Powering progress: The future of energy & telecommunications in WNY

As Buffalo Niagara’s economy evolves, the systems that power and connect it must adapt as well. . The 2025 Energy & Telecommunications Industry Leaders Forum (ILF), hosted by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership on Feb. 27, convened experts and executives across the energy spectrum to discuss how sustainability, technology, and collaboration are reshaping the industry.

This session continued the ILF’s yearlong focus on sustainability, exploring how sector-specific strategies can address the region’s most pressing infrastructure, regulatory, and market challenges.

The Challenge: Building smarter, cleaner, and more resilient systems

From grid reliability to telecom efficiency, the conversation revolved around these key questions:

How can we modernize systems to meet growing demand while reducing environmental impact?
How do businesses prepare for—and influence—state and federal regulations impacting energy and telecommunications?
What opportunities exist to collaborate on cleaner, more efficient solutions that benefit consumers and the regional economy?

Expert insights from industry leaders

An impressive panel of leaders offered perspectives from across the energy sector:

• Kevin Lanahan, VP of External Affairs and Corporate Communications, NYISO
• Brian Welsch, VP of Regulatory Affairs, National Fuel
• Luke Marchiori, EVP, EnergyMark
• Daniel Montante, President, Montante Solar
• Additional voices included Zoë Knauss (National Grid) and Gary Marchiori and Ken Kujawa, who added further dimension to the conversation.

The panel explored the intersection of innovation and regulation, with particular attention to:

• The future of New York’s electric grid and the role of NYISO in maintaining reliability during the energy transition
• The ongoing implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and the proposed New York Cap and Invest (NYCI) program
• The Affordable Gas Transition Act and other pending state legislation
• Opportunities for regional employers to shape outcomes through policy engagement and proactive strategy

Sustainable transportation was a significant topic, with National Grid sharing its work to expand EV charging infrastructure—noting that nearly 6,000 EV plugs have already been incentivized across Upstate New York.

Why it matters

Energy and telecommunications are the backbone of Buffalo Niagara’s economic growth. As demand increases and regulatory frameworks tighten, regional companies must adopt innovative solutions, forge new partnerships, and advocate for policies that support both economic vitality and environmental responsibility.

The BNP’s ILF series continues to be a trusted space for dialogue, problem-solving, and strategy. As we move through 2025, we’ll explore how sustainability is reshaping other key sectors—from manufacturing to small business to healthcare.

Stay tuned for insights from upcoming ILF sessions. Want to be part of the conversation? Learn more about BNP’s Industry Leaders Forum here