Building Local Support for Energy Storage Projects

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM CT

Location: Charge Up Stage (Booth #5132)

Moderator(s)

Katie Maloney

Deputy Director, Midwest State Affairs
American Clean Power Association

Speaker(s)

Lara Hamsher, MSC

Sr. Director, Stakeholder Relations
AES Clean Energy
Salt Lake City, Utah
Justin Carpenter

Director of Policy
Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (MIEIBC)
Mike Nicholas (he/him/his)

Retired Captain at Kern County Fire Department
Hiller Fire Protection

As energy storage deployment expands, community engagement is becoming an important factor in project success. This session explores common community concerns, effective engagement strategies, and how developers can build trust with local stakeholders.

Panelists will share practical approaches to strengthening relationships, navigating permitting processes, and creating long-term community alignment that supports project delivery.