We are thrilled to share that NGA’s Energy Innovation Summit, held September 25–26, brought together nearly 100 attendees for two days of insightful discussion, industry collaboration, and forward-looking ideas. This event underscored the importance of innovation in advancing safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for the future.

The Summit opened on Thursday evening with a lively Welcome Reception, generously sponsored by Mulcare. Attendees gathered in the Exhibit Hall to connect with colleagues and explore innovative solutions from our valued exhibitors, including Bascom-Turner, MJ Painting, Master Leak Technologies, John Deere, Composite Technology & Infrastructure, and NYSEARCH RD&D.

Setting the Stage

Friday’s agenda opened with a welcome from Alana Daly, NGA’s Vice President of Communication and Public Policy, and a keynote session by Tom Murray of VGS, who discussed how VGS is redefining the gas utility through innovation.

[NGA's Alana Daly welcomed attendees to the Inaugural Energy innovation Summit]

[VGS's Tom Murray provided the Keynote address]

[NGA's Glenn Meyers was a masterful Master of Ceremonies]

Panel Highlights

Panel: Emissions Reduction & Mitigation

The first panel of the day was moderated by Berkshire Gas’s Charlotte Ancel and featured Vincent Gaeto (Liberty), Jerry Ryan (New Jersey Resources), Brian McDonald (PTNGS), Rick Trieste (Con Edison), and Sharon Paterson (MIQ). The dynamic group explored strategies and technologies for reducing emissions across the natural gas value chain, including looking at emerging tools and strategies such as Carbon Capture, Advanced Leak Detection, and Differentiated Gas.

Panel: Non-Pipe Alternatives

National Grid’s Faye Brown moderated a panel featuring John Ciovacco (Aztech Geothermal), Brian Welsh (National Fuel), Liam Needham (Eversource), and Mike Sanchick (Con Edison). The panel shared insights on how LDCs are examining Non-Pipe Alternatives, the role of geothermal, and how the regulatory landscape surrounding NPAs is unfolding.

Panel: Emerging Fuels Integration

NGA/NYSEARCH’s Mark Gunsalus moderated a conversation with Patrick Serfass (American Biogas Council), Kristine Wiley (GTI Energy), Donald Chahbazpour (National Grid), Shane Breakie (Chesapeake Utilities). The panel discussed opportunities and challenges of integrating renewable and low-carbon fuels into energy systems.

Panel: Policies to Unlock Innovation

The closing session featured Christian Rodrick (NGA), and Kelsey Grant (ClearPath), in a conversation moderated by NGA’s Alana Daly about the critical role of policy frameworks in enabling energy innovation. Kelsey Grant brought in valuable perspective from Washington, D.C., while Christian provided regional context.

Thank You

We extend our thanks to all speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees who made the Summit a success. Your contributions and engagement continue to advance the industry toward a cleaner, more resilient future.