NGA’s Regional Market Trends Forum, held April 15 at the Renaissance Albany Hotel, brought together energy leaders from across the Northeast. With representation spanning regulators, electric grid operators, utilities, interstate pipelines, contractors, and service providers, the event underscored the importance of collaboration as the region navigates an increasingly complex energy landscape.

Welcome:

NGA President and CEO Jose Costa welcomed a full house of attendees spanning all aspects of the industry including regulators and policymakers, grid operators, utilities, pipelines, contractors and more.

Keynote: Planning for the Future in New York
We were honored to welcome Rory Christian of the New York Public Service Commission as our keynote speaker. Chair Christian spoke candidly about planning for New York’s energy future, emphasizing the continued importance of natural gas in maintaining reliability and affordability. He also graciously engaged directly with attendees during an extended Q&A session.

[NY PSC Chair and CEO Rory Christian and NGA President and CEO Jose Costa]

[Chair Christian kicked things off with an important Keynote discussion]

New Jersey Outlook: A Changing Policy Landscape
The second session featured a fireside chat with Richard Henning of the New Jersey Utilities Association, joined by Williams' Nick Stalnecker. The discussion explored the transition to the Mikie Sherrill Administration and what it could mean for energy policy and infrastructure in New Jersey.

[NJUA's Richard Henning and Williams' Nick Stalnecker

Pipeline Panel: Reliability Proven, Needs Ahead
A standout panel of interstate pipeline leaders—including Natalie Grindle from Williams, Blair Hastey from Enbridge, Chris Stutz from Iroquois Gas Transmission System, Jim McCord from Kinder Morgan, and Tom Lockett from PNGTS—highlighted the strong performance of the system during this past winter. Moderated by NGA’s Christian Rodrick, the panel emphasized a clear takeaway: the system delivered when it was needed most, but additional infrastructure will be critical to meet future demand and ensure continued reliability.

Grid Operators: A Winter Test and What’s Next
Leaders from the region’s electric grid operators—Mike Knowland (ISO New England), John Stevenson (New York ISO), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PJM Interconnection) shared insights on how the grid performed during the winter and the challenges ahead. Moderated by NGA's Alana Daly, their discussion reinforced the growing interdependence between gas and electric systems.

Closing Perspective: Understanding Energy Costs
The forum concluded with Ken Girardin of the Manhattan Institute, who provided a data-driven look at the drivers behind high energy prices in the region. His presentation offered valuable context for ongoing policy and market discussions.

A Collaborative Success
While the lighting may not have done our photos any favors, the energy in the room was unmistakable. This year’s forum once again demonstrated the value of bringing diverse stakeholders together for open, informed dialogue.

A sincere thank you to our sponsors, Williams and Ogden Polar Group, for making this event possible.