REV2024: Recent Successes & the Future of Hydropower in Vermont
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 – 10:45-11:45 a.m.
diamond ii
This panel will focus on recent hydropower successes in Vermont and the role of run-of-river hydro in the transition to a predominately carbon-free grid. This panel will discuss recent run of river projects like Stowe Electric’s Smith’s Falls, the potential for additional small and micro hydro projects in Vermont and the Northeast, and the potential for hybrid systems of hydro paired with solar and/or battery storage.
Moderator: Arion Thiboumery, Manager, North Bennington Hydroelectric
Arion Thiboumery co-owns and operates 4 small hydroelectric facilities around Vermont. He has a background in natural and organic food products, and a PhD from Iowa State University jointly in Rural Sociology and Sustainable Agriculture.
Sponsored by ConnectDER
Speakers
Lindsay Ashworth President, Small Hydro Consulting, LLC
Lindsay is a civil engineer with over 20 years of dedicated experience in small hydropower. Her expertise encompasses everything from feasibility studies to the design and implementation of small hydro plants. Lindsay has played a key role in regional, statewide, and national assessments of hydropower potential, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Jackie Pratt General Manager, Town of Stowe Electric Department
Jackie Pratt is the General Manager of Stowe Electric Department (VT), and a recognized industry leader with a background in public communications, contract negotiation, sustainable business, ratemaking, power supply, and strategic planning. Prior to joining Stowe Electric in October of 2022, she worked for Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations (MA) for 19 years. Over the last two decades, Jackie has held various leadership roles within a variety of industry organizations including MEAM, MMWEC, NEPPA, APPA, ACA, and NCTC. Jackie currently serves on the American Public Power Association’s DEED Board of Directors, representing Region 8 (Northeast US), and is Vice Chair of the three-member DEED Executive Committee. She was recently elected to serve as an at-large member of the NEPPA Board of Directors.
Laura Coriell Head of Market Development, Lightshift Energy
Laura Coriell is the head of market development at Lightshift Energy. Prior to joining Lightshift, she co-founded a public relations and public affairs consulting firm focused on advising emerging and clean technology companies. Laura also previously led California government relations at Cruise, creating the regulatory and policy environment to bring electric, autonomous vehicles to market. In addition, Laura was the energy storage policy advisor at CALSSA where she led a coalition that created a market-transformational energy storage incentive program in California. She also worked on the legislative team of Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, where she advanced and promoted Vermont’s leadership on climate and renewable energy.