Case studies of improved network performance, resiliency, outage restoration, and distributed energy resource (DER) integration will be discussed with an eye toward determining best practices and evaluating technology advances for possible implementation. As in prior years, this is a unique opportunity to network with top industry professionals who are leading the way toward effective grid modernization and the integrated, interoperable, resilient energy network of tomorrow.
Topics to be Addressed Include:
- Optimizing the Grid for Maximum service in a Post-Pandemic World
- Decarbonizing the Energy Mix: Success Strategies for Utilities
- Best Practices and Strategies for Enhancing Grid Reliability
- Distributed Energy Resources: Meeting Consumers' Needs
- Compelling Use Cases for Long Duration Storage on the Future Grid
- Managing Grid Modernization Complexity: Establishing Visibiity and Control
- Asset Health Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance using AI
- Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and its Impact on the Grid
- The Role of Microgrids and Customer and Utility DERs in Grid Modernization
- Market Drivers, Trends, Opportunities and Challenges for Utilities
- Role of the Smart Meter as the Grid Evolves
- Enhancing Power Resilience with Long-Duration Fuel Cell-based Auxiliary DC Systems
- Emerging Technologies and Tools for the Next-Generation Grid
- Integration and Operation of DERs and Networked Microgrids for Resilient Distribution Grid
- Status and implications of various grid modernization programs across the U.S.
- Managing and integrating distributed energy resources
- The Utility of the Future and the Next-Gen Smart Grid
- And more
Forum Audience:
- Network strategies and executives at investor-owned, municipal, and rural utilities
- Grid operations engineers and directors
- Service and network planners
- Consultants and system integrators
- Regulatory and policymakers
- Technology innovators and equipment vendors
- Energy storage, communications, and power control solutions providers
- Government agency representatives
- Researchers and university professionals
- Renewable energy providers and technology vendors
- Financial and investment industry professionals
PROGRM AGENDA (Subject to change. All times are U.S. CDT)
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
9.00 – 10.15 Grid Modernization in North America: Key Progress, Initiatives and Market Drivers
Panelists TBA
10.15-10.45 Networking Break
10.45-11.15 Keynote Address
Scott Vogt, Vice President - Strategy, Energy Policy and Revenue Initiatives, ComEd
11.15-12.30 Grid Modernization: What is Holding Us Back?
Sanem Sergici, Principal, The Brattle Group (moderator)
Panelists TBA
12.30-1.30 Lunch
1.30-2.30 Serving the Energy Consumer – Current Behaviors, Preferences and Requirements
Jason McGrade, Deputy Director, Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (moderator)
Panelists TBA
2.30-2.45 Networking Break
2.45-3.15 Renewables and the Grid: Friends - Not Enemies - When Managed Collaboratively
Leah Crochet, EIT, Distribution Engineer at CMY Solutions
3.15-3.45 Achieving Grid Edge Operations Flexibility via Non-Wires Alternatives
Charles Murray, President, Switched Source
3.45-4.00 Networking Break
4.00-5.00 The Role of Storage & Solar in Grid Resiliency: Lessons Learned from Texas
Panelists from Leap and CPower TBA
5.00-6.00 Drink Reception
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
9.00 – 10.30 Long-Duration Energy Storage: Technology Advances and Business Models
Richard Brody, Vice President, Quidnet Energy
Claudio Spadacini, CEO, Energy Dome
Panelist from Hydrostor TBA
10.30-11.00 Networking Break
11.00-12.30 Smart Building Electrification and the Next-Gen Grid
Eric McDonald, Director – Infrastructure Development NextEnergy (moderator)
Henry Love, Director of Midwest Market Development and Strategy Elevate Energy
Matt Gurwin, CEO and Co-Founder, Heat-X
Steven Labarge, Senior Business Analyst, Commonwealth Edison
Scott Schuetter, Principal Engineer, Slipstream
12.30-1.30 Lunch
1.30-3.00 EV Charging, Microgrids and Demand Response: Building the Grid of the Future
Ken Vergara, PE, Director- Utility Solutions, Schneider Electric
Ram Ambatipudi, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President, Energy & Utilities, EV Connect
Mathias Bell, Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs, WeaveGrid
3.00- 3.15 Networking Break
3.15-4.15 Transmission Network Modernization: Options and Directions Forward
Panelists TBA
