October 20 · Chicago, IL 

Energy Costs Out of Control: Unmanaged Risks, Missed Savings

ABOUT                          AGENDA & VENUE                          SPEAKERS                          REGISTRATION

What are you not considering, but should be

The purpose of this session is simple: to look beyond the obvious risks.

Energy buyers are navigating increasing market volatility, changing cost structures and new sources of exposure. Some risks are clear. Others are easier to overlook... until they begin to impact costs, budgets and strategic decisions.

We’re bringing together corporate energy buyers and E&C’s market experts to explore the risks that may not be getting enough attention today, but should be — from emerging sources of exposure to the assumptions and decisions that can leave energy strategies vulnerable. We’ll also look at the practical actions that can help manage risk, strengthen your position and uncover opportunities to reduce costs.

This is a buyer-only event. No energy suppliers, no sales pitches and no supplier influence. As an independent consultancy, E&C receives no commissions from suppliers, allowing us to provide an unbiased view of the market and create an environment where buyers can speak openly about the challenges and risks they are facing.

Bring your questions, challenges and experiences. Compare perspectives with peers, challenge your assumptions and leave with practical insights to help identify, manage and mitigate the risks in your energy strategy.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

  • Reduce your exposure to rising capacity costs: understand where capacity charges are heading, what’s driving them and where you can take action to control costs.
  • Get ahead of regulatory changes: understand upcoming rate-case decisions and how to prepare for their impact on your future energy spend.
  • Turn flexibility into value: discover how optimizing your energy load and assets can unlock savings and create new sources of value.
  • Make smarter price & volume decisions: strengthen your approach to managing price exposure, volume risk and market volatility so you can make more confident energy decisions.
  • Anticipate infrastructure constraints before they impact you: understand where grid and pipeline bottlenecks are emerging and how to protect availability, pricing and reliability.
  • Prepare for the data center-driven energy shift: see how rapidly growing demand is reshaping infrastructure, markets and competition—and identify what it means for your energy strategy.

Who should attend

This event is especially designed for energy buyers and professionals responsible for energy procurement, budgets and risk management.

Energy markets are changing fast. Will your strategy keep up?

Agenda   Choose the option that better fits you

Morning session

8:30 AM – 11:00 AM   Breakfast & Business Session

Venue: Beatnik on the River
180 N Upper Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

 

Afternoon session

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM    Business Session, Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres

Venue: Celeste Rooftop Garden
111 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60654

 

Event Hosts

Events hosts

 

Jens Lievens – CEO

Jens-2
Jens Lievens is since 2026 CEO of the E&C Group. While he defines the general strategy of the company together with Benedict, he supervises the daily operations with a focus on business development. Since August 2025, Jens is based in Toronto, Canada, to ensure the constant growth of E&C in North America.

After securing a bachelor's degree in French and English in 2006, Jens pursued his childhood dream into the professional handball arena, playing in Germany, France, and as the captain of the Belgian National Team. Returning to Belgium in 2015, Jens seamlessly transitioned his knowledge of languages and competitive spirit into a role as international business developer at E&C.

Jens is passionate about translating E&C’s visionary insights into clear and compelling presentations and messages. Whether he's addressing internal teams, a client's boardroom or a conference, Jens has become a sought-after speaker, leaving everyone both enlightened and uplifted.

Kevin Watson – Head of Sales North America

KevinKevin Watson joined E&C as Head of North American Sales in April of 2026.  His energy career started in 1996 with Fellon-McCord& Associates, an early pioneer in the energy services business, where he worked with large industrial customers to help them navigate through the early years of the deregulation of natural gas and electricity in the United States.

Kevin transitioned into the energy supplier world in 2003 with Constellation Energy where he held sales and sales leadership roles before ultimately becoming the Chief Commercial Officer for Constellation’s Commercial & Industrial natural gas business as well as leading the electricity sales team for ERCOT and Cal ISO.

Having a deep understanding of both energy supply and energy services allows him to provide customers with a unique insight into the opportunities and risks associated with today’s ever changing energy landscape.   He’s passionate about helping clients develop and execute on a well thought out energy strategy.

Alexander Vande Walle – Consultant

AlexanderA valued E&C team member since 2018, Alexander is an experienced Energy Procurement and Sustainability Consultant with a passion for the sector.

He has a strong background in both North American and European energy markets. As Team Coach and Product Owner North America, he is an authority on US and Canadian energy markets.

Alexander holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and has developed in-depth knowledge of North American market dynamics. He has a clear track record of advising clients on integrating these into coherent and practical business risk management strategies.

 
OCTOBER 20 | CHICAGO, IL

Register and join us