We in the energy industry need to have a strong voice when tomorrow's workforce makes career choices. We need to show our stuff, and get them energized about the vitally important work we do.

Throughout a spate of civil wars between 1989 and 2003, Liberia’s burgeoning electricity system was central to the power struggle. Its systematic destruction by rebel forces left a once-viable economic structure in shambles. Fifteen years later, Liberians still cope with the fallout.

Linquist spoke about shareholder activism with Chris Young, a lawyer who moved into investment banking in the technology sector. Young spent six years at Institutional Shareholder Services. Chris joined Credit Suisse seven years ago and leads the Contested Situations Group.

Is coal dead? No, but it's facing an uphill battle in the U.S., according to EPRI's Jeff Phillips, senior program manager for advanced fossil generation. And so began a thought-provoking conversation about where we are today, and the innovation needed to make fossil fuels relevant in the future.

Mike Caranfa leads sales efforts for the electricity and water businesses in the Americas.

Jane Lewis-Raymond is a partner in Parker Poe's Charlotte office, practicing with the firm's Public Company Growth & Compliance and Energy groups. She has over 25 years of legal experience, including a decade as general counsel and chief compliance officer of a publicly traded company, Piedmont Natural Gas.

For many utilities in Australia, a 25% solar penetration rate is now business as usual. But utilities have also missed opportunities to shape policy on key grid modernization initiatives, such as the rollout of smart or advanced meters.

Terium is CEO and Chair of the Mgmt. Board at innogy SE. Grellman is Managing Dir., innogy Consulting.