The UAI Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams, and organizations that are shaping the future of utility analytics. Held annually at UA Week, these prestigious awards highlight excellence, innovation, and dedication within the utility analytics community.
Whether you’re a trailblazing professional, a forward-thinking team, or an organization driving impactful change, the UAI Excellence Awards provide a platform to recognize and honor your contributions to the industry.
Why We Celebrate
The utility analytics industry moves forward when people are willing to innovate, collaborate, share what they have learned, and help others succeed. The UAI Excellence Awards give our community an opportunity to recognize those contributions and celebrate the individuals and teams setting an example for the industry.
More than an awards program, this recognition is about sharing success, elevating great work, and inspiring what comes next!
MEET THE 2026 UAI EXCELLENCE AWARDS WINNERS!
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
The 2026 UAI Excellence Awards recognize the outstanding professionals, leaders, teams, and contributors whose innovation, leadership, collaboration, and commitment are helping advance analytics across the utility industry.
Announced live during the UAI Excellence Awards Celebration at UA Week 2026, this year’s honorees represent the incredible people and organizations driving our industry forward.
Congratulations to our 2026 UAI Excellence Awards winners and honorees!
BEST UTILITY ANALYTICS PROFESSIONAL WINNER:
LUIS SELVERA
Machine Learning Engineer 3
CPS Energy
Luis Selvera is a Machine Learning Engineer at CPS Energy, the nation’s largest municipally owned electric and natural gas utility, where he works across production machine learning and enterprise generative AI. His work spans ERCOT price forecasting, EV detection on smart meter data, and vegetation risk prioritization, alongside enterprise AI risk and policy work, and building GenAI applications. He previously presented at Utility Analytics Week and the Utility Analytics Summit. He holds an M.S. in Computer Science from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
BEST UTILITY ANALYTICS LEADER WINNER:
HILARIO URQUIETA
Director of Data & Analytics
CPS Energy
Hilario Urquieta is a transformative leader in data and analytics, known for shaping enterprise‑level strategy and guiding the organization through modernization, innovation, and responsible data practices. With deep experience in analytics platform development, data governance, ERP modernization, and integration strategy, Hilario has played a pivotal role in elevating the maturity and impact of analytics across the utility.
Hilario is recognized for creating clarity from complexity—translating rapidly evolving technologies and cross‑functional needs into scalable, actionable programs. Their leadership has been instrumental in developing the enterprise analytics platform, advancing data governance policies and council operations, and establishing robust integration frameworks that accelerate data flow across business systems.
A strong advocate for innovation, Hilario has helped lead the organization’s approach to generative AI, contributing to policy development, pilot oversight, and responsible implementation planning. Their collaborative influence and systems-level thinking have positioned the utility to adopt emerging technologies safely and strategically.
Known for integrity, empowerment, mentorship, and strategic foresight, Hilario has helped cultivate a culture of excellence within the data and analytics function—one that values quality, stewardship, and continuous learning. Their leadership continues to shape the future of analytics within the organization.
BEST INNOVATIVE UTILITY ANALYTICS TEAM WINNER:
SOUTHERN COMPANY
Power Delivery Data Analytics (PDDA)
The Power Delivery Data Analytics team incorporates representatives from all three Southern Company operating companies (Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power) into a single department to foster a culture of collaboration and open communication to “lead as a system”–which is an ongoing Southern Company initiative to accelerate the work of impactful teams throughout the organization.
ANALYTICS AMBASSADOR WINNER:
CAROL BOGACZ
Principal Consultant
1898 & Co.
With over 29 years of analytical experience, Carol is an industry leader driving innovative solutions through deep technical experience to expand and deliver strategic offerings to clients. As a Principal Consultant with 1898 & Co., she leads teams through all phases of delivery including discovery, requirements gathering, analysis, solution, recommendations, and implementation. Carol has been named a Top 25 Thought Leader in Utility Analytics by the Utility Analytics Institute and currently serves on the Board. For over 20 years, she has served as an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at various universities. Carol has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Truman State University and Master of Science in Statistics from Iowa State University. She is also a certified Prosci® Change Management Practitioner.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARDS
MOST ENGAGED UTILITY MEMBER ORGANIZATION
MOST ENGAGED SOLUTION PROVIDER MEMBER ORGANIZATION
MOST ENGAGED INDIVIDUAL MEMBER
SAM ORTEGA
Senior Engineer
Salt River Project
TOP 25 THOUGHT LEADERS
Achille Wabo Djepum
Data Scientist IV, Advanced Analytics
FirstEnergy
Ann Toy
Lead Application Analyst
Evergy
Catherine Sherwood
Data and AI Solution Senior Manager
MISO
Chat Hull
Head of Data Science & Analytics
AES US Utilities
David Robertson
Product Director
Duke Energy
Frederike Dubeau
Senior Manager, AI & Analytics
Logic20/20
Hannah Ball
Data Governance Manager
Tacoma Public Utilities
Janet Rehberg
CEO
EPB of Chattanooga
Jenika Raub
Senior Manager – Grid and Data Analytics
SRP
Kaitlyn Albertoli
CEO/Co-Founder
Buzz Solutions
Ken Green
Senior Manager, Data Analytics Strategy and Program Management
Ameren
Mischa Steiner
Founder & CEO
Awesense
Nick Whatley
Solutions Services Manager
Alabama Power Company
Nick Zehring
Senior Manager – Customer Analytics and Contact Center Technology
SRP
Nicole Halm
Chief Sales Officer
Quanam
Sam Ortega
Senior Engineer
SRP
Siham Naseef
IT Manager – Data Office
Austin Energy
Sreenivas Badri
Sr Director, Grid and Market Solutions (GMS)
ERCOT
Todd Shutts
Director, Data & AI
1898 & Co.
Ty Moser
Sr. Manager, Data Science & Engineering
SRP
Vanessa Przybylo
Data Science Manager
National Grid
Varun Bhatia
Lead Data Scientist
ONE Gas
Vik Chaudhry
Co-Founder, COO & CTO
Buzz Solutions
Wayne Madhlangobe
Director of Innovation
Santee Cooper
Zachary Weller
Sr. Manager – Data Science
GTI Energy
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON
On Thursday, October 22, the UAI community will come together at UA Week 2026 to celebrate the professionals, leaders, teams, and community members helping move utility analytics forward.
UAI Excellence Awards Celebration
Thursday, October 22 | 11:15 AM–12:30 PM
UA Week 2026 | Glendale, Arizona
MEET OUR 2026 FINALISTS
BEST UTILITY ANALYTICS PROFESSIONAL:
NICOLE EDWARDS
Senior Data Solution Architect
Tacoma Public Utilities
LUIS SELVERA
Machine Learning Engineer 3
CPS Energy
BEST UTILITY ANALYTICS LEADER:
JENNIFER KOFSUSKE
Manager
Eversource
SIHAM NASEEF
Information Technology Manager
Austin Energy
HILARIO URQUIETA
Director of Data & Analytics
CPS Energy
BEST INNOVATIVE UTILITY ANALYTICS TEAM:
CITY UTILITIES OF SPRINGFIELD
IT Business Intelligence and Analysis
NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY
AI and Automation CoE
SOUTHERN COMPANY
Power Delivery Data Analytics (PDDA)
MORE THAN AN AWARDS CEREMONY
For the first time, UAI is bringing our awards and recognition together during one dedicated UA Week General Session.
We’ll celebrate:
🏆 UAI Excellence Awards Finalists & Winners
🌟 2026 Analytics Ambassador
💡 Top 25 Thought Leaders in Utility Analytics
👏 Community Engagement Award recipients
💻 UA Week Hackathon Winners
🚀 Innovation Lab Impact Award recipients
One community. One stage. One big celebration.
The UAI Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams, and organizations that are shaping the future of utility analytics. Held annually at UA Week, these prestigious awards highlight excellence, innovation, and dedication within the utility analytics community.
Whether you’re a trailblazing professional, a forward-thinking team, or an organization driving impactful change, the UAI Excellence Awards provide a platform to recognize and honor your contributions to the industry.
LOOKING AHEAD INTO 2027
Know an individual or team whose work deserves to be recognized? Nominations for the 2027 UAI Excellence Awards will open in a few short months. Stay connected with UAI for nomination announcements, award categories, deadlines, and everything you need to help us recognize the next group of utility analytics leaders and innovators.
UAI Excellence Awards Timeline
- Call for Nominations Opens: March 2, 2026
- Call for Nominations Closes: July 17, 2026
- Finalists Announced: August 31, 2026
- Finalist Interviews (virtual): September 1-30, 2026
- Winners Announced: October 20-22, 2026, during a live ceremony at UA Week in Phoenix, AZ
Don’t miss your chance to be recognized for excellence in utility analytics! Submit your nomination and join us in celebrating innovation and leadership at UA Week 2026.
Why Enter the UAI Excellence Awards?
Winners and finalists gain meaningful industry visibility through UAI’s coordinated communications, including targeted PR, featured articles, interviews, and recognition across UAI newsletters, UAI Connect, and social media. It’s an opportunity to share your work with peers, industry leaders, and decision-makers who are shaping the future of utility analytics.
Submitting an entry provides a valuable opportunity to assess how your organization, analytics team, or individual contributions compare with leading practices across the utility industry. The process itself offers insight into where you excel and where there may be opportunities to grow.
Analytics success is rarely the work of one person. The entry process encourages thoughtful reflection on the teams, collaborators, and decisions that drove your outcomes. Finalists are encouraged to attend the awards ceremony together, creating a meaningful moment to recognize and celebrate shared accomplishments.
External recognition matters. UAI Excellence Awards provide third-party validation that can help reinforce the value of analytics initiatives with executive leadership. Recognition for excellence and innovation can support broader conversations about investment, resourcing, and future initiatives.
Recognition boosts morale. When teams see their work acknowledged by the broader industry, it reinforces pride, purpose, and connection to the organization. Awards create moments worth celebrating and stories worth sharing.
Top talent is drawn to organizations that value innovation and recognize excellence. Industry awards signal a strong analytics culture and commitment to professional growth, helping your organization stand out to prospective employees evaluating where to build their careers.
Finalists are recognized during the UAI Excellence Awards Ceremonies at UA Week, offering a shared experience that brings teams together. Each finalist receives one complimentary pass and a discount code to help additional team members attend and celebrate alongside their peers.
Award Categories
Click on the pink hyperlinks to learn more about each award category!
*Nominations not required to qualify for the UAI Community Engagement Awards.
**UAI membership not required to nominate someone or be nominated for the Top 25 Thought Leaders in Utility Analytics.
Why Participate in the UAI Excellence Awards?
- Industry Recognition: Elevate your profile by being celebrated as a leader in utility analytics. Winners gain visibility across the UAI network and beyond.
- Inspire Innovation: Share your story and successes to inspire peers and shape the future of the industry.
- Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded professionals, grow your network, and reinforce your role as a thought leader.
- Award Ceremony: Be celebrated in front of industry leaders and peers during the prestigious UAI Excellence Awards ceremony at UA Week.
Award Categories
- Analytics Ambassador
- Best Innovative Utility Analytics Team
- Best Utility Analytics Leader
- Best Utility Analytics Professional
- Community Engagement Awards** Recognizing the most engaged individual, utility, and solution provider members
- Top 25 Thought Leaders in Utility Analytics**
*Nominations not required to qualify for the UAI Community Engagement Awards.
**UAI membership not required to nominate someone or be nominated for the Top 25 Thought Leaders in Utility Analytics.
Criteria & Guidelines
How to Nominate Video
Questions?
Contact the UAI Team at info@utilityanalytics.com
Contact the UAI Team at info@utilityanalytics.com