DEMEC Hosts 2025 Annual Dinner

DEMEC’s Annual Dinner served as a valuable forum for networking & engagement among a diverse group of local, state, and national energy leaders, policymakers, and industry partners.

The event provided a unique opportunity for robust conversations around shared challenges and future opportunities, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across all levels of the energy sector. From strategic discussions to informal exchanges, the evening fostered meaningful connections and affirmed the value of bringing decision-makers and stakeholders together in one room.
 
Included in DEMEC’s Annual Dinner was a special presentation from Walter Haase, General Manager of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, who provided an inspiring update on the “Light Up Navajo” initiative — a mutual aid without the storm project bringing electricity to homes in the Navajo Nation for the very first time. Wally not only shared the incredible impact of the project, but also took the time to personally recognize the dedicated crews from the City of Dover, Delaware – Electric Department and the City of Newark, Delaware who participated in this year’s effort. Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay presented the crew members with a tribute from her and Governor Matt Meyer, honoring the crew’s outstanding contribution — not just to the Navajo Nation, but as representatives of the spirit and values of Delaware public power. This moment was a reminder of what makes public power truly unique: a commitment to community, wherever the need may be.
 
One of the highlights of DEMEC’s Annual Dinner was celebrating the national awards and recognition earned by our member communities — a true reflection of their dedication to reliability, safety, efficiency, sustainability, and mutual aid. From exceptional service reliability to industry-leading safety practices… From advancing efficient and sustainable energy solutions to stepping up through mutual aid during emergencies… Our members continue to demonstrate what it means to deliver excellence in public power. These achievements aren’t just titles — they represent real impact in the lives of the customers and communities they serve every day.
 
Our panel discussion — “Success is Strategic” — sparked an impactful and educational dialogue on the critical variables shaping the future of energy generation in Delaware and the region. From the challenges of building new generation to preparing for the retirement of existing assets, our panelists emphasized the importance of strategic planning in the face of growing energy consumption and regional development.
As the panelists made clear:
➡️ Education is necessary before legislation.
➡️ Policy decisions made today have long-term impacts on both utilities and customers.
➡️ When supply is down and demand is up — costs rise. This reality underscores the urgent need for local energy generation and thoughtful infrastructure planning.
 
The conversation was a powerful reminder that collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and communities is key to ensuring a resilient, reliable, and affordable energy future. Thank you again to our esteemed panelists and attendees for engaging in these essential discussions. The work continues — together.