2025 NRECA Legislative Conference

7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m: Registration

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Opening General Session

• Welcome Remarks – Louis Finkel, Sr. VP of Government Relations, NRECA
• CEO’s Remarks – Jim Matheson, CEO, NRECA
• Keynote – Bret Baier, Anchor & Anchor/Executive Editor of Special Report with Bret Baier
• Remarks & Conversation – David M. Turk, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m:
Lunch on your own

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Women in Power Session and Lunch

• Nelle Hotchkiss, Sr. VP & COO, N.C. Assn. of Electric Co-ops
• Heather Teilhet, SVP, External Affairs, Oglethorpe Power Corporation
• Carolyn Turner, Executive Director, Nevada Rural Electric Assn.
• Moderator: Katie Culleton, Legislative Affairs Director, NRECA
  

Connect with fellow women leaders from cooperatives across the country to network, strengthen connections, and exchange valuable insights, knowledge, and ideas to benefit you both in the present and in the future. Gain inspiration from influential female leaders as they share their insights, strategies, and success stories.

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon General Session

• Topic/Discussion continued from the morning General Session

3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Women in Power Networking Event

Join fellow women leaders from co-ops around the country to hear from key female policymakers to gain unique insights into how they successfully navigate the complex political and policy environment in Washington D.C. Following the discussion stay to network, renew connections, exchange fresh insights knowledge and ideas to help you know and down the road. This event is for cooperative employees and directors.

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m:
Afternoon General Session

President's Address

• Tony Anderson, President of NRECA's Board of Directors

Congressional Insider Perspectives: Insights from Key Staff Members

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from influential congressional staffers as they provide unique insights and expertise on key legislative issues. Gain invaluable perspectives and knowledge directly from those at the forefront of policy-making.​

7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m: Registration

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m: Closing General Session



11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

E-ISAC

• Discussion regarding the Importance of Cyber and Physical Security Information Sharing (CEOs only)

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

New ERA and PACE Funding Status – Innovation of Rural Co-ops Unleashed

The New ERA and PACE funding in the Inflation Reduction Act brought about a once in a lifetime opportunity to rural electric co-ops doorstep. In return Co-ops answered with an overwhelming array of innovative projects. Administrator Berke gives an update on the status of the application process and the pure breadth of innovative projects that span the entire country. This moderated panel will offer an opportunity for Administrator Berke to peel the curtain back on the process, decisions made, and the lessons learned in standing up entirely new funding programs. It will also offer an opportunity for attendees to offer their insight into applying for the funding.

Speakers:

• Andy Berke, Administrator of Rural Utilities Service at USDA
• Luke Theriot, Regulatory Affairs Director
  

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Land Management Agencies (Forest Service/BLM)

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• More Than Two Years Since Infrastructure Law and IRA Passage – What’s Changed at the Department of Energy, and Where Are We Going from Here?

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

NMREC Pre-Capitol Member Meeting

• Marriott Marquis - Geranium Room

10:30 a.m.

U.S. Congressman Gabe Vasquez Office

• Meeting w/Austin Yager, Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director 
• Longworth House Office Building, Room 1517 (5th Floor)
  

11:00 a.m.

U.S. Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury Office

• Meeting w/Ms. Kaila Hood, Policy Advisor 
• Longworth House Office Building, Room 1421 (4th Floor)
  

11:30 a.m.

U.S. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez Office

• Meeting w/Rachel Montoya, Policy Advisor or Chris Garcia, Executive Assistant & Advisor
• Longworth House Office Building, Room 1510 (5th Floor)
  

2:00 p.m.

U.S. Senator Ben R. Luján Office

• Meeting w/Dr. Todd Ringler, Sr. Policy Advisor for Climate, Energy & Environment
• Russell Senate Office Building, Room 498 (4th Floor)
  

2:45 p.m.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich Office

• Meeting w/Cliff Ho, PH. D, Legislative Fellow-Energy & Climate 
• Hart Senate Office Building, Room 709 (7th Floor)