Xcel Energy Efficiency Summit

8:00-8:30 a.m.: Registration, networking breakfast  

8:30-9:15 a.m.: Welcome 

• Julie Thoney, Community Service & Economic Development Manager, Xcel Energy  

• Xcel Energy account managers introduction  

• Focus on Energy program update

  • Randy Urness, Energy Advisor, Focus on Energy  

9:15-9:30 a.m.: Networking break, visit exhibitors   

9:30-10:30 a.m.: Breakout session #1  

Compressed Air System Optimization: Practical, Low-Cost Steps to Reduce Waste and Improve Reliability

• Adam Johnson, Director of the Technical Services Group, Zorn Compressor & Equipment 

Navigating the Refrigerant Transition: What You Need to Know

• Steve Kujak, Director of Next Generation Refrigerant Research, Trane Technologies 

10:30-10:45 a.m.: Networking break, visit exhibitors    

10:45-11:45 a.m.: Breakout session #2  

Best Practices for Electrical Power Quality

• John Houdek, President and Co-owner, Allied Industrial Marketing, Inc. 

Maximizing Your Building Automation System

• Miles Ryan, Commissioning Engineer, Questions & Solutions  

11:45-12:45 p.m.: Lunch   

12-12:45 p.m.: Keynote lunch presentation  

Emerging Technologies in Buildings: A Look at the Future.

• Leah Guenter, Initiative Manager, Next Gen Rooftop Units, Center for Energy and Environment (MN CEE)
• Scott Hackel, Vice President of Research, Slipstream 

12:45 p.m.: Adjourn

Compressed Air System Optimization: Practical, Low-Cost Steps to Reduce Waste and Improve Reliability 

Adam Johnson, Director of the Technical Services Group, Zorn Compressor & Equipment

This session will explore how manufacturers can significantly improve the performance and reliability of their compressed air systems without large capital investments. We’ll break down four key areas where practical changes yield measurable results: identifying and repairing air leaks that often waste 20–30% of compressor output; optimizing demand-side usage by eliminating inappropriate applications of compressed air; making simple improvements to piping layout and storage to reduce pressure drops and compressor cycling; and implementing proactive maintenance practices that protect equipment and maintain system efficiency. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies that reduce energy costs, extend equipment life, and improve overall system resiliency.

Navigating the Refrigerant Transition: What You Need to Know 

Steve Kujak, Director of Next Generation Refrigerant Research, Trane Technologies

Nearly all HVAC&R equipment on the market today has transitioned to lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, some of which are flammable under certain conditions. Refrigerants like R-410A, R-404A and R-134a are now replaced with refrigerants that have GWPs less than 700 as required by the USEPA HFC phasedown program.   

The HVAC&R industry was challenged to invest significant resources to understand the best refrigerants for each application that meet the above GWP requirements. More importantly, the industry invested heavily to understand how to apply flammable refrigerants and modify safety standards and updated building codes within regions, country, state, and sometimes locally by city.  

This presentation will provide an update on new lower GWP products introduced into the marketplace, and it will highlight some important considerations and product changes, particularly that engineers, designers, and building owners should keep in mind. 

Best Practices for Electrical Power Quality

John Houdek, President and Co-owner, Allied Industrial Marketing, Inc.

This one-hour workshop teaches participants how the implementation of some industry best practices will help them to avoid the most common power quality problems. The program covers a range of power quality disturbances, including sags, swells, transients, power factor, harmonic distortion and supra-harmonics. This tutorial includes examples for motors, drives, LED lighting and renewable energy inverters. Upon completion of this course, participants should have a general understanding of the ways they can avoid electrical power quality problems.  

Maximizing Your Building Automation System

Miles Ryan, Commissioning Engineer, Questions & Solutions

Building Automation Systems (BAS) used for the control and monitoring of facility HVAC systems are now the norm. However, the benefits BAS provides are often not realized. This presentation will introduce the capabilities BAS provides to building operators, discuss preventive maintenance tasks that will ensure sustained, proper operation of the HVAC systems it controls, and it will demonstrate how BAS can be used to more effectively and efficiently troubleshoot issues. 

Emerging Technologies in Buildings: A Look at the Future  

Leah Guenter, Initiative Manager, Next Gen Rooftop Units, Center for Energy and Environment (MN CEE)

Scott Hackel, Vice President of Research, Slipstream

Get a first look at the technologies shaping the next generation of high-performing buildings. This session will explore innovations in HVAC, controls, energy storage, electrification, and intelligent building systems that are transforming how facilities are designed, retrofitted, managed, and operated. Participants will gain insight into how these innovations can improve operational efficiency, identify ways to reduce emissions, and make more informed decisions about their facilities.