Note: Below is the agenda from the 2024 edition in San Francisco. The agenda for 2025 in Austin is currently in development. If inerested in speaking, please see the Call for Speakers for guidance.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
8:00 - 9:00 am
Welcome Coffee & Registration
9:00 - 10:00 am
The Role of Microgrids in Achieving Time to Power
Time to Power is a code phrase for the new competition for power and lack of interconnection approvals. As utilities are challenged by major storms + growth of the data center space + the growth of LD and HD EV, new and expanding commercial and industrial facilities cannot get the power they need. This adds uncertainty for their business and is helping to push them toward Microgrids.
Key Takeaways:
- Utility capital and staff attention is spread thinner now than in the past with increasing need to address grid challenges like wildfire mitigation and undergrounding, large data center needs that shape the transmission and distribution system changes (100's of MWs), and electrification of buildings and transportation systems. The interconnection queue will not return to normal for many years.
- Microgrids, in addition to improving reliability and resilience, reducing GHG emissions, and stabilizing energy costs long-term, can reduce the time to power for a new commercial / industrial campus or expansion of an existing site.
- Microgrids provide an alternative to waiting in a utility interconnection queue that can be more than 5 years. A microgrid can be designed and built in 18 months.
Moderator:
Steve Pullins
CEO
ResSET
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Ryan De La Cruz
Vice President, Microgrid Development
Endurant Energy
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Ardi Arian
President & CEO
Renewable America
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Larry Watkins
Vice President, Project Development
AlphaStruxure
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10:00 - 10:30 am
Western States Microgrid Policy Roundup
This session will provide a briefing on state legislative and regulatory activities in key western states, including discussion on recent advancements & opportunities to deliver greater community impact.
Allie DetrioChief Strategist
Reimagine Power
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10:30 - 11:00 am
Networking Coffee Break
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Microgrids and Energy Storage
Energy storage is critical to reliable electricity. However, if power sources, storage capacity and load requirements are not effectively managed, higher costs and inefficiencies can result. Automated controls can ensure that the cleanest, least expensive source(s) of energy are maximized and made available through storage. We will present case studies that show how storage can minimize grid and back up power usage saving money.
Complete decarbonization is not possible without battery storage at scale. Given the forecasts of more than 100 GWs of battery storage installations by 2030 to support the grid integration of unprecedented amount of renewable (solar and wind) generation, it is clear that batteries will play a big role in this transition. Likewise, U.S. microgrid installed capacity has reached more than 10 GWs and is forecasted to exceed $10B in investment by 2030. Battery storage and microgrids are in at an interesting juncture in time given the attractive cost curves related to batteries and microgrid components, delays in large scale transmission projects, more stringent power quality requirements (e.g. data centers, chip manufacturing), and other factors.
In light of these synergies and industry drivers, will battery storage and microgrids hit an inflection point and experience significant growth? Will microgrids, like batteries currently, provide grid functions? How will microgrid/battery services get monetized, and how is the business model evolving? This panel session will explore these and related questions during this in-depth discussion.
Moderator:
Paul DeCotis
Senior Partner, Energy & Utilities
West Monroe
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Adrienne Pierce
CEO
New Sun Road
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Soam Goel
Senior Advisor
West Monroe
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Michael Sanford
Business Development Manager - New Energy Solutions
Cummins Inc.
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12:15 - 1:15 pm
Lunch
1:15 - 1:45 pm
Lessons Learned from Microgrid Deployments and Operation
Discussion of lessons learned through the deployment and operation of several inverter based microgrids across the multiple jurisdictions within Duke Energy since 2016.
Jaclyn WhitemanDirector of CD Project Management
Duke Energy
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Junior HatcherP.E., Manager, Renewable Engineering
Duke Energy
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1:45 - 2:30 pm
Microgrid and Remote Grid Initiatives and Planning
This session will discuss the ever progressing regulatory and policy landscape for front-of-meter, and to a lesser extent behind-the-meter 3rd party microgrids in California with a specific focus on multi-property microgrids. We will touch on the utilization of microgrids and remote grids for Wildfire Mitigation purposes, as well as clean multi-property microgrids that serve disadvantaged and vulnerable communities (i.e., the Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP)). Additionally, we will discuss Southern California Edison's roadmap for microgrids and remote grids going forward.
Farzad KhalilpourEngineering Manager, GTI, Grid Edge Analytics and Control
Southern California Edison
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Stacy Fuhrer
Advanced Clean Technology Policy & Strategy Manager
SDG&E
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2:30 - 3:00 pm
Remote Grids: Cost-Effective Strategies for Enhanced Resilience and Disaster Prevention?
Over 60% of U.S. distribution lines are past their 50-year life expectancy, posing safety risks in rural areas prone to wildfires and severe weather. The cost of updating this aging infrastructure has significantly increased, with undergrounding lines costing up to $5M per mile. In this session, Erin Redding, CEO of BoxPower, will discuss how Remote Grid Standalone Power Systems offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional upgrades. These off-grid solutions, featuring solar, battery storage, and backup generators, have proven to reduce upgrade costs and disaster risks.
Erin will highlight how Remote Grids improve energy reliability, aid decarbonization, and present a forward-thinking approach to overcoming grid aging challenges. Additionally, the presentation will explore the regulatory frameworks crucial for the deployment of Remote Grids, setting the stage for a discussion on navigating policy to enable these innovative solutions. Showcasing their efficacy through a case study with partnerships including PG&E, SCE, and Liberty Utilities, this method marks a significant advancement in creating a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
- Cost Savings Achieved: Learn how Remote Grid Standalone Power Systems provide a financially viable alternative to traditional grid upgrades, significantly lowering infrastructure costs.
- Enhancing Grid Resilience: Discover the role of remote grids in improving the reliability and resilience of energy distribution networks, particularly in rural areas prone to wildfires and severe weather.
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Understand how integrating solar, battery storage, and backup generators into remote grids can mitigate disaster risks and ensure uninterrupted power supply during crises.
- Navigating Regulatory Frameworks: Gain insights into the regulatory challenges and strategies for deploying remote grids, including how policy can facilitate or hinder the adoption of these innovative solutions.
- Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Explore case studies from partnerships with PG&E, SCE, and Liberty Utilities, illustrating the practical implementation and benefits of remote grids in diverse settings.
Erin ReddingProgram Manager
BoxPower
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3:00 - 3:30 pm
Networking Coffee Break
3:30 - 4:00 pm
RAPID-Microgrid-in-a-Box and Other Clean Energy Resiliency Systems
Porter HillElectrical Engineer, Distributed Energy and Grid Systems Integration
Idaho National Laboratory
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4:00 - 4:30 pm
A Blueprint for the Mass Deployment and Scaling of Microgrids
My talk explores the future of our energy grid, focusing on scalable and easily deployable microgrids for resilience and outage management. I will discuss the role of microgrids in EV charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) scenarios, along with solar PV and energy storage strategies for decarbonizing the energy mix. By integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), we can minimize energy costs and optimize hybrid renewable systems for public, municipal, commercial, and military deployments. DERs enable large-scale deployment through cost-effective, resilient, and flexible solutions, addressing fluctuating demand and building extra capacity.
Key Points:
- Enhanced resilience: Microgrids improve outage management and adaptability across various sectors, enhancing grid stability.
- EV and renewable Integration: Combines EV charging, V2G technology, and renewable sources like solar PV to decarbonize and stabilize the energy grid.
- Cost-effective DER Solutions: Utilizes Distributed Energy Resources to reduce costs and manage energy demand efficiently, allowing scalable deployment.
Alok SinghaniaPartner
Gridscape
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4:30 - 5:00 pm
Co-optimizing Energy, Peak Shaving, and Ancillary Services Participation for a Texas Microgrid
This session explores the deployment of AI-based Optimization software and hardware at a Tier 4 diesel-based microgrid at a cold storage facility participating in ERCOT's Ancillary Services, Real-Time Energy Markets, and 4CP transmission cost avoidance programs. The microgrid, designed to meet stringent emission standards, provides resilient power and optimizes energy costs and market opportunities for the site. By leveraging advanced control systems, the facility offers ancillary services such as ECRS, contributing to grid stability.
Participation in real-time energy markets allows for strategic buying and selling of electricity via export, enhancing economic efficiency. Additionally, the microgrid dispatches in 4CP events, yielding substantial transmission cost savings. Attendees will gain insights into the technical, operational, and economic benefits realized, highlighting the opportunity for program co-optimization to increase the financial viability of grid-tied microgrids, especially in ERCOT.
Key Takeaways:
- By providing multiple grid services in Texas, this cold storage facility was able to significantly reduce the payback period of their microgrid investment while securing resiliency for themselves and enhancing the stability of the local grid
- With the right equipment and expertise, many BTM microgrids can participate as effectively as FTM generators in open markets, with additional savings enhancements driven by transmission cost avoidance
- AI and forecasting technology is necessary to ensure the optimal market or non-market decision is made every hour of every day
Alden PhinneyRegional Director
GridBeyond
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5:00 - 6:00 pm
Drink Reception
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
8:00 - 9:00 am
Morning Coffee
9:00 - 9:30 am
Community Microgrids
This session will examine solar-driven microgrids that cover Solar Microgrids that harness behind-the-meter (BTM) solar & storage assets and Community Microgrids that harness both front-of-meter (FOM) and BTM solar & storage assets. Solar Microgrids deliver an unparalleled trifecta of economic, environmental, and resilience benefits for facilities.
The session will provide an overview of the Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP) in California and highlights from the Clean Coalition's experience across a handful of actual MIP applications, and share insights into how Solar Microgrids can accommodate facility load growth, even in areas where the grid is fully constrained -- and the electricity utility is refusing to increase the service level. i.e., how Solar Microgrids provide BTM solar & storage assets that accommodate load growth without having to change the service level from the electricity utility.
Ideas for positioning for future solar-driven microgrid opportunities will also be discussed.
Craig LewisExecutive Director
Clean Coalition
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9:30 - 10:00 am
Microgrids, Public Funding, and Sustainability - A Pathway to a Resilient Energy Future
This session explores the critical intersection of microgrids, public funding, and sustainability, highlighting their collective role in shaping a resilient and sustainable energy future in the United States. As climate change and extreme weather events increasingly challenge traditional energy infrastructure, microgrids have emerged as a key solution for enhancing grid resilience and promoting the integration of renewable energy sources. Public funding has been pivotal in driving the development and deployment of microgrids, particularly in regions prone to severe weather, where the need for reliable, localized energy systems is most acute.
We will examine how public funding initiatives, such as the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Modernization Initiative and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, have facilitated the growth of microgrids across different regions. We will also discuss the role of public funding in the future of microgrid deployment in the U.S., considering various scenarios and options for moving forward.
Deji Sonoiki
Director, Utilities
Momentum
10:00 - 10:30 am
Grid 2.0: Pairing VPPs with Microgrids for the C&I Segment
As grid stressors, like extreme weather events, aging infrastructure, and increasing energy demand become more prevalent, large energy users are embracing the microgrid for energy security and autonomy. Microgrids can also deliver energy savings and new revenue streams through participation in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). VPP participation not only improves the reliability of the grid, but also improves the economics of microgrid investments.
Key Takeaways:
- How VPP participation can unlock new revenue streams by aggregating DERs to support energy arbitrage and time-of-use optimization.
- How asset owners can develop an optimization strategy for VPP participation from the conceptual state to full execution.
- How to optimize and automate participation in grid services programs to unlock the full potential of DERs to improve grid reliability while maintaining operational continuity.
Eric SteinhoferDirector, Distributed Generation Partnerships
CPower
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10:30 - 11:00 am
Networking Coffee Break
11:00 - 11:30 am
Electrification and job development for rural applications in the USA: Case Study ? Wind River Reservation
Electricity is vital for modern economic development and quality of life; however, residents of rural or developing areas often lack, or have limited access to, electricity as a public utility. Consequently, communities must consider non-municipal sources for delivering electricity when municipal sources are either not available or are cost prohibitive. This session examines the impact of an electrification project in Wind River Reservation located in Fremont County, Wyoming, USA. The proposed project is the deployment of 1,000 decentralized mini grids to generate energy for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes that match the needs, opportunities, and resources available in the area. The study predicts that this will result in a 60% increase in land access for economic development and the creation of 575 jobs.
Wind River Reservation in the USA is rural and vast, comprising 3,466 square miles. The reservation is home to 25,581 people with an employment rate of 56.5%, a median household income of $58,266, and a poverty rate of 16.0%. Located in western Wyoming, the local economic opportunities include agricultural crop production, animal husbandry, oil and gas extraction, and tourist activities. Due to the rugged nature of the region, energy solutions must be capable of continuous operation despite periodic high winds, extreme cold, and high snowfall.
Reasons for the lack of access to electricity at Wind River Reservation include the vast area, the cost of infrastructure, and the capacity of the local workforce. At approximately $8,000-13,000 per post-erected power line, this option is cost-prohibitive for the community and this fact motivates the use of off-grid stand-alone systems.
Mini-grid installations yield a significant socioeconomic impact through addressing energy sovereignty and economic opportunity. For many Native American tribes, solar power is a tool that allows tribal self-determination regarding energy acquisition and use, as well as employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for all individuals including those with minimal education.
Dr. John Abraham
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
University of St. Thomas
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11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Microgrid Energy Innovators: How Communities in Alaska are Responding to the Climate Change Threat
Peter Asmus
Senior Advisor, Microgrid Strategy & Thought Leadership
Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP)
Executive Director
Alaska Microgrid Group (AMG)
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12:00 - 1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 - 1:45 pm
UCLA South Bay Smart Microgrid Project
There has been a growing focus on renewables, with increasing investments across all levels, locally and nationally. UCLA has also committed to lowering its emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. With increasing enrollment and the entrained rise in housing demand, UCLA's challenge to lower its carbon footprint and its overall emissions over the next decades requires creative solutions. Our project team is piloting a PV system integrated with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) microgrid to support student dormitories and electric bus infrastructure at UCLA's recently acquired South Bay Campus.
Through strategic integration of solar and BESS, along with advanced data analytics and AI-based predictive load monitoring, we optimize generation and consumption to project significant progress towards net zero for the campus. With the project, we aim to facilitate continued work in green infrastructure and establish UCLA's South Bay Campus as a hub for research in renewable energy.
Maya DeshpandeSustainability Data Science
Mattel
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Reza SheikhaniProject Engineer
TransGrid Energy
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Kumar SaunackAI Specialist
UCLA Housing
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1:45 - 2:15 pm
Bulk Microgrid Deployments: Optimizing the Model
JP RossVice President Local Development, Electrification and Innovation
Ava Community Energy
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2:15 - 2:45 pm
Networking Coffee Break
2:45 - 3:15 pm
Lab-size Microgrid Test Bed at California Polytechnic State University
This session discusses a lab-size microgrid under development at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), which can function like an actual microgrid and is suitable for an indoor laboratory. This microgrid will contain all the necessary components and will be tested under various contingencies and load patterns without actual PV cells, wind generators, fossil-fuel synchronous generators, and other necessary devices.
The system includes:
A programmable DC 5 kW source with a PV emulator software that simulates the function of PV units and is programmed to operate similarly to an actual PV located in San Luis Obispo's weather conditions. This eliminates the logistical issues of installing PV panels on campus
Controlled-speed 250 Watts motors that run asynchronous three-phase and asynchronous single-phase generators to replicate single-phase and three-phase wind generators
A set of resistors, inductors, and capacitors to imitate 3-phase and single-phase AC transmission systems
Two synchronous 250 VA generators run by DC motors at 60 Hz generate active and reactive power
All necessary SEL relays to protect and control the system's operation and safety
Switches to apply different types of faults
Real-time digital monitoring system
A set of static and dynamic loads
Three-phase and single-phase transformers
Three-phase and single-phase transmission system with RLC elements
The system is currently functional, and a Tabuchi BMS power pack with battery storage is being integrated into the microgrid. The completed system will be a physical microgrid with all the essential devices, capable of analyzing various contingencies and load patterns, including peak load shaving, load shedding, and voltage/frequency control.
Majid Poshtan, PhDAssociate Professor, Electrical Engineering
Cal Poly
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3:15 - 3:45 pm
Public vs. Private 5G Networks for Microgrid Implementation
The advent of 5G technology promises transformative capabilities for microgrid systems, offering enhanced connectivity, reliability, and security for critical energy infrastructure. This session delves into the nuances of implementing 5G networks within microgrid environments, examining both public and private network solutions.
Through a structured analysis, attendees will gain insights into the strategic considerations necessary for effective deployment and operation of 5G-enabled microgrids. This session will provide an initial roadmap for energy sector stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making in the deployment of 5G technology to implement microgrid operations.
Phil ZieglerChief Technical Officer
Redevi, Inc.
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Steve Pullins has more than 45 years of electric and gas industry experience in operations, maintenance, engineering, microgrids, and renewables project development. Mr. Pullins was previously CTO of AlphaStruxure, a joint venture of Carlyle Group and Schneider Electric, and previously CEO of Horizon Energy Group where he led the nation's Modern Grid Strategy for DOE and worked with more than 20 utilities in Smart Grid strategies, renewables strategies, microgrids, energy storage, and power system optimization. Since 2004, he has designed more than 80 microgrids. He has advised several international utility and government organizations on Smart Grid technologies and operations, microgrid development, integrating intelligence, new power generation, and waste to energy technologies. He holds a BS and MS in Engineering.
ResSET advises on developing microgrids and other distributed energy infrastructure under capital projects and energy-as-a-service (EaaS) business models.

Jaclyn Whiteman is Director of CD Project Management at Duke Energy, where she leads a team deploying solar and energy storage sites on the distribution grid. Prior to that she was senior project manager at Duke for nine years, responsible for multiple projects focusing on energy storage, solar, grid modernization, and demand response. Jaclyn deployed the first regulated battery site for Duke and also managed projects for the 3 first islanding projects in the company. Before working at Duke she managed major subcontracts for the NASA Space Shuttle Program for three years. Jaclyn holds an MBA from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business, and a BSBA in business from the University of Pittsburgh.

I am currently working as an electrical engineer with Duke Energy in the Grid Solutions division. My current role is to design, execute, and test/commission energy storage and microgrid systems.

- 4+ years of experience in ADMS, OMS, GIS network modeling, Distribution Automation and System Studies.
- 2+ years of experience in industrial PMS, Load shedding and AGC systems.
- 8+ years of experience in Substation Automation & Protection engineering.
- 1+ years of experience in Substation design engineering.
- 1+ years of experience in SCADA and HMI engineering.
- Wide knowledge in Substation Automation, Architecture design and Protection systems.
- Wide knowledge on DNP3.0, Modbus, IEC 61850 MMS,GOOSE and SV, IEC 101/104, MultiSpeak, ICCP communication protocols and CIM15 standard.
- Lead ADMS, OMS, SCADA technical teams for designing and implementing projects and 6+ years Project Management.
Erin Redding is a program manager at BoxPower, where she leads the company's Design Studies Program through scaling the development of early-stage microgrid design & engineering, cost estimation and feasibility assessments. Prior to BoxPower she was a Fellow in Sustainable Energy & Puerto Rico at the Environmental Defense Fund, where she was awarded the High Meadows Fellowship from Princeton University to collaborate with the EDF + Business and Energy team for two years on accelerating clean, resilient and equitable microgrid solutions throughout Puerto Rico. Erin holds a bachelor's degree from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.
Porter J. Hill is an electrical engineer at Idaho National Laboratory with over ten years' experience as an engineer. He was a major contributor to a system-level electrical study INL did for several military bases for Army, Navy, and Air Force. During the system-level studies the He provided guidance to the Bases regarding future plans for the base's electrical system, He also performed power flow modeling analysis to identify impacts to the distribution system as solar and wind were integrated. He also performed design to incorporate grid storage into systems in both grid-tie and microgrid modes, the grid storage devises that he has researched are battery, flywheel, and fuel cells. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Utah State University.
bios.inl.gov
Alok Singhania is a passionate advocate for sustainability, technology, and people. With a robust background in technology and business, Alok excels at driving positive change by finding innovative solutions to modern organizational challenges. His strategic thinking and creative approach, coupled with expertise in renewable energy, deep learning, blockchain, IoT, and SaaS, have been instrumental in scaling Gridscape to consistent growth. As a visionary entrepreneur and technology leader with over 20 years of experience, Alok has built multiple award-winning ventures, demonstrating excellence in strategic planning and team building. His unwavering commitment to making a positive global impact motivates him to collaborate with and inspire other entrepreneurs to advance sustainable energy solutions.
Alden Phinney is a Regional Director at GridBeyond with 10 years of experience in business development and financial data analysis for the energy transition. He has worked at multiple demand response companies covering residential aggregations to the largest C&I facilities. In his current role at GridBeyond, he partners with businesses and asset owners to generate energy revenues and savings across North American markets. A native San Diegan, he has a degree in Business Management Economics and Sustainability from the University of California Santa Cruz and resides in New York City.
Craig Lewis founded the Clean Coalition in 2009 and has over 30 years of experience in policy and technology innovation, including the proliferation of Solar Microgrids and Community Microgrids. Prior to founding the Clean Coalition, Craig held numerous positions in the wireless, semiconductor, banking, and renewable energy industries. Previously VP of Government Relations at GreenVolts, he was the first to successfully navigate a solar project through California's Renewable Portfolio Standard solicitation process. Craig was energy policy lead on Steve Westly's 2006 California gubernatorial campaign. His resume includes senior government relations, corporate development, and marketing positions at leading wireless, semiconductor, and banking companies such as Qualcomm, Ericsson, and Barclays Bank. Craig received an MBA and MSEE from the University of Southern California and a BSEE from the University of California, Berkeley.
Allie Detrio is the Chief Strategist for Reimagine Power, where she specializes in helping clients navigate continuously evolving energy policies and regulations so they can focus on innovating the way to a more sustainable clean energy future. She has over 15 years of experience working in clean energy and sustainability holding a variety of positions in policy, operations, business development, and research.
Detrio is known for her fierce advocacy work in the industry. In 2018, she was awarded the California Solar & Storage Association's Annual Award for her leadership in passing legislation to commercialize the microgrid market in California (SB 1339) and legislation extending the state's energy storage incentive program authorizing $800M in new funding (SB 700). Recently, Allie was a key player in securing microgrid eligibility and funding ($700M) for California's new reliability incentive programs (AB 205).
Outside of RP, Allie serves as the Senior Advisor for the Microgrid Resources Coalition (MRC), where she manages all microgrid industry advocacy efforts in the west, including serving as an expert witness and providing testimony in multiple state legislatures and commissions, and is a registered lobbyist for the MRC in California. Prior to founding Reimagine Power, Allie was the Manager of Policy & Strategy at ENGIE, a global microgrid developer, the largest IPP and provider of energy services in the world, and where Allie cut her teeth on microgrid policy.
Allie was one of the first in the world to receive an accredited B.S. in Sustainability from the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University. She was a cohort of the Decision Center for a Desert City and has minors in Economics, History and Philosophy.
Eric Steinhofer serves as the Director of Distributed Generation Partnerships at CPower. In his role, Eric is responsible for managing existing partners and developing strategic relationships with new partners. Eric is an essential asset in supporting CPower's partners to monetize distributed generation assets, earn savings, generate revenue, decarbonize the grid and improve grid reliability. Prior to joining CPower, Eric held various positions at clean energy companies including Schneider Electric Energy & Sustainability Services, Leap, and Clean Energy Collective.
Dr. John Abraham is an engineering professor at the University of St. Thomas, as well as an associate research fellow at the University of Minnesota. He holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and a BS, MD, and PhD in heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
I have published four books, three of which address environmental issues. My articles have recently appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Denver Post, Austin Statesman, and San Jose Mercury News. Recent articles on wind power and solar energy have appeared in several international renewable energy magazines. I also wrote the article on the Top 100 Corporate Citizens for Business Ethics magazine.
Specialties: Research, write and edit a variety of products, including books, brochures, articles and website content. I published under my own by-line, but also quite a bit of ghost-writing and print media palcement work. I also host my own radio show on KWMR, and am seeking new opportunities in that public media format.
Topics: I am a global expert on microgrids, virtual power plants, DERMS, nanogrids and other emerging platforms designed to maximize value from distributed energy resources. I have presented on these topics in the U.S. as well as South Korea, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the U.K., Spain and other countries.
Maya Deshpande is a recent graduate from UCLA's Master of Engineering in Data Science. She now works at Mattel, leveraging her expertise in data science to support the company's Global Sustainability Team in its mission to optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce resource waste. Prior to joining Mattel, she worked as a data scientist for the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, where she utilized AI technologies to enhance urban infrastructure and make cities smarter.
Reza Sheikhani is a Project Engineer at TransGrid Energy, holding a Master of Engineering in Green Energy Systems from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from CSULB. Previously, he contributed his expertise as a Project Engineer at Palmetto Solar and as an Energy System Design Engineer at Tesla. With over three years of extensive experience in residential solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across the U.S., Reza is dedicated and passionate about microgrid design and modeling. He is currently expanding his skill set by working on utility-scale standalone BESS and PV+BESS projects. Reza is deeply committed to tackling climate change.
Kumar Saunack is a graduate from UCLA's Master of Engineering program, specializing in Artificial Intelligence. With two years of professional experience working directly on AI, he is a domain expert in the field. In addition to research work, evidenced by five publications in
peer-reviewed conferences, he is passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence for sustainable solutions, aiming to make a positive impact through his work.
JP Ross is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the oil & energy industry, specifically solar and renewable energy. Skilled in building teams, P&L management, market expansion, product and business development and developing channels. Professional with a BA/BS focused in Environmental Studies/Chemistry from UC Santa Cruz and graduate degree from UC Berkeley.
Paul DeCotis is a business and technology consultant with over 35 years in the energy field. He specializes in complex business and project management, grid modernization, OT and IT convergence, and business transformation. His education, and teachings in economic and financial analysis, energy and industry modeling, strategy, planning and policy, speak well to his diversity of thought and people, process, and technology consulting. End-to-end project planning to performance outcome management and evaluation., Mr. DeCotis delivers value to his endeavors. He leads West Monroe's executive advisory and regulatory offerings and leads complex multifaceted projects. Mr. DeCotis has been a graduate and undergraduate adjunct faculty member at several colleges and universities for over 26 years in the fields of business strategy, finance, policy, ethics, management studies, and communications.
Prior to his position as energy secretary in New York, Mr. DeCotis worked as a management consultant for 15 years, specializing in executive and professional development; Board and management training; coaching; and mediation. Mr. DeCotis has and continues to serve on national, professional, and community Board's and committee's and has extensive experience in local community affairs, including having held elected office. Mr. DeCotis is a member of Montclair Publishing LLC. "Who's Who in North America" and was named one of City & State's "Responsible 100 Honorees", recognizing influencers in New York who are setting new standards of excellence, dedication, and leadership in improving their communities and making transformative change by promoting one of the core principles of social responsibility: charity, community engagement, customer service, diversity and inclusion, equity, ethics, transparency, sustainability, and volunteerism.
Adjunct Faculty: Rochester Institute of Technology; Cornell University; Sage Graduate School; and Empire State College.
Adrienne Pierce is the Chief Executive Officer for New Sun Road. Passionate about sustainability, she was previously the head of product management at IronRidge and at SunEdison, Adrienne managed the REDI project to develop a platform that remotely monitored 1800 renewable energy sites globally. She currently serves on the Board of Green Empowerment and is an active member of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Adrienne taught chemistry and physics as a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon, Africa. She holds an M.B.A from Thunderbird and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College.
Soam Goel is a seasoned energy industry executive with leadership roles in principal investing, utility scale green infrastructure project development and financing, mergers and acquisitions, and in launching new businesses. Soam has a strong track record of establishing credibility to build influential relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders to achieve ambitious business goals.
As a Senior Partner with Anbaric, an Ontario Teachers' Pension Fund (OTPP) platform company, Soam led investments and project development in utility scale battery storage and supported offshore wind transmission projects.
Soam has been the Chief Commercial Officer of Power Network New Mexico, a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Global Infrastructure Fund (GSIP). He originated a $400M transmission project for GSIP, now operating as "Western Spirit". At Power Network he was responsible for the overall economics/ profitability, regulatory filings, customers and markets, and the commercial success of the project.
A frequent speaker and panelist at energy industry conferences, Soam founded Enersights in 2004 to provide strategic advice to senior executives of utility companies and financial participants.
Soam spent ten years with PA Consulting and its predecessor firms where he co-headed the energy M&A practice. Under his leadership, the firm advised clients (utilities, industry vendors, investment banks, and private equity) in transactions ranging in size from $40M to $8B.
Soam started his career working for the Unilever Group of Companies, selected under their fast-track management development program.
Soam received B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
In his role as Product Manager, Joe Silver focuses on the development of NineDot's EV charging strategy, which includes scaling up their vehicle-to-grid business and deploying charging at existing and future sites.
Michael Sanford is a passionate and energizing technical sales leader, with a focus on customer experience, aligning product and non-product business investment with market needs ensuring profitable sales growth.
Mike is an industry leading expert on stationary engine emissions, champion of the best-in-class virtual customer experience and sales enablement leader accountable for the world's largest power generation market.
Mike leads Cummins Inc.'s Product Strategy and Sales Enablement organization, has delivered 1000s of educational contact hours to technical audiences and customers, is accountable for power generation product and non-product investment in North America and thrives in a high-energy environment bringing passion to the (sometimes) boring and empowerment to a broad and diverse team.
Majid Poshtan, PhD is an expert in electric power transmission planning, power system analysis and control, short circuits studies and protection, condition monitoring of generators, induction motors, transformers, and power cables, substation design, power system computer simulators, and Real-Time simulators.
Phil Ziegler is an industry-recognized subject matter expert in wireless data network technology solution engineering. His tenures with ITT, Bell Labs, Telcordia, and Verizon Wireless consistently facilitated the launch of various state of the art military, satellite, and commercial networks. In 2011, Phil Ziegler Consulting was founded to provide subject matter expertise to venues deploying cellular, public safety, or private network services and was issued two patents for E-911 location determination. In 2018 he was retained by the National Renewable Energy Labs for an extended period as a Principal Consultant for wireless communication initiatives. In 2020, Redevi, Inc was co-founded by Phil to offer services beyond consulting, becoming a turn-key solution provider for vertical markets and enterprises seeking to deploy advanced and sophisticated wireless network services at their Hospital, University, Laboratory, Utility or Industrial Plant.
Ryan De La Cruz, CEM, PMP, has a background in developing and constructing energy infrastructure solutions. As a Certified Renewable Energy Professional, Ryan is proficient in onsite generation technologies such as solar PV, cogeneration, fuel cells, battery storage, and microgrids. Prior to Endurant, Ryan served as the Director of Business Development at Ecom-Energy. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from California State University, Fullerton.
Larry Watkins is a project development and project finance executive based in Arkansas for Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) energy deals. Larry's experience includes private and public-private partnership (P3s or PPPs) utility, solar, battery, energy (power generation), wastewater, water, thermal, RNG, and biofuels deals.
Stacy Fuhrer leads SDG&E's Advanced Clean Technology regulatory footprint in key proceedings (GRC, Microgrids OIR, RA, IRP, WMP) from a strategy and policy perspective. Further advancing SDG&E's and the State's clean transition to carbon neutrality.
Ardi Arian leads the Renewable America team and its efforts to develop the Community Solar market through CCAs in California. Renewable America is committed to investing in end-to-end development of local small utility-scale solar+storage and multi-customer community microgrids projects, with a goal of supporting our communities through economic development and access to resilient renewable energy. He currently manages a strong portfolio of 31 projects with capacity of 180MWdc of solar and 298MWh of energy storage that is under development across California. Ardi started his career in solar 15 years ago in Germany, beginning as an Electrical Engineer, and he has worked internationally on the construction of over 60 solar projects (over 250 MW). Prior to starting up Renewable America, Ardi was General Manager for Suntech Power's project development team which focused on Community Solar.
Deji Sonoiki is the Director of Utilities at Momentum. He has over 20 years of professional experience and specialized knowledge in the power and utilities, industrial, and mobility sectors. Deji focuses on aligning agency strategic plans, legislation, and funding opportunities with client needs, leading high-profile projects, and leveraging industry connections to build partnerships and enhance client relationships. He provides strategic guidance to utility clients on aligning funding opportunities with internal investment or capital planning to mitigate rate increase pressure on customers thereby promoting affordability objectives.
Deji was the Manager of Transformation Design and Execution at Ernst and Young, where he helped power and utility companies achieve their strategic objectives across the nation by designing and executing transformation roadmaps. He also held significant positions at PG&E's transmission, distribution, asset management, finance operations, and Siemens in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Deji's first major change was a significant transition from Nigeria to London, where he pursued a master's in financial management. He started his career in finance in the United Kingdom before moving to the United States, where his passion for continuous improvement shifted his focus gradually toward data-driven transformation. Deji is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Northwood University. His certifications include PMP, SAFe Agilist, Certificate in Asset Management, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA) designation.