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The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) is a collaboration of utilities and ecosystem partners dedicated to championing the advancement and development of private broadband networks for America’s critical infrastructure industries. The Summit & Plugfest 2025 will be the not-to-be-missed in-person culmination UBBA work toward our mission. Join utility executives, innovation leaders, and utilities from across North America, and beyond for this year’s Summit & Plugfest.
When: November 4-6, 2025
Where: The Westin Charlotte 601 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
CONNECT
INSPIRE
GROW
The 2025 UBBA Summit & Plugfest is the premiere event where utilities and ecosystem partners gather in the name of advancing and developing private broadband for America's critical infrastructure industries.
Join utility executives, innovation leaders, and utilities from across North America, and beyond for this year’s Summit & Plugfest.
Gain exclusive access to the visionaries shaping the utility industry at the 2025 UBBA Summit & Plugfest.
Highlight your company at UBBA’s premiere conference in 2025 with one of our many sponsorship opportunities.
UBBA is all about interactivity, connections, and new experiences to create bridges to accomplish your future projects and reach your goals.
The 2025 UBBA Summit & Plugfest will host the first ever, Women of UBBA special networking breakfast exclusively for the women attending the event. Join us for a meaningful morning of connection, conversation, and inspiration as we spotlight the voices shaping the future of utility broadband.
Bobbi Harris
UBBA
Mr. Richard Donaldson, Vice President & Chief Information Officer of Duke Energy, will host the Opening Keynote for the 2025 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, in Charlotte, N.C.
As host utility for this year’s event, Duke Energy is setting the tone for a dynamic conversation around the future of utility broadband. Mr. Donaldson brings a powerful perspective on how digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and high-speed communications can help modernize operations, elevate customer experience, and accelerate the energy transition.
Join utility and technology leaders as we align on the challenges—and opportunities—shaping tomorrow’s grid.
Richard Donaldson
Duke Energy
Richard Donaldson serves as vice president and chief information officer for Duke Energy. He is responsible for the company’s digital strategy, including technology initiatives, reliability, vulnerability and life cycle management, as well as oversight of infrastructure operations and telecom. His current focus is on leveraging digital capabilities and artificial intelligence to transform the company’s internal operations, modernize customer experiences and help the company achieve its energy transition goals.
Donaldson joined Duke Energy in 2001 as an engineer in enterprise applications. He took on progressively expanding roles, including leading application infrastructure/architecture for the corporate applications domain until 2010, when he joined the telecom organization. While in telecom, Donaldson had responsibility for the company’s wireless communications systems, including land and plant mobile radio systems used by Duke Energy's operations fleet. In 2013, Donaldson joined the Program Management Office (PMO), where he was named division manager in 2014. After leading the PMO through the Progress Energy merger integration projects, Donaldson assumed the role of leading the digital transformation function.
Before joining Duke Energy in 2001, Donaldson spent four years practicing civil and environmental engineering at a consulting firm in Charlotte. He earned a Master of Science in environmental engineering and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of North Carolina.
Donaldson currently serves as vice chairman of the board of directors for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. He is also an active former board chair of Apparo, a nonprofit in Charlotte that assists local nonprofits with leveraging technology to improve business processes to expand their social change in the community.
He and his wife, Aimee, along with their three daughters, live in Huntersville, N.C. In his spare time, Donaldson enjoys coaching and cheering on his daughters’ sports teams, hiking and skiing in the Banner Elk/Sugar Mountain area, and visiting Holden Beach.
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Join industry leaders, potential partners, and technology providers for our 2025 Summit & Plugfest Welcome Reception!
Join us bright and early for breakfast and to honor this year's recipients of the UBBA and Plugfest Awards!
Bobbi Harris
UBBA
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As private wireless broadband buildouts progress, opportunities are emerging for utilities to realize the benefits of collaboration including sharing of network assets and expanding network services to like-minded enterprises. Utilities have the opportunity to extend their network to third parties, which opens the door for new use cases and innovative business models. With novel network sharing and expansion approaches, utilities can optimize their technology investment, reduce cost of ownership, drive more efficient network operations, and benefit from new collaboration opportunities. Our panelists will discuss: • The key benefits of network sharing and expansion strategies • Use cases enabled by a network sharing approach • Business/commercial, regulatory, and technology insights to help formulate the best approach for each Utility • Network sharing scenarios and evaluate approaches for network expansion to maximize network value
The China-sponsored cyber threat group Volt Typhoon, first identified by Microsoft in May 2023 and later confirmed by U.S. agencies (CISA, NSA, and FBI) in early 2024, poses a serious risk to U.S. critical infrastructure. Targeting Operational Technology (OT) and communications networks, the group infiltrates sectors such as Energy, Transportation, and Water Systems. Using “Living Off the Land” (LOTL) techniques, Volt Typhoon evades traditional malware detection by leveraging native system tools, enabling stealthy, persistent access that could facilitate disruptive cyberattacks in future geopolitical conflicts. Beyond traditional IT systems, Volt Typhoon also threatens private cellular networks, particularly those used by utilities for critical communications. Despite security measures at the transport layer, vulnerabilities persist in network cores relying on standard computing platforms. Mitigating these risks requires advanced endpoint detection, anomaly-based monitoring, and strict access controls. This session features a former U.S. government national security officer with experience leading the Department of Energy’s Cyber Intelligence mission and an industry expert with over 30 years of experience in wireless carrier strategy and utility network planning. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving cyber-physical threat landscape and practical strategies for securing communications networks and private cellular infrastructure against emerging threats.
Mat Eshpeter
Burns & McDonnell
Mat is a Wireless Consultant with Burns & McDonnell and provides consulting to help utilities investigate, define and implement their future wireless network strategy. His recent focus has been on wireless security and mission critical services (3GPP MCPTT). Mat has 30+ years experience representing a blend of wireless carrier experience and network strategy and planning experience at a large U.S. investor owned utility where he championed the spectrum investigation and planning effort that resulted in the initial private LTE deployment. Mat is active in the utility industry and led the first three UBBA "Plugfest" events.
Victor Atkins
1898 & Co.
Victor Atkins is the Director of Security Strategy & Risk Advisory Services for Industrial Cybersecurity in 1898 & Co., a part of Burns & McDonnell, where he consults with executives across critical infrastructure sectors on strategies and initiatives to reduce risks to control system environments posed by advanced cyber threats.
Atkins was previously the Associate Deputy Director for Operations within the Cyber Intelligence Directorate of the Department of Energy’s Office of Intelligence & Counterintelligence (DOE/IN), where he led and managed the Department’s cyber intelligence mission to deliver all-source intelligence products and services relating to foreign cyber threats to the DOE Enterprise and U.S. sector networks. In this role, Atkins led initiatives at the National Laboratories to develop unique capabilities that discover and characterize sophisticated foreign cyber threats with the potential to disrupt energy sector operations, which required collaboration with stakeholders across the Intelligence, National and Homeland Security, cybersecurity, and private energy sector communities.
Since joining the Department of Energy in 2009, Atkins also performed key roles in counterterrorism and counterproliferation. Assigned to the White House National Security Council in 2011, he served three years as the Director of Countering Nuclear Terrorism where he led multiple policy coordination efforts to respond to WMD-Terrorism threats to U.S. interests at home and overseas. He also served three years on detail at the Central Intelligence Agency’s Weapons and Counterproliferation Mission Center leading Community Engagement efforts.
Atkins holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California at San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, graduating with distinction from the University of Virginia.
Adam Spratt
Southern Company
Mr. Spratt serves as the Manager of Cybersecurity Business Liaisons at Southern Company and leads the Cyber Security Program at Southern Communications. With a background in cybersecurity within the government and military contracting sectors, he has dedicated the past 13 years to safeguarding Southern Company’s telecommunications networks. Mr. Spratt is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance from Western Governor’s University. Outside of work, he is a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoys traveling with his wife and two children.
Duke Energy foresees a substantial increase in cellular connected devices over the next two decades, prompting the need for cost management and improved processes in device activation and administration. To address this, the company plans to implement a single programmable SIM card capable of supporting multiple carrier profiles, offering scalable and cost-effective connectivity solutions. By establishing partnerships with the three major providers - Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, and T-Mobile - Duke Energy aims to maximize the benefits of a multi-carrier SIM card approach, optimizing value and efficiency for their expanding network of grid devices
With the growing adoption of private LTE networks, utility companies face challenges in scaling operations while ensuring robust security. This session explores integrating Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Zero Touch ZTNA (ZT-ZTNA) to enhance security and agility. Join OneLayer's expert and [Name, Utility company name, Role] as they discuss leveraging ZTNA technologies to prevent unauthorized access, automate device onboarding, and ensure comprehensive network visibility. Discover how utilities can manage a growing number of devices with robust security and visibility, ultimately delivering better service to millions of customers, ensuring uninterrupted service, and fulfilling the potential of strategic sustainability transformation plans for customers and stakeholders.
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The 2025 Innovation Zone will change the way you engage with technology providers. Connect with peers and gain unparalleled access to industry leaders as only UBBA can bring!
This year the All-Attendee Dinner Party will be held at the legendary NASCAR Hall of Fame! The Hall of Fame will be all UBBA all evening with complete access to the historical exhibits, legendary gear, and yes, simulators!
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is just a short walk from the Westin and is located at: 400 East Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28202
BADGES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES
Bobbi Harris
UBBA
pLTE enabled by 800 MHz Band 26 spectrum to achieve grid resilience and total grid orchestration: pLTE/5G powered by 800 MHz Band 26’s ability to support cybersecurity, enhancing encryption, access control and authentication and dynamic Quality of Services (QoS) • Platform for Future Requirements: How pLTE/5G powered by 800 MHz Band 26 is scalable, adaptable to utilities’ evolving needs and sets the foundation for future growth and innovation including enabling distributed sensors including distributed PMU’s for anomaly detection, momentary outages, state estimation and real time grid network engineering optimization
Join us for an insightful session on TECO's PLTE journey, where we'll look into some valuable lessons learned, the strategies that have proven successful, and the areas we would recommend others take a different approach to achieve even greater success. We'll examine the critical decision points as TECO prepared to "go live," and the knowledge and skills TECO needed for a successful deployment. From system design through the sequence of approach, we would like to share some lessons from the project to help others on their path to a utility-grade LTE/5G network.
This session focuses on the evolution from AMI 1.0 to AMI 2.0, examining key use cases and considerations for utilities adopting advanced metering infrastructure. Join Nokia and SCE for insights on the need for Open Standards for AMI. Transitioning from mesh only to direct-to-meter/mesh hyrbrid approach: Why this shift is significant and where direct-to-meter is effective? Supporting AMI traffic with evolving technologies: Evaluating the impact of NB-IoT, CAT-M, and LTE on bandwidth utilization and network performance. How bandwidths of 3MHz & 5MHz can cater to the various AMI 2.0 use cases.
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This presentation will review strategies for connecting DER assets behind the meter for a set of Low Voltage DERMS use cases. A variety of connectivity methods will be assessed, including cloud-to-cloud, direct cellular and Wi-Fi behind-the-meter communications. For each connectivity alternative, we will describe applicability to run industry standard application protocols such as OpenADR 2.0b, IEEE 2030.5, OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol), DNP3 and ICCP (Inter-Control Center Communications Protocol). The session will be supported by Itron as a DERMS vendor, and we will use their IntelliFLEX platform and 20-year experience of delivering customer programs in North America for some real-world examples.
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As grid modernization efforts ramp up, the value of automated network device deployment will quickly become apparent. When deployment efforts were limited to small numbers of endpoints, the inefficiency of manual modem/network element deployment methods may have been tolerable. But as grid modernization efforts drive up the count of grid sensors and control points, the manual effort associated with deploying communication devices will force a change in where and how this work gets done. There are at least three individual components requiring provisioning to get one modem deployed to serve a utility use case. Utilities have made substantial investments in their asset management systems and appear to be a wise choice to be the focal point of automating these transactions. By centralizing the control of the automated provisioning steps, utilities can leverage their existing asset management investments and related operational processes while achieving automated provisioning for all PLTE devices. This presentation will provide background information about novel provisioning architecture concepts and first-hand knowledge from Evergy to support utility client’s private LTE device deployments.
Join our panel discussion on the drivers behind utilities adopting Private LTE (PLTE) for communications, including the need for enhanced distribution communications, low-latency automation, and mission-critical push-to-talk. With the rise of private LTE and 5G, utilities can now deploy custom cellular networks tailored to their needs. We'll explore how utilities are developing the skills to design, deploy, and operate these networks, often relying on OEM vendors for support. The discussion will highlight the niche expertise required in both utility communications and cellular technologies, as well as the importance of network routing, security, and backhaul design. Discover how utilities are customizing their deployments to ensure reliability, resiliency, and security. This session will feature insights from utility companies currently deploying private cellular networks, sharing their experiences and lessons learned.
The AVEVA PI System, with its robust network communications, enables seamless data collection and real-time monitoring from thousands of end devices, ensuring comprehensive visibility and control over industrial operations. This connectivity facilitates enhanced decision-making, predictive maintenance, and optimized performance across the enterprise. All Metering Reading (Headend) systems collect interval + scalar usage and meter events/alerts across various types of network communications, enabling the use of AMI data for enhanced operational efficiencies beyond the collection of usage for billing customers. This AMI meter and related network device connectivity facilitates enhanced identification of problem meters and industrial routers and enhances Outage Management power out and power restoration validation processes.
Brad Doyle
Duke Energy
Brad Doyle is a seasoned IT leader with over 18 years of experience driving digital transformation in the electric utilities sector. He currently oversees the Meter Delivery Team at Duke Energy, where he leads the delivery of advanced Meter to Cash and AMI solutions. Brad specializes in integrating enterprise systems with modern cloud technologies, with a strong focus on AWS-based microservices and AMI optimization. At Duke Energy, he has played a key role in consolidating and modernizing metering platforms, integrating SAP across multiple regions, and leading the migration of AMI Head End data integrations to scalable cloud solutions. His work has earned him multiple awards and recognitions at Duke Energy, reflecting his impact on both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.
Earlier in his career, Brad served as a systems integration consultant with Accenture’s North American Utilities practice followed by years as an AMI Smart Grid independent contractor, delivering AMI and outage management projects for major utilities. In addition to his utilities work, Brad co-founded an agriculture technology startup, where he served as an Interim CTO and Technology Advisor from 2017 to 2024. There, he designed and implemented AI ML and cloud-based IoT solutions and integrated with SCADA and Work Management systems tailored for controlled environment agriculture.
Across industries, Brad is known for aligning technology with business goals to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions.
Join industry leaders from Nokia and SCE as they share invaluable insights into the complexities of RAN Site Development, turning development challenges into site readiness. This session will delve into key strategies and best practices for utilities exploring the adoption of Private Wireless Networks, focusing on: Leveraging existing infrastructure while preparing for future advancements; Streamlining site designs to address power requirements, transmission needs, and optimal tower space utilization. Building a precise digital twin inventory for enhanced site design and configuration accuracy.
The 2025 Innovation Zone will change the way you engage with technology providers. Connect with peers and gain unparalleled access to industry leaders as only UBBA can bring!
Bobbi Harris
UBBA
UBBA
Burns & McDonnell
Mat is a Wireless Consultant with Burns & McDonnell and provides consulting to help utilities investigate, define and implement their future wireless network strategy. His recent focus has been on wireless security and mission critical services (3GPP MCPTT). Mat has 30+ years experience representing a blend of wireless carrier experience and network strategy and planning experience at a large U.S. investor owned utility where he championed the spectrum investigation and planning effort that resulted in the initial private LTE deployment. Mat is active in the utility industry and led the first three UBBA "Plugfest" events.
1898 & Co.
Victor Atkins is the Director of Security Strategy & Risk Advisory Services for Industrial Cybersecurity in 1898 & Co., a part of Burns & McDonnell, where he consults with executives across critical infrastructure sectors on strategies and initiatives to reduce risks to control system environments posed by advanced cyber threats.
Atkins was previously the Associate Deputy Director for Operations within the Cyber Intelligence Directorate of the Department of Energy’s Office of Intelligence & Counterintelligence (DOE/IN), where he led and managed the Department’s cyber intelligence mission to deliver all-source intelligence products and services relating to foreign cyber threats to the DOE Enterprise and U.S. sector networks. In this role, Atkins led initiatives at the National Laboratories to develop unique capabilities that discover and characterize sophisticated foreign cyber threats with the potential to disrupt energy sector operations, which required collaboration with stakeholders across the Intelligence, National and Homeland Security, cybersecurity, and private energy sector communities.
Since joining the Department of Energy in 2009, Atkins also performed key roles in counterterrorism and counterproliferation. Assigned to the White House National Security Council in 2011, he served three years as the Director of Countering Nuclear Terrorism where he led multiple policy coordination efforts to respond to WMD-Terrorism threats to U.S. interests at home and overseas. He also served three years on detail at the Central Intelligence Agency’s Weapons and Counterproliferation Mission Center leading Community Engagement efforts.
Atkins holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California at San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, graduating with distinction from the University of Virginia.
Southern Company
Mr. Spratt serves as the Manager of Cybersecurity Business Liaisons at Southern Company and leads the Cyber Security Program at Southern Communications. With a background in cybersecurity within the government and military contracting sectors, he has dedicated the past 13 years to safeguarding Southern Company’s telecommunications networks. Mr. Spratt is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance from Western Governor’s University. Outside of work, he is a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoys traveling with his wife and two children.
Duke Energy
Richard Donaldson serves as vice president and chief information officer for Duke Energy. He is responsible for the company’s digital strategy, including technology initiatives, reliability, vulnerability and life cycle management, as well as oversight of infrastructure operations and telecom. His current focus is on leveraging digital capabilities and artificial intelligence to transform the company’s internal operations, modernize customer experiences and help the company achieve its energy transition goals.
Donaldson joined Duke Energy in 2001 as an engineer in enterprise applications. He took on progressively expanding roles, including leading application infrastructure/architecture for the corporate applications domain until 2010, when he joined the telecom organization. While in telecom, Donaldson had responsibility for the company’s wireless communications systems, including land and plant mobile radio systems used by Duke Energy's operations fleet. In 2013, Donaldson joined the Program Management Office (PMO), where he was named division manager in 2014. After leading the PMO through the Progress Energy merger integration projects, Donaldson assumed the role of leading the digital transformation function.
Before joining Duke Energy in 2001, Donaldson spent four years practicing civil and environmental engineering at a consulting firm in Charlotte. He earned a Master of Science in environmental engineering and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of North Carolina.
Donaldson currently serves as vice chairman of the board of directors for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. He is also an active former board chair of Apparo, a nonprofit in Charlotte that assists local nonprofits with leveraging technology to improve business processes to expand their social change in the community.
He and his wife, Aimee, along with their three daughters, live in Huntersville, N.C. In his spare time, Donaldson enjoys coaching and cheering on his daughters’ sports teams, hiking and skiing in the Banner Elk/Sugar Mountain area, and visiting Holden Beach.
