EMPOWER 2026: Navigating Market Change and the Next Phase of Grid Evolution
The 2026 EMPOWER Conference will unite industry leaders, market participants, and innovators to explore the next era of energy market transformation. Building on a year of major system and market advancements, from ERCOT’s RTC+B rollout to IESO’s Market Renewal Program.
Regional Market Expansion: Lessons Learned and What’s Next
The past year brought transformative market updates that will redefine participation and planning for years to come. Attendees will explore how IESO’s Market Renewal Program and ERCOT’s Real-Time Co-Optimization Plus Batteries (RTC+B) are reshaping price formation, dispatch efficiency, and resource valuation, while also looking ahead to EDAM and SPP Markets+, where market design decisions will determine the future of western coordination.
Policy, Regulation, and the Economics of Transition
As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, at both federal and regional levels, market participants must navigate shifting incentives, compliance requirements, and decarbonization goals. Industry thought leaders, including policymakers and analysts, will unpack how FERC initiatives, state policy actions, and reliability mandates intersect with commercial strategy, risk, and long-term investment.
Grid Modernization, DERs, and Grid-Enhancing Technologies
As distributed energy resources (DERs) and grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) expand their role, the industry faces both operational challenges and new opportunities for flexibility. Discussions will focus on strategies for integrating DERs into wholesale markets, using GETs to alleviate congestion, and optimizing grid investments to support reliability and economic efficiency.
Load Growth and Emerging Demand Centers
Data centers, EV fleets, and electrified industry continue to reshape load patterns, with unprecedented concentrations of new demand driving localized congestion and planning challenges. Experts will share modeling and forecasting approaches that help market participants anticipate where and how this growth will impact both pricing and investment.
Advanced Congestion Trading and Market Analytics
With more granular pricing and tighter system constraints, congestion is increasingly central to market profitability. EMPOWER 2026 will highlight advanced analytics, congestion tools, and trading strategies that leverage Yes Energy data and tools to identify opportunities and manage risk across evolving market structures.
Expanded User Group Meetings: Deep Dives for EnCompass and PowerCore Users
As distributed energy resources (DERs) and grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) expand their role, the industry faces both operational challenges and new opportunities for flexibility. Discussions will focus on strategies for integrating DERs into wholesale markets, using GETs to alleviate congestion, and optimizing grid investments to support reliability and economic efficiency.
Your Boulder Basecamp for EMPOWER
We’re taking over the brand-new Limelight Boulder Hotel, and you won’t want to stay anywhere else. With stunning mountain views, a year-round heated rooftop pool and hot tub, cozy fire pits, and modern alpine design, it’s the perfect backdrop for networking and unwinding.
Yes Energy has secured a full hotel buyout—meaning it’ll be all EMPOWER, all the time. Rooms will go fast, so lock in your stay early and be part of the full experience—from sunrise sessions to after-hours connections.
