Peter Ledford to Moderate Panel at 2026 State Energy Conference of North Carolina

Ward and Smith energy and utilities attorney Peter Ledford will moderate a featured panel at the 2026 State Energy Conference of North Carolina, taking place April 28–29 at the McKimmon Center at NC State University in Raleigh.

Peter will lead a session titled “The Role of Natural Gas in North Carolina’s Grid of the Future,” examining how natural gas fits into the state’s evolving power grid as electricity demand grows and carbon reduction goals advance. The discussion will focus on natural gas generation’s role in providing firm capacity, managing cost uncertainty, and supporting grid reliability. Panelists will also address natural gas supply in North Carolina and potential pipeline development, as well as broader risk considerations tied to fuel markets.

Joining Ledford on the panel are:

• Justin Somelofske, Senior Regulatory Counsel, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association
• Lee Mitchell, Director of Fuel Strategy and Planning, Duke Energy
• Steven Rhodes, Director of Gas Sales, Enbridge Gas North Carolina

Ward and Smith is a sponsor of this year’s conference, which brings together leaders from across the energy sector to discuss the policies, technologies, and market forces shaping North Carolina’s energy future.

For more information, visit https://www.ncenergyconference.com/.