Daniel Wasley

The board discussed the status of the allocation fund, including total deposits, accrued interest, available funds, and awarded benefits. The board addressed the payment structure for grant awardees, noting that payments generally occur at project completion with exceptions for specific programmatic projects. Three funding applications were considered and approved: a grant for Buffalo Go Green, Inc. for the renovation of an agricultural and wellness campus, an award to the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society for the restoration and expansion of the Rinstein Center, and funding for Newstead Ranch Inc. to construct a new egg processing facility to improve biosecurity and supply chain capacity.

The committee held its first formal meeting as a newly established legal entity with its own governance structure. The discussion focused on an internal audit update regarding the approach to services, risk-based planning tailored to the entity's structure, and the status of ongoing audits, including the renewable operating model and project portfolio governance. Additionally, representatives from KPMG provided an update regarding the 2025 audit report and plans for future audit assessments as the organization's activity grows.

The board meeting covered a wide range of strategic and operational initiatives. Discussions included the President and CEO's report on nuclear energy expansion, infrastructure support, and renewable generation projects like the JFK Airport solar installation. The board received updates on the VISION2030 corporate strategy, including its focus on clean energy, transmission, customer service, and canal infrastructure. Financial and risk reports highlighted positive year-end performance, the implementation of a new digital transformation project called Project Luminate, and ongoing efforts to manage global and local risks through a sophisticated framework. Additionally, the board approved capital expenditures for the Massena Transmission Life Extension project, awarded a contract for the Madison Reservoir Dam rehabilitation, and authorized funding for various workforce development initiatives. Further actions included naming a new tugboat, finalizing several hydropower contracts, and approving various real estate and procurement matters.

The committee reviewed updates on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) strategy, focusing on its integration into business operations through three key areas: environment, employment, and the economy. The committee also received an Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy update covering current production use cases, foundational data investments, and ongoing AI governance and security measures. Additional agenda items included the Ethics and Compliance Program Report, the approval of procurement and related reports, revisions to procurement and real property disposal guidelines, and an amendment to the Investment Policy Statement for the Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust.

The meeting included discussions on the financial performance through September, expectations for the full year, and activity around canals and power proceeds. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the financial plan and budget for the next four years. Updates were provided on the canals, and there was a discussion on the preliminary proposed four-year plan, focusing on maintaining assets, investing in the strategic plan, and maximizing investments while maintaining credit ratings and affordable rates. The committee also discussed allocating resources to support Vision 2030, investments in hydro facilities, transmission projects, and enabling customers to achieve their energy goals.