Event Coverage

Interconnection in California: 5 can’t-miss GridTECH Connect sessions

Interconnection in California: 5 can’t-miss GridTECH Connect sessions
(A panel speaks about progress through partnerships at GridTECH Connect Forum - Southeast.)

With some of the most ambitious sustainability and clean energy goals in the country, California is at the cutting edge of the energy transition while confronting its most cumbersome roadblocks.

From electric vehicles to battery storage, microgrids, community solar, and everything in between, attendees at GridTECH Connect Forum – California will collaborate to advance interconnection procedures and policies in California.

The event will be hosted in Newport Beach, California June 24-26 in partnership with the Department of Energy. Here are five must-see sessions at the interconnection event:

1. California interconnection 101: What to do when you’re stuck in the queue

June 25, 2024 | 10:30-11:15 AM PST | Link

This session is an introduction to the basics of interconnection in California. It will discuss what qualifies as a study and compare distribution and transmission grid interconnection processes. Panelists will elaborate on how to effectively communicate with the local utility and grid operator CAISO while abiding by the rules established by CEC and CPUC. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or an interconnection novice, this crash course will have something for everyone.

Speakers include:

  • Sushant Baravé, Senior Director – Grid Integration – Clearway
  • Jason Foster, Manager, Queue Management – CAISO
  • Julie Love, Sr. Manager, Transmission & Interconnection – Avantus
  • David Mindham, Director, Regulatory & Market Affairs – EDP Renewables North America

2. Addressing capacity and permitting issues in transmission development

June 25, 2024 | 2:15-3:00 PM PST | Link

To meet our climate goals we must build more transmission, but permitting can be a major challenge to transmission development. How can utilities and transmission owners effectively navigate complex rules, capacity challenges, and still get projects online on time? What lies ahead in the next year?

Speakers include:

  • Shawn Adderly, Senior Manager, Transmission Performance Center – PG&E
  • Cathleen Colbert, ERP, Senior Director, Western Markets and Policy – Vistra Corp.
  • Aaron Stoll, Manager, Transmission – Grid United
  • Sumeet Mudgal, Transmission Planning Manager – QCells USA Corp

3. EV fleet charging: Managing massive load

June 25, 2024 | 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM | Link

California is quickly electrifying large fleets and adding massive load to the electric grid. However, no statewide interconnection rules apply to EV charging infrastructure. This session will explore how fleet owners are getting the job done, how drayage might work, and how grid operators are managing increased demands. How does hydrogen fit into the equation?

Speakers include:

  • Lien Dinh, Executive Vice President, Development and Construction – Forum Mobility
  • Leslie Goodbody, Air Resources Engineer – California Air Resources Board (CARB)
  • Audrey Neuman, Senior Transportation Electrification Analyst – California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
  • Sean Kiernan, Co-Founder and COO – EV Realty

4. Using battery energy storage to provide transmission benefits

June 26, 2024 | 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM | Link

This session will explore Remedial Action Schemes (RAS), grid-forming battery technology, and how utilities can utilize BESS systems to forgo upgrades while simultaneously addressing grid stability via inverter-based resources.

Speakers include:

5. AI, machine learning, and interconnection

June 25, 2024 | 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM | Link

Artificial intelligence and machine learning dominate conversations across the energy industry. This session will explore how these new tools can optimize planning and alleviate pain points like long interconnection queues. It will also feature use cases that are already being implemented at scale.

Speakers include:

  • Tim Stafford, Managing Director – Slalom
  • Tom Gros, Global Head, Renewable and New Energy – Slalom
  • Benjamin Piiru, Director, Grid Integration Strategy & Policy – Nexamp
  • Quinn Nakayama, Senior Director of Grid Research Innovation and Development – PG&E
  • Jun Wen, Principal Advisor – DSO Strategy and Implementation – Southern California Edison

Join us at GridTECH Connect California, June 24-26, 2024, in Newport Beach, CA!

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