FREE: Renewable Energy Alliance Houston REAL IMPACT ’26: Energy Leadership Conference – Aug 18, 2026 – Houston, TX

This event reminder is sponsored by: US Rubber Lining, leaders in rubber lining installation and repair services

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM–6:30 PM
Junior League of Houston
1811 Briar Oaks Lane
Houston, TX 77027

About the Conference

Join the Renewable Energy Alliance of Houston for REAL IMPACT ’26, an annual conference bringing together energy industry leaders, policymakers, business professionals, and community stakeholders to discuss the future of clean energy, infrastructure, innovation, and economic growth.

The conference will feature a keynote presentation, expert panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking opportunities with leaders from across the energy sector. A networking reception from 5:00–6:30 PM will provide an opportunity to continue the conversation and build new connections.

Space is limited, so register today to save your spot.

Featured Keynote Speaker

Jason Ryan

Executive Vice President, Regulatory Services and Government Affairs | CenterPoint Energy

Jason Ryan will share insights on the future of energy infrastructure, grid modernization, and the critical role utilities play in supporting continued economic growth. As Texas experiences unprecedented growth in energy demand, CenterPoint Energy is leading major transmission and infrastructure investments to strengthen grid reliability and support the state’s expanding energy needs.

Panel & Fireside Chat Speakers

• Viral Amin | Co-Chief Risk Officer | HASI
• Brian Chen | VP of Sales – Energy & Infrastructure and Houston Commercial | Stewart Title
• Scott Cockerham | Senior Managing Director | FTI Consulting
• Claude Colp | Chief Commercial Officer | Game Change Energy
• Jimmy Glotfelty | Former Commissioner | Texas Public Utilities Commission
• Brian Hayes | CEO | Key Capture Energy
• David Holt | President | Consumer Energy Alliance
• Elizabeth Kaiga | Chief Commercial Officer for Energy Systems | DNV
• Dawn Owens | SVP, Development and Commercial Markets | Fervo Energy
• Erika Taugher | Senior Director, Commercial Origination | Pattern Energy
• Hill Vaden | Executive Director, Financial and Capital Markets | S&P Global Energy
• Suresh Vasan | Partner, Credit and Capital Solutions | Galvanize Climate
• Gerry Willinger | Managing Director | Marathon Capital, LLC
• Nancy Zakhour | Board Member, Perma-Pipe | Advisor to Energy, Infrastructure & Clean Technology Companies

Join the Conversation

Join us on August 18 at the Junior League of Houston as industry experts discuss the grid, renewable energy development, data centers, and more.

Featured speakers include Erika Taugher Rietze of Pattern Energy, Viral Amin of HASI, Claude Colp of GameChange Energy, Scott Cockerham of FTI Consulting, and Brian Chen of Stewart Title.

Networking Reception

5:00–6:30 PM

Continue the conversation, connect with fellow energy professionals, and build new industry relationships during the evening networking reception.

Agenda
*All Times subject to change.

10 a.m. Welcome & Intro

10:10 a.m. Great Expectations: The U.S. Power Grid Wrestles with Growth & Reliability Mandates
Hill Vaden | Executive Director, Financial & Capital Markets | S&P Global Energy

10:45 a.m. Policy Fireside: Critical Infrastructure Construction in Texas
David Holt | President | Consumer Energy Alliance – Moderator
Hon. Paul Bettencourt | TX State Senator | District 7
Jimmy Glotfelty | Former Commissioner | Texas Public Utilities Commission

11:25 a.m. Energy Infrastructure, Grid Modernization & Role of Utilities in Powering Texas’ Future
Keynote Speaker Jason Ryan | Executive Vice President, Regulatory Services & Government Affairs | CenterPoint Energy

12:05 p.m. Lunch | Networking – Sponsored by CenterPoint Energy

12:50 p.m. Houston’s Own Unicorn: Fervo & Enhanced Geothermal
Juliana Garaizar | Partner | Greenbackers Investment Capital – Moderator
Dawn Owens | SVP, Development & Commercial Markets | Fervo Energy

1:30 p.m. Renewable Energy Development & Investment on its Own Merits
Scott Cockerham | Senior Managing Director | FTI Consulting – Moderator
Viral Amin | Co-Chief Risk Officer | HASI
Claude Colp | VP of Business Development | GameChange Energy
Erika Taugher | Senior Director, Commercial Origination | Pattern Energy

2:25 p.m. Short of Power, Long on Silicon: Where Capital Goes Next
Nancy Zakhour | Board Member, Perma-Pipe | Advisor to Energy, Infrastructure & Clean Technology Companies – Moderator
Suresh Vasan | Partner, Credit & Capital Solutions | Galvanize

3:15 p.m. Leading the Charge: A CEO’s View on What’s Next for Energy Storage
Elizabeth Kaiga | Chief Commercial Officer for Energy Systems | DNV – Moderator
Brian Hayes | CEO | Key Capture Energy

3:55 p.m. Datacenters at the Crossroads
Gerry Willinger | Managing Director | Marathon Capital, LLC – Moderator
Jeff Barber | Principal Partner & CEO | Hedgehog USA
Joshua Belcher | Partner | Holland & Knight
Brian Chen | Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure – Sales | Stewart Title
Geoffrey Tahuahua | President | ABC Texas

5 p.m. Networking Reception – Sponsored by Consumer Energy Alliance & Stewart Title