Xcel Energy CEO Ben Fowke
The University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business will host Voices of Experience Monday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. at the Newman Center for Performing Arts at the University of Denver. Xcel Energy CEO Ben Fowke will be the featured speaker, talking about Xcel Energy’s efforts to lead the clean energy transition, the energy future in Colorado, grid resiliency, cyber security, innovation and workforce development.
Fowke is chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy, one of the largest public utilities in the country. Xcel Energy serves parts of eight states, providing electricity to 3.6 million customers and natural gas service to 2 million customers.
He is widely respected as an industry leader and has been a frequent contributor to important policy topics in Washington, D.C. In 2016, President Obama appointed Fowke to serve on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), representing the energy industry. The NIAC is a private-public partnership that advises governmental agencies on how to mitigate risk and ensure the integrity of the country’s critical infrastructure.
In 2017, Fowke testified before two Senate committees, providing his expertise on the industry’s cyber security preparedness and on Xcel Energy’s industry-leading Unmanned Aircraft System program. Xcel Energy was the first utility to partner with the FAA to use drones to inspect the energy grid. The company is also partnering with the University of North Dakota and several other organizations to test the use of drones to assess storm damage with a goal to more quickly and safely restore power to customers.
Fowke has also testified before Congress about the importance of hiring military veterans in the private sector following their service to our country. Xcel Energy has executed on aggressive hiring goals, doubling the number of military veterans hired in just two years. Fowke was honored with the Responsible CEO of the Year award from Corporate Responsibility magazine for Xcel Energy’s efforts to recruit and retain military veterans.
Event: Voices of Experience
Time: Monday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m.
Place: Newman Center
University of Denver
2344 E. Iliff Ave.
Denver, CO 80208