Evolving Utility Business Models to Serve Customer Needs

Michael W. Henderson is the President of Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI). With over 40 years of experience in the energy industry, he previously served as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI). Before joining AECC, he worked for Associated Natural Gas Co. and the Arkansas Public Service Commission.

Gary joined NH Electric Cooperative as a Renewable Energy Engineer in 2012. Gary has overseen the construction an18.6 KW DC, 40 KW DC and 2.592 MW DC photovoltaic solar array. He developed and managed a pilot project that installed six electric vehicle charging stations at hospitality member locations. The installation of four residential battery systems as a pilot for NHEC to learn about the technology and operation was also one of Gary’s projects. Currently Gary is working to finalize the commissioning of a 2.5 MW two-hour utility battery. Prior to working at NHEC Gary worked for 36 years at an investor owned utility starting in engineering then being promoted to various management positions for over two decades. Gary is past Chairman of the NRECA Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Management Advisory Group representing the interests of approximately 850+ electric cooperatives across the US. Gary also served on the NH SB 517 Committee trying to develop a high voltage DC electric vehicle charging corridor in NH.

Courtney Metzger has served as the CEO of Bartholomew County Rural Electric Membership Corporation (BCREMC) since March of 2020. Her first day on the job was the beginning of the Indiana COVID stay at home executive order, followed by a 24-hour outage due to a storm.

BCREMC, located in Columbus, Indiana, sits astride the industrial corridor of Interstate 65,

midway between Indianapolis and Louisville. This ideal location provides the cooperative with the most industrially diverse customer base among the Indiana electric cooperatives. Approximately 60% of the electric load is from global commercial & industrial members.

Metzger, previously worked as a consultant to the nation’s 900+ electric cooperatives at the National Rural Utility Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) in the D.C. metro area. During her time at CFC, she engaged with co-ops across the nation on strategic initiatives including emerging technologies, cost-of-service studies, ratemaking, electric vehicle programs and the changing needs of the member.

Prior to her work at CFC, Metzger was employed by Kenergy Corp., an electric distribution co-op in northern Kentucky. Her primary roles there were in engineering, smart grid technologies, materials management, contracting and procurement management.

Metzger earned an Executive MBA from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Oakland City University.