Webinar: Evaluation of a Holistic Planning Framework – Reconciling Siloed Study Processes
March 26, 2026 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
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Featured Speakers: Ahmed Rashwan, Vice President of Transmission Planning and Operations at Electric Power Engineers and Carter Lassetter, Director, Transmission Planning and Operations, Utilities at Electric Power Engineers
About the Webinar: Across regional transmission organizations, transmission planning and interconnection studies are typically conducted through distinct and parallel processes, including long-term transmission planning studies and generator interconnection impact studies, each designed around specific objectives, assumptions, and timelines. While individually rigorous, these siloed approaches can produce materially different conclusions regarding future system needs, reliability risks, and upgrade priorities.
To explore this divergence, a proxy analysis was performed taking into consideration the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) proposed Consolidated Planning Process (CPP) framework, jointly evaluating long-term planning drivers alongside planned generation additions and forecasted load growth under a more integrated mechanism. The results demonstrate that evaluating these drivers within a unified process can lead to different perspectives on identified transmission needs compared to assessments performed within compartmentalized study frameworks. By comparing outcomes across approaches, we highlight how aligning assumptions and timelines across planning and interconnection studies can provide additional clarity into more effective and optimized solutions.
About the Speakers: Ahmed Rashwan, P.E., P.Eng. is the Vice President of Transmission Planning and Operations at Electric Power Engineers where he leads transmission analysis consulting, automation product development and advisory services supporting ISOs/RTOs, vertically integrated utilities, investor-owned utilities, municipalities, co-operatives and transmission developers. He has 20 years of progressive industry experience, including 15 years at the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator, most notably in operations engineering and planning, transmission planning and interconnection, and market design and implementation. Ahmed is the Professional Engineers Ontario Certificate of Authorization holder for EPE. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Idaho.
Carter Lassetter is the Director, Transmission Planning and Operations, Utilities at Electric Power Engineers and has 10 years of experience in power systems engineering, leading a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering high-quality technical studies for clients across the industry. He emphasizes strong project execution through clear communication and consistent quality standards, helping ensure predictable and well-aligned outcomes. Carter works closely with clients to proactively assess system needs, identify emerging risks, and align study approaches with evolving industry trends, regulatory requirements, and grid challenges. His background in power system modeling, stability analysis, and economic studies informs his leadership, enabling practical, forward-looking solutions.
Registration Cost: FREE
Moderator: James Okullo, Director of System Planning, ESIG
Q&A Session: We will be using the Slido platform for Q&A. Please submit your questions and follow along during the event at this link.