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How to be Involved in NHA

Committees, Councils, and Roundtables of the National Hydropower Association
 

The Committees, Councils, and Roundtables of NHA serve as the association's vehicle for industry engagement. Employees of NHA member organizations can participate in any of these forums. 

If your employer is not yet a member of NHA but is interested in how NHA Membership can benefit you and your colleagues, please contact Marla Barnes.

About Committees: Provide a forum to bring the industry together to share information, develop consensus on solutions, report to and make recommendations to advise the Board, and provide expertise to staff.
About Councils and Roundtables: Tend to focus on a particular market segment, sharing technical insights and discussing policy solutions on issues with a special focus and/or crossover issues.

It's easy to sign up to receive alerts and meeting notices for any of these committees or councils. Simply CLICK HERE to log on to the NHA Member Portal's Committees, Councils, and Roundtables page and follow the instructions on the page.  

NHA's Committees, Councils, and Roundtables:​
<20 MW Club Roundtable

OVERVIEW: The <20 MW Club is a forum within NHA for owners of small hydropower assets to come together, discuss common challenges, and work toward solutions. For example, the group may choose to discuss how to navigate the insurance issues, get ahead of FERC’s financial assurance proposal, or create real-world programs, like voluntary operator exchanges.  

The < 20 MW Club will cover topics such as:
  • Dam Safety and Regulatory Compliance
  • Technical and Operational Anomalies
  • Repair/Replace Strategies
  • Operator Exchange Program/Training
  • Insurability
  • Preventative Maintenance Software Solutions 
  • And More

Any employee of an NHA member organization that is an asset owner operating existing hydropower facilities that are relatively small (under 20 MWs or so) is encouraged to participate in this Roundtable.  
 

Co-Chairs: Sarah Hill-Nelson, The Bowersock Mills and Power Company and Zach Moureau, Kaukauna Utilities
Supporting NHA Staff: Chris Hayes 


Chief Dam Safety Engineers (CDSE) Roundtable

OVERVIEW: The CDSE Roundtable is a program dedicated to Chief Dam Safety Engineers and their teams, focusing on dam safety program management, new technologies, and regulatory compliance. The group meets twice a quarter to discuss hot topics in the industry and collaborate on solutions. 

Topics covered in these meetings might include:
  • Understanding the Dam System
  • Dam Surveillance
  • Flow Control Equipment
  • Reservoir Operations
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • And More

Any employee of an NHA member organization involved in Dam Safety that is an asset owner operating existing hydropower facilities is encouraged to participate in this forum.  

Chair:  Jillian Lawrence, Hull Street, LLC
Vice Chair: Nicholas Von Gersdorff, Southern California Edison
Supporting NHA Staff: Chris Hayes 

Future Leaders of Waterpower (FLOW)
 
OVERVIEW: FLOW stands for Future Leaders of Waterpower, NHA’s newest ad-hoc networking/career development group. The ultimate goal of FLOW is to attract and support talented, diverse professionals by creating a welcoming and safe environment and by providing a clear pathway for professional growth. Learn more by visiting the FLOW website here.
 
This career development group's purpose is to increase the participation of young professionals, professionals new to the water power industry, women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities in the water power industry by providing clear pathways for career growth and networking opportunities.

FLOW participants will have the opportunity to help create content, identify speakers, and shape agendas for NHA events. They’ll also get a chance to meet and collaborate with the water power industry’s current thought leaders.
 
FLOW will organize ahead of NHA events to host meet-ups, happy hours, and dinners to facilitate networking and making friends within the water power industry. This group will plan career development webinars, knowledge-sharing sessions, hydro 101 workshops, and other activities to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. 

FLOW is open to any individual who is currently or interested in working in water power; NHA membership is not required. 
 
Chair: Katie Raine, HDR
Vice Chairs: Anton Hassebrook, Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District / Hailee Kessel, Current Hydro, LLC / Yasaman Sahba, Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co.
Supporting NHA Staff: Kelly Rogers

Hydropower Technical Community
 
OVERVIEW: The Hydropower Technical Community (HTC) offers employees of all NHA member organizations (including product and service suppliers, technology developers, power producers, and project developers)  a way for individuals who are focused on technical and operational aspects to gather as a community to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strive for excellence in their work. 
​
HTC brings together individuals from operation and maintenance, dam safety, and operational excellence to exchange and learn from each other about technical offerings, including:
  • Monthly virtual “lunch and learns” on specific operational or technical topics 
  • Specific O&M, dam safety, and technical papers sessions at NHA's national and regional events
  • Opportunities to tour hydroelectric projects around the U.S. 
  • Training courses for hydro professionals  
Asset Owner Only Groups: Through the Hydropower Technical Community, NHA offers opportunities for asset owners to meet regularly to exchange solutions to challenges, share hot topics, and benchmark their work.
 

Operational Excellence (OpEx) – An on-line resource tool exclusively available to employees of NHA member organizations that houses hundreds of short, easy-to-read reports about real-life incidents and near misses. Users of the OpEx tool routinely find new ideas and approaches they can implement to augment maintenance work practices and checklists, drive down costs, and increase reliability. In addition to the Event Reports, the OpEx tool also includes a growing library of video recordings of 1-hour “lunch and learn” presentations. Read more about the features of this tool and how to access it HERE.

FERC Liaison – The HTC serves as a conduit for industry input and advocacy on proposals and activities originating at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Division of Dam Safety and Inspections (D2SI).


Chair: Phil Cantarinha, KGS Group
Vice Chair: Seth Green, Southern Company
  • < 20 MW Club Co-Chairs: Sarah Hill-Nelson, The Bowersock Mills and Power Company and Zach Moureau, Kaukauna Utilities
  • Dam Safety Chair: Jillian Lawrence, Hull Street, LLC / Vice Chair: Nicholas Von Gersdorff, Southern California Edison
  • O&M Chair: Craig Bourassa, Avista Utilities / Co-Vice Chairs: Scott Romero, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Robert Floyd, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
  • Operational Excellence Chair: Carl Brewster, WEST USA, Inc. Water Energy Systems & Tests / Vice Chair: Scott Korab, Ballard Marine Construction
  • Senior Leaders Co-Chairs: Jeremy Clotfelter, Northwestern Energy / Stephanie Maggard, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) / David Howell, Avista Utilities
  • Water Management Co-Chairs: Bruno Benedetti, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group / James Everett, Tennessee Valley Authority
Advisors:  Bryan Walsh, American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) / Daniel Langlois, GE Renewable Energy / Eddie Duncan, Duke Energy Corporation / Ellen Faulkner, Ayres Associates / Norbert Woodhams, Worthington Products Inc. / Scott Klabunde, HydroPartners / Thomas Fitzgerald, Schnabel Engineering
Supporting NHA Staff: Chris Hayes

Legislative Affairs
 
OVERVIEW: NHA’s Legislative Affairs committee advocates on behalf of the water power sectors (hydropower, marine energy, and pumped storage) on important policy issues advancing and protecting their interests to Congress and the Administration. The committee also tracks, analyzes and responds to critical and emerging issues including tax reform, appropriations funding, and licensing reform for the waterpower industry.  

With real-time information, NHA’s Legislative Affairs Committee keeps you abreats of important policy developments in Washington and develops strategies to ensure that hydropower is positively recognized and incorporated in energy policies proposed by federal policymakers. 

Co-Chairs: Maura Brueger, Seattle City Light / Duff Mitchell, Juneau Hydropower Inc.
Vice Chairs: Dylann Middleton, Brookfield Renewable / Mike Drain, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
Supporting NHA Staff: Matthew Allen and Brittney May
 
Marine Energy Council

OVERVIEW: The National Hydropower Association’s Marine Energy Council (MEC) is the U.S. national trade group dedicated to promoting technologies and related services to harness clean, renewable power from significant untapped marine energy resources. Established in 2015, the MEC works with private sector companies, academia, and government partners to encourage the commercialization of marine energy technologies and raise awareness of the industry’s considerable potential to create good paying jobs and secure an affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy future. 

The MEC is actively engaged with federal policymakers to increase R&D support, reduce market barriers, and create financial incentives for technology deployment. It also develops a Commercialization Strategy for Marine Energy setting new sector deployment targets of 50 MW by 2025, 500 MW by 2030 and 1 GW by 2035.

The MEC works with its members to inform future federal programs and competitive funding solicitations, lobby for appropriations and legislation in support of the sector, and serve as a clearinghouse of critical information. A broad and actively engaged membership is key to the MEC’s success.

Co-Chairs: Samantha Quinn, POET / Brenda Langley, Oregon State University & Pacific Marine Energy Center / Kristi Terrasa, C-Power
Vice Chair: Jonathan Colby, Streamwise Development, LLC.

The following Working Groups are open to all MEC participants – Contact Kelly Rogers at kelly@hydro.org to sign up:
  • Marine Energy Priorities: Co-Leads: Walter Schurtenberger, Hydrokinetic Energy Corp / Wesley Williams, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
  • Advocacy: Co-Leads: Ryan Davidson, CalWave Power Technologies, Inc.   / Chris Lee, Tidal Energy Corp
Supporting NHA Staff: Kelly Rogers

Markets

OVERVIEW: The Markets Committee provides a conduit for information-sharing about wholesale electricity markets organized by various Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs) throughout the United States. The committee participants give guidance to NHA staff for filing pleadings on various proposals from RTOs/ISOs, generic proceedings from the FERC, and targeted state programs.

Chair: Paul Dietz, Grant County PUD
Vice Chairs: JK Wang, Pacific Gas and Electric / Steven Lieberman, American Punicipal Power
Supporting NHA Staff: Michael Purdie
 
New Hydropower Development Roundtable

OVERVIEW: The New Hydropower Development Roundtable is specifically for hydropower developers, similar to the already existing NHA groups for Pumped Storage and Marine Energy. For example, the group may choose to discuss issues ranging from USACE 408 permit process, construction start extensions, financing/off-take options, and/or inter-connection issues.  

Any employee of an NHA member organization that is a hydropower developer and/or asset owner seeking to add new generation to existing civil infrastructure (non-powered dams), install incremental new generation at existing structures (including hydropower, conduits, and water supply systems), and/or build new greenfield development are encouraged to participate.  

Co-Chairs: Ushakar Jha, Rye Development / Doug Spaulding, Nelson Energy
Supporting NHA Staff: Connor Nelson
 

Operations & Maintenance Asset Owner Roundtable

OVERVIEW: The Operations & Maintenance Asset Owner Roundtable is dedicated to Plant, Operations, Engineering, and Asset Managers/Directors and their teams, with a focus on maintaining reliability, optimal fleet performance, and keeping up to date with the latest practices, technologies, and regulations.

Operations & Maintenance Asset Owner Roundtable meetings cover topics such as:
  • Condition Assessment
  • Data Management
  • Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
  • Asset Management
  • Work Management
  • Workforce Planning
  • And More
Any employee of an NHA member organization involved in operations, maintenance, and asset management that is an asset owner operating existing hydropower facilities is encouraged to participate in this forum.  

Chairs:  Craig Bourassa, Avista Utilities
Vice Chair: Scott Romero, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Robert Floyd, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Supporting NHA Staff: Chris Hayes 

Public Affairs Committee

OVERVIEW: The NHA Public Affairs Committee develops and implements communications strategies to promote water power and support the industry's objectives.

The committee also serves as a learning hub for hydropower industry communications professionals to share the latest in communications strategy, tactics, and messaging. 
 

Committee members and leadership meet once a month to share updates on their respective organizations’ communications successes and challenges and to provide counsel around NHA’s public affairs goals.

Once a quarter, the committee hosts a “Waterpower Communicator’s Forum,” where a wide range of speakers provide expert insight on water power and clean energy communications.
 
NHA membership is required to participate in the monthly Public Affairs Committee meetings. The quarterly forums are open to anyone – NHA membership not required.

Chair: Rachel Hansen, Chelan County PUD
Vice Chairs: Brandy Donaldson, Constellation / Gina-Renee Autrey, Kleinschmidt Associates
Supporting NHA Staff: Copeland Tucker

Pumped Storage Development Council
 
OVERVIEW: NHA’s Pumped Storage Development Council was formed to address the emerging regulatory and business needs for new pumped storage development to support increasing renewable energy generation policies. The council is focused on both the regulatory and legislative issues and the business and commercial drivers that are leading the call for new pumped storage development.

The Pumped Storage Development Council keeps you abreast of important policy, technology, and business developments in this fast-changing area of new hydropower development.
 
Chair: Todd Briggeman, Black & Veatch Corporation
Vice Chairs: Kamal Gautam, rPlus Hydro, LLP / Meredith Lee, Bechtel Global Corporation
Supporting NHA Staff: Connor Nelson
 
Regulatory Affairs
 
OVERVIEW: NHA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee monitors, tracks, and notifies Membership of critical issues that could impact the hydropower industry, including licensing and compliance regulations. The Regulatory Affairs Committee membership, with the support of NHA staff, affects the resolution of regulatory issues to the balanced positive benefit of the hydropower industry.

The Committee negotiates license reform with NGOs, states, and tribes, represents hydropower in litigation over Clean Water Act Section 401, and influences policies, actions, and rulemakings at FERC, Fish and Wildlife, and NOAA Fisheries. 

Chair: Elizabeth McCormick, Troutman Pepper Locke
Vice Chairs: Courtenay O'Mara, Southern Company / Jody Smet, Eagle Creek Renewable Energy
Supporting NHA Staff: Michael Purdie

Senior Leaders Asset Owner Roundtable

OVERVIEW: The Senior Leaders Asset Owner Roundtable is dedicated to Hydropower Executives including Directors, Vice Presidents, and Chief Technical, Operations, and Executive Officers, with focus areas of strategic risk and enterprise management, safety, environment, and long-term investment planning.

Senior Leaders Asset Owner Roundtable meetings cover topics such as:
  • Long-term strategy for non-economical hydropower projects
  • Non capacity related license amendments
  • Energy Markets
  • New Pumped Storage, environmental reviews, economic justification
  • Financing and alternative ways to secure funds
  • Benchmarking around Strategic Risk Management
  • Recruitment, Retention once recruited
  • And More
Any employee of an NHA member organization involved at the executive level at an asset owner, operating existing hydropower facilities, is encouraged to participate in this roundtable.  

Co-Chairs: Jeremy Clotfelter, Northwestern Energy / Stephanie Maggard, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) / David Howell, Avista Utilities
Supporting NHA Staff: Chris Hayes 

Technology Developers Roundtable

Overview: A dedicated forum for member organizations to come together to discuss the latest and greatest technological updates and common challenges having to do with conventional small hydro.
 

This roundtable -- a subgroup of the Waterpower Innovation Council -- gives technology developers a bigger venue to display your innovative products to the wider waterpower community. Finally, it will ensure tech developers have a voice in the ongoing dialogue between WIC and the DOE Water Power Technologies Office, with the goal of incorporating industry priorities into WPTO’s multi-year program plan. 

Chair:  Erin Foraker, Bureau of Reclamation
Vice Chairs:  Nell Burns, Bonneville Power Administration, Tom Cuthbert, Emrgy / Kate Stirr, Natel Energy / Curtis Jawdy, Tennessee Valley Authority
Supporting NHA Staff: Chris Hayes

Water Management Asset Owner Roundtable

 

OVERVIEW: The Roundtable will focus on all challenges, opportunities, issues, methodologies, tools, resources, equipment, people, policies and regulations that influence the responsible and efficient use of the water resource under management by dam owners. It will do so by sharing 1) information, lessons learned, challenges and successes, 2) presentations and webinars, 3) planning of the Clean Currents and Waterpower Week conferences, 4) representing the industry towards relevant authorities, the public and stakeholders.

Topics covered in these meetings might include: 

  • Hydrology and Meteorology 
  • Hydropower Operations 
  • Data Acquisition, Validation and Dissemination  
  • Integration 
  • Environment and Recreation 
  • Workforce Management 
  • DC/Policy Updates 
  • And More 
     

Any employee of an NHA member organization involved in Water Management that is an asset owner operating existing hydropower facilities is encouraged to participate in this forum.

This program creates opportunities for discussion among asset owners, including senior technical staff and/ or middle technical management, including their teams. Topics covered will be tailored to those with a hand in science/engineering and budgeting. 

Thanks to these "Founding Five" individuals of NHA member organizations who led the creation of this roundtable: 
Aaron Dale, Duke Energy;
Bruno Benedetti, Brookfield Renewable;
James Everett, Tennessee Valley Authority;
Lisa Martindale, Alabama Power;
Tyler Covich, Pacific Gas and Electric


Co-Chairs:  Bruno Benedetti, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group / James Everett, Tennessee Valley Authority
Supporting NHA Staff: Chris Hayes
 
Waterpower Innovation Council

OVERVIEW:  This Council is responsible for identifying industry needs and developing recommendations to promote focused technological and environmental research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) that will serve to strengthen the waterpower industry.  It will track and evaluate major RD&D currently underway at national laboratories, government agencies, academia, and other entities in the waterpower sector and share the information with the industry.  The Council can help reduce duplication of effort and identify synergies of ongoing research.  The Council will work with other NHA Councils to reach out externally to advocate for external funding to maintain strong waterpower programs within the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies. 

The Technology Developers Roundtable (an outgrowth of the original Small Hydro Council) has become a sub-group within the Waterpower Innovation Council, rather than a stand-alone group. The purpose of the Roundtable is to provide a dedicated forum for member organizations to come together to discuss the latest and greatest technological updates and common challenges having to do with conventional small hydro.

Chair:  Erin Foraker, Bureau of Reclamation
Vice Chairs:  Nell Burns, Bonneville Power Administration, Tom Cuthbert, Emrgy / Kate Stirr, Natel Energy / Curtis Jawdy, Tennessee Valley Authority
Supporting NHA Staff: Chris Hayes

CEO Council

OVERVIEW: NHA’s CEO Council creates a forum in which high-level hydropower executives can leverage their resources and talents to preserve and strengthen the existing system, while furthering the industry’s growth objectives. The CEO Council serves as a forum to bring hydropower executives together to share information about industry challenges and solutions. Its members also enhance the voice of NHA and the hydro industry as a whole within Congress and the Administration. 

The CEO Council serves as a strategic advisor to the NHA Board and acts as a key project and initiative leader on projects that strengthen NHA’s advocacy work and the representation of the industry. On its initiatives, the Council coordinates closely with NHA’s staff, committees, and other councils. 

Membership is limited to Leadership Member organizations.

Co-Chairs: Joseph Kessler, New York Power Authority / Jason Heilman, American Hydro Corporation
Supporting NHA Staff: Malcolm Woolf