Power Markets Under Pressure: Reliability, Affordability, and the AI Race
The Aurora Energy Transition Forum 2026 returns to New York at a critical time for the energy sector. Against a backdrop of rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and the race for AI dominance, the industry sits at the center of some of today’s most consequential policy and investment decisions.
This year’s Forum, Power Markets Under Pressure, explores how markets are responding to the dual challenge of affordability and reliability in an era of unprecedented load growth. Hear from senior leaders from across the industry as they consider:
- State of the Market: How are investors, utilities, and system planners navigating (geo)politics, power constraints, and rising prices in the post-IRA era?
- Speed to Power: Can infrastructure keep pace with the AI boom, and what regulatory, planning, and permitting reforms are needed to overcome structural bottlenecks?
- Future of the ISO: What reform is needed for competitive markets to deliver fast, reliable, and affordable power in an era of rapid load growth?
- Optimizing the Grid: Can system flexibility from on-site generation, demand response, VPPs, and grid optimization meaningfully mitigate the need for massive new infrastructure investment?
The Forum will provide an unparalleled platform for 250 senior leaders to challenge, debate, and define the future of the U.S power industry.
