Innovative Solutions for Peak Demand Management
Schedule
Fri Feb 06 2026 at 10:00 am to 02:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
Mammel Hall | Omaha, NE
About this Event
Welcome to Innovative Solutions for Peak Demand Management! Join us at Mammel Hall on February 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM (Central Time).
Join industry leaders at Mammel Hall for a deep dive into demand-side management. As peak demand challenges grow in both water and energy sectors, this forum provides the technical strategies needed to optimize usage and reduce strain on infrastructure.
What You Will Learn:
- Demand Side Management: Core principles and implementation strategies.
- Technology: Learn about the latest in IoT and how machine learning can be used to benefit your utility operations.
- Case Studies: Real-world lessons from OPPD’s Smart Thermostat Program and MUD's Smart Watering Pilot Program.
- Cross-Industry Application: How energy sector tactics can apply to water sector.
Who Should Attend: This event is designed for utility managers, water resource managers, water/energy sector engineers, sustainability officers, water operators, and irrigation specialists.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Intro to Demand Side Management for Water Utilities
Host: Derek Gardels - Aqualytics
Info: Derek advised water sector clients in infrastructure planning and program management. In that role, he discovered a common thread in the challenges that water utilities face in meeting growing demands. Derek became convinced that IoT and technology could be leveraged in new ways to improve water system reliability while also enhancing customer affordability and founded Aqualytics to do just that.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Predicting Future Demands with Machine Learning
Host: Ben Cook - Sparrow Computing
Info: Ben Cook is the Founder of Sparrow Computing, which builds machine learning systems for innovative companies. Ben & Derek will discuss the methodology used to build a machine learning algorithm for predicting water demands and how that might be helpful for utility managers.
M.U.D.'s Smart Watering Pilot Program - Early Results & Feedback
Host: Masa Niiya - M.U.D. VP of Engineering
Lunch (Provided)
Roundtable Discussion A - Identifying risks for implementation
Info: What are the greatest risks or obstacles for potential implementation of DSM strategies? How can we learn from initiatives explored at other water utilities in the region to benefit our rate payers?
Roundtable Discussion B: Quantifying Potential Benefits & Alternative Funding
Info: What are the direct and indirect benefits? How could we leverage alternative funding sources to minimize impacts to our rate payers?
Leveraging Strategic Partnerships to Scale Impact
Host: Eric Benson
Info: What are partnership opportunities offer the greatest potential impact to your utility? Approaches to engage HOAs, City parks, school districts and new home builders will be explored and discussed.
Lessons Learned from Energy Sector - Smart Thermostat Program
Info: The purpose of this session is to briefly explore demand side management strategies and DERMS programs to identify relevant lessons learned for the water sector.
Central Iowa Water Works - Regional Planning and Next Steps
Host: Tami Madsen - Executive Director of CIWW
Where is it happening?
Mammel Hall, 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
