Utility costs are rising, budgets are tightening, and organizations are under increasing pressure to improve forecasting accuracy and financial accountability. According to the State of Utilities 2026 report, utility spending continues to climb across every industry, while many organizations still struggle with fragmented systems, limited visibility, and disconnected workflows between facilities, energy, and finance teams.
Join EnergyCAP’s Tom Diliberti for a candid panel discussion with Carly Kupka and Justin Sanchez of UC San Diego, as they share how their teams collaborate to manage utility data from the meter all the way to the general ledger.
This session will explore the operational and financial realities behind utility management at a large, complex campus environment—including how utility bills move across multiple systems, where data gaps and reconciliation challenges occur, and why cross-functional communication between energy and finance teams is critical for controlling costs and improving accuracy.
Attendees will hear firsthand how UC San Diego:
- Reconciles utility data across EnergyCAP, asset management systems, and financial platforms
- Aligns facilities and finance teams around shared utility cost data
- Improves billing accuracy and financial visibility through collaboration
- Uses centralized utility data to support operational and financial decision-making
- Reduces manual processes and advances automation initiatives through business intelligence and data integration
- Navigates the growing complexity of utility management in a world of rising costs and increasing scrutiny
The conversation will also highlight how organizations can move beyond spreadsheets and disconnected workflows toward a more proactive, data-driven approach to utility management—one that supports both operational efficiency and financial confidence.
Thomas Diliberti is Senior Manager of Energy & Utility Solutions at EnergyCAP, where he helps organizations bridge the gap between utility plans and real-world outcomes. With more than 20 years of experience in utility data management, forecasting, and conservation strategy, he works across energy, facilities, and finance teams to surface hidden costs, clarify risk, and improve decision-making. A Certified Energy Manager, Certified Measurement and Verification Professional, and former educator, Tom is known for translating complex utility data, especially around electrical, natural gas, water, sewer, and infrastructure, into clear, credible insights that leaders can trust and act on.
Carly Kupka is an accomplished professional with more than ten years' experience in utility management, energy analytics, and sustainability. As a Utility and Energy Analyst at UC San Diego, she optimizes energy usage and supports sustainable operations. Previously, Carly held roles with the City of Eugene and the University of Oregon, where she led initiatives to reduce stormwater fees, enhance GIS utility mapping, and implement sustainable infrastructure projects, including a retention pond that naturally filters 40% of campus stormwater. Carly’s expertise in natural gas trading, utility optimization, and public engagement, combined with her degree in International Studies and Sustainability from the University of Oregon, make her a leader in the energy and utilities field.
Justin is a Senior Financial Analyst at UC San Diego's Operations Management and Capital Program office, where he specializes in financial modeling, recharge rate analysis, and data-driven reporting. With nearly a decade of experience spanning higher education, aerospace manufacturing, and Department of Defense consulting, he brings a broad perspective to complex financial challenges. He is passionate about leveraging data and analytical tools to drive smarter institutional decision-making. Outside of work he is an avid reader, enjoys a nice hike, and catching up with his teams: San Diego Padres and San Diego FC.