored today, and what still needs to happen to make California communities genuinely resilient.  

Energy demand isn't going down any time soon, and we need solutions to help us build the energy system we need, make it flexible, and make it affordable. During this breakout, companies will take the floor to describe real technologies and projects they are deploying and demonstrate that the clean energy industry offers a full stack of solutions ready to meet the state’s most pressing challenges. 

California’s next governor will inherit one of the most complex energy landscapes in the country. This closing panel will assess what is in store for the next Governor, how California voters are thinking about energy issues, and what the clean energy industry needs from the next administration. 

Cap off the day by connecting with the clean energy executives, policymakers, and innovators who are driving California's energy future. The California Energy Leaders Reception brings together the state's top voices in clean energy for focused networking following a full day of policy dialogue at California Powers Up.