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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260316T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T235959
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CREATED:20250211T220249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T184853Z
UID:16035-1773619200-1773964799@www.esig.energy
SUMMARY:2026 Spring Technical Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Presentations from our 2026 Spring Technical Workshop can be downloaded below.  \n\n\n\n\nVIEW THE 2026 SPRING TECH YOUTUBE PLAYLIST\n\n\n\n\nAll presentations for the DOE i2X FIRST Grid-Forming Inverter Workshop can be found here. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTutorial: Increasing DER Hosting Capacity with Flexible Interconnections and Flow Control\n\n\n\nTutorial Chair: Leo Jiang\, Engineering Fellow\, ESIG \n\n\n\nThis tutorial focuses on two proven\, low-cost advanced grid technologies – flexible interconnections and power-electronics-based flow controllers – that can significantly increase hosting capacity for distributed energy resources (DERs). These can be faster and more cost-effective than traditional grid reinforcements\, by maximizing the utilization of existing network assets\, accelerating DER interconnections\, reducing costs and environmental impacts\, and providing the operational flexibility needed for future grids. While conventional reinforcements remain essential for long-term firm capacity\, advanced technologies can defer or reduce the size of infrastructure upgrades and/or provide a transition while long-term firm capacity is being constructed. The tutorial features innovative solutions and guides participants through the full adoption lifecycle of these advanced applications\, illustrated with real-world utility-scale demonstration projects and key lessons learned. \n\n\n\nDOWNLOAD TUTORIAL PRESENTATION \n\n\n\nVIEW TUTORAIL RECORDING \n\n\n\nSpeakers:\n\n\n\n\nJon Grooters\, Director of the US Market\, EnerNex\n\n\n\nZach Pollock\, Director of Grid Strategy & Emerging Technology\, Xcel Energy\n\n\n\nMike Hanestad\, Principal Power System Engineer and Team Lead\, RLC Engineering\n\n\n\nMark Szewczuk\, Power Systems Engineer\, EnerNex\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntroduction/Opening Remarks\n\n\n\n\nKeynote PresentationMark Rothleder\, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer\, California Independent System Operator (CAISO): \n\n\n\nIndustry OverviewDebbie Lew\, Executive Director\, ESIG\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOpening Plenary: Energy Affordability\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Deborah Reynolds\, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist\, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) \n\n\n\nWhat are the factors that impact electricity costs today and in the future? How can affordability be managed while maintaining reliability and delivering service to all customers? \n\n\n\n\nFactors Influencing Recent Trends in Retail Electricity PricesGalen Barbose\, Staff Scientist\, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) \n\n\n\nThe Energy Wallet: U.S. and State-level Household Energy Expenditures\, Past\, Present\, and FutureGeoff Blanford\, Principal Technical Executive\, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) \n\n\n\nAssessment of Energy Affordability in New JerseySanem Sergici\, Principal\, The Brattle Group \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 1A: IBR Dominated Systems\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Katie Iversen\, Senior Manager\, Generation Modeling Engineering\, AES \n\n\n\nFoundational assumptions around protection\, voltage control\, and resource capabilities are being redefined in IBR-dominated grids. This session highlights real-world experience and emerging requirements for operating and planning reliable grids with very high inverter penetration. \n\n\n\n\nProtection of Inverter-dominated Transmission Systems: Evaluation for Hawai’i IslandUlrich Müenz\, Principal Key Expert Advanced Control and Optimization\, Siemens \n\n\n\nOverload Requirements for IBRs to Support the Needs of the GridSai Gopal Vennelaganti\, Manager\, Global Power System Lead\, Tesla \n\n\n\nInverters on the EdgeBenjamin Braun\, Principal Engineer – Power Controls\, Fluence (Germany) \n\n\n\nObservations on Voltage Control in the Australian NEM: Potential Impacts on Operations and ForecastingJonathon Dyson\, Executive General Manager\, Services\, AZZO (Australia) \n\n\n\nAll Together – Working as a Team for a Reliable IBR Dominant GridKatie Iversen\, Senior Manager\, Generation Modeling Engineering\, AES\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 1B: The Expanding Role of Electricity Markets Across the West\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Steve Beuning\, Consultant (Former Xcel Energy\, Holy Cross Energy\, Guzman Energy) \n\n\n\nAcross the West\, electricity markets have always had a troubled history. However\, in 2026 the launch of the extended Day-Ahead Market is planned\, which is followed by the expansion of the SPP RTO in the Western Interconnection\, its Markets+ option\, and the Western Resource Adequacy Program. Some form of electricity markets will soon be apart of a large majority of the Western Interconnection within the next two years\, a long way from where the West was just 15 years ago. The session will discuss the history and the importance of how far the west has come in embracing electricity markets\, while discussing key challenges such as seams\, GHG pricing\, and other key topics. \n\n\n\n\nChairman Eric Blank\, Commissioner\, Colorado Public Utilities Commission\n\n\n\nScott Miller\, Executive Director\, Western Power Trading Forum\n\n\n\nCathleen Colbert\, Senior Director of Western Markets Policy\, Vistra\n\n\n\nKelsey Martinez\, Director of Regional Markets & Transmission Strategy\, Public Service Company of New Mexico\n\n\n\nSam Rugel\, Director\, System Control & Reliability\, Tucson Electric Power\n\n\n\nKathleen Staks\, Director\, Western Freedom\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 2A: Proactive Distribution System Planning\n\n\n\nIntroductionSession Chair: Juliet Homer\, Chief Systems Engineer\, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)  \n\n\n\nWhat emerging approaches and practices are utilities and regulators using to proactively address distribution system load growth\, and how do they manage associated challenges and risks?  \n\n\n\n\nClaritin for the Grid: Preventing Distribution System Congestion with Proactive PlanningHanna Terwilliger\, Analyst Coordinator for Distribution Planning\, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission \n\n\n\nProactive Planning at Con Edison to Support ElectrificationAlexander Buell\, Director of E-Mobility\, Con Edison \n\n\n\nProactive Planning at National GridKyle Brazell\, Senior Engineer\, National Grid \n\n\n\nProactive Planning at Xcel EnergyZach Pollock\, Director of Grid Strategy & Emerging Technology\, Xcel Energy \n\n\n\nProactive Planning\, Equity\, and Affordability in CaliforniaCole Jermyn\, Senior Attorney\, Clean Affordable Power\, Environmental Defense Fund \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 2B: Expanding the Grid in the Western U.S.: Planning\, Coordination\, and Delivery\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Jennifer Galaway\, Senior Manager\, Transmission Strategy & Regulation\, Portland General Electric \n\n\n\nThis panel will examine transmission expansion in the Western U.S.\, highlighting successes\, how the landscape is changing\, and where gaps remain. \n\n\n\n\nWestTEC as a Planning Spine for the West: Methods and Findings from the 10-Year PlanKeegan Moyer\, Principal\, Energy Strategies \n\n\n\nNorthern Grid Planning in Context: How Regional Processes Differ and Where They Can ConnectBen Hutchins\, Principal Engineer\, Regional Transmission Planning Services\, Western Power Pool (WPP) \n\n\n\nPlanning at Scale: CAISO’s Approach to Long-Term and Regional TransmissionJeff Billinton\, Director\, Transmission Infrastructure Planning\, California Independent System Operator (CAISO)  \n\n\n\nBridging Planning and Development: An Independent Transmission Developer Perspective in the Western U.S. Aaron Stoll\, Director of Transmission Strategy\, Grid United\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 3A: EMT Modeling and Studies\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Dave Mueller\, Vice President of Energy System Studies\, EnerNex \n\n\n\nIn inverter-dominated grids\, EMT simulations are becoming essential for interconnection\, planning\, and operations. This session covers large-scale EMT applications\, model tuning\, NERC guidance\, workforce training needs\, and emerging online EMT-based dynamic security assessment. \n\n\n\n\nEMT Training NeedsAlex Shattuck\, Director of Grid Transformation\, ESIG \n\n\n\nTuning IBR Plant EMT Models for Interconnection RequirementsMariana Kamel\, Principal Consultant\, EnerNex \n\n\n\nNERC EMT Modeling Guidelines\, Resources and Applicable StandardsAung Thant\, Principal Engineer\, Engineering and Security Integration\, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) \n\n\n\nEMT Simulations for Large-Scale Power Grids – NYPA PerspectiveReza Pourramezan\, Manager\,  Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe)\, New York Power Authority \n\n\n\nOnline Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA) Based on EMT simulationsAnton Stepanov\, Research And Development Specialist\, EMTP (Canada) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 3B: FERC Order 2222 on DER Aggregation Participation in Wholesale Markets: Five Years Later\, Has it Lived Up to its Potential?\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Kristin Swenson\, Blue Note Energy \n\n\n\nFive years after FERC issued its landmark Order 2222 to enable DERs to participate in organized wholesale markets through DER aggregators\, few aggregations currently are registered and providing wholesale market services. Some regions have delayed implementation until 2030. The panel will include some of the key parties: ISOs\, distribution utilities\, and aggregators\, to discuss what other reforms are still needed or are still being worked on\, including whether substantial deviation to the original vision FERC had is necessary to lead to greater adoption of DERs participating in wholesale markets. \n\n\n\n\nDemand and Distributed Energy Market Integration at the CAISOAnja Gilbert\, Manager of Demand Flexibility Policy\, California Independent System Operator (CAISO) \n\n\n\nDER Participation at the NYISOMary McColgan\, Distributed Resources Operations Engineer\, New York Independent System Operator \n\n\n\nOrder 2222 and Large Load Flexibility: What They Have in CommonMargarita Patria\, Principal\, Charles River Associates  \n\n\n\nConsiderations for Relevant Electric Retail Authorities and Electric Distribution Companies Regarding FERC Order 2222Saumil Patel\, Technical Advisor Distribution and Planning\, ICF \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 4A: System Strength Metrics and Impedance Scanning Methods\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Shahil Shah\, Principal Engineer\, National Laboratory of the Rockies \n\n\n\nAs traditional short-circuit metrics fall short in IBR-dominated grids\, planners need alternative metrics for system strength. This session explores impedance scanning\, new screening tools\, and new system strength metrics to assess stability risks and guide when EMT studies are truly needed. \n\n\n\n\nFrom SCR to Frequency-Dependent Strength: Using Impedance Scanning to Screen IBR Interactions and Target EMT StudiesBehrooz Bahrani\, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering\, Monash University; Director at GridZync Pty Ltd. (Australia) \n\n\n\nDon’t Panic:  Hitchhiker’s Guide to Short Circuit StrengthMatt Richwine\, Founding Partner\, Telos Energy and Nick Miller\, Principal\, HickoryLedge\n\n\n\nNew Metrics and Tools to Evaluate Need for EMT StudyRachel Bernhardt\, Power Systems Analyst\, Electranix\n\n\n\nRedefining System Strength for the Modern GridBeibei (BeiLi) Li\, Manager of Strategic Assessment\, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) \n\n\n\nReliability and Stability of Large IBR and Large-Load SitesReza Salehi\, Director\, T&D Engineering and Consulting\, RMS Energy (Canada\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 4B: Major Market Reform Experiences from Regions around the World\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Robin Hytowitz\, Electricity Markets and Data Center Program Lead\, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) \n\n\n\nWith regards to electricity market design reform\, 2025 was a big year. Major changes to several key electricity market regions occurred around the world. This session will describe some of those major reforms sharing the insights into how they accomplished the major implementation\, working with stakeholders and regulators to accomplish such large-scale changes\, and then describe how the changes have been impacting the markets since their implementation. \n\n\n\n\nMarket Renewal in OntarioDarren Matsugu\, Director of Markets\, Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)(Canada) \n\n\n\n\n\nDay-ahead Ancillary ServicesAndrew Withers\, Senior Economist\, Independent System Operator – New England (ISO – NE) \n\n\n\nReal-time Co-optimization Plus BatteriesGord Drake\, Director of Market Design & Analysis\, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) \n\n\n\n15-minute Market Intervals Across Europe in the Wholesales Day-ahead MarketJean Gillain\, Power Market Associate\, N-SIDE (Belgium) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 5A: Oscillation Detection and Analysis\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Sarah Walinga\, Senior Staff Power Controls Engineer\, Tesla \n\n\n\nWith IBRs driving system dynamics\, oscillatory interactions pose a growing reliability risk. The session highlights practical methods for detection\, root-cause analysis\, and mitigation using grid-forming controls\, post-event measurements\, EMT modeling\, and stability frameworks. \n\n\n\n\nGrid Forming Mitigating Weak Grid OscillationsMohammed Nassar\, Staff Power System Engineer\, Americas Power System Lead\, Tesla \n\n\n\nOscillations: A Global Perspective on Behavior and ManagementDuncan Burt\, Chief Strategic Growth Officer\, Reactive Technologies (United Kingdom) \n\n\n\nOscillation Assessment Using Black-Box EMT Models of Inverter-Based DevicesWeiqing Jiang\, Principal Engineer II Strategic Assessments\, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and  Andrew Musgrave\, Engineer II (EIT) Engineering Applications\, Powertech \n\n\n\nA Stability Analysis Framework for Oscillation Analysis and MitigationJing Wang\, Principal Engineer\, National Laboratory of the Rockies \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 5B: Integrated Capacity Expansion and Resource Adequacy Methods\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Jon Cook\, Ph.D.\, Senior Principal Analyst\, Salt River Project \n\n\n\nThis session will highlight advances in how modern planning models integrate capacity expansion and resource adequacy\, focusing on new methods\, key tradeoffs\, and lessons from large-scale applications. \n\n\n\n\nIntegrating Capacity Expansion and Resource Adequacy Models: Key ConceptsGenna de Mijolla\, Technical Leader\, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) \n\n\n\nIntegrating Investment and Adequacy in Large-Scale Planning Models: The ERAA ExperienceRalph Pfeiffer\, Head of System Development – International Planning Products\, Amprion GmbH (Germany) \n\n\n\nParameterizing Resource Adequacy Need and Capacity Accreditation in Capacity Expansion ModelingArne Olson\, Senior Partner\, Energy and Environmental Economics\, Inc. (E3) \n\n\n\nIncremental Expansion in Modern Planning Models to Maintain Resource Adequacy in Long-Term Generation PlanningKevin Carden\, Chief Product Officer\, PowerGem \n\n\n\nIntegrating Direct Probabilistic Adequacy Constraints in Capacity Expansion OptimizationGord Stephen\, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering\, Imperial College London \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 6A: Advanced Technologies for Distribution Grid Optimization and Resource Integration\n\n\n\nIntroductionSession Chair: Murali Baggu\, Laboratory Program Manager\, National Lab of the Rockies   \n\n\n\nThis panel shared advanced technologies for utility applications in breaking down data silos for distributed resource integration\, implementing DERMS for distributed resource dispatch\, and adopting emerging technologies\, such as dynamic line rating (DLR) and dynamic operating envelope (DOE)\, to optimize grid operations with distributed resources. \n\n\n\n\nHECO’s Experience with High Distributed ResourcesKen Aramaki\, Director for Integrated Grid Planning\, Hawaiian Electric (HECO) \n\n\n\nTurning Constraint Insight into Capacity: Accelerating Interconnection with Advanced Grid AnalyticsAlvina Brieff\, Senior Manager\, Envelio \n\n\n\nCHARGED and Utility Partnerships for Flexible Grid ConnectionShikhar Pandey\, Founder & Managing Partner\, GridCo Group \n\n\n\nImplementing DERMS at PG&EAjit Renjit\, Principal Architect\, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) \n\n\n\nDynamic Operating Envelopes – Experiences from AustraliaProfessor Frederik Geth\, UQ-Springfield City Chair of Energy\, The University of Queensland\, Brisbane (Australia) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 6B: FERC Order 1920: Assessing Benefits of Transmission\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Rachel Levine\, Senior Transmission Policy Analyst\, Niskanen Center \n\n\n\nIssued in 2024\, FERC Order 1920 calls for the assessment of at least seven benefits of transmission. What are the leading methods\, tools\, and processes for estimating these benefits? \n\n\n\n\nBuilding a Common Framework for Order 1920 BenefitsAdria Brooks\, Director of Transmission Planning\, Grid Strategies \n\n\n\nModeling Transmission Benefits Under FERC Order 1920: Methods\, Tools\, and TradeoffsEknath Vittal\, Technical Executive\, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) \n\n\n\nImplementing Order 1920 at NYISO: Proposed Processes and Open QuestionsSupriya Tawde\, Manager\, Transmission Integration\, New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) \n\n\n\nApplying Order 1920 in MISO’s Planning FrameworkArmando Figueroa\, Senior Engineer\, Strategic Assessments\, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) \n\n\n\nOrder 1920 Benefit Evaluation in CAISO’s Planning ProcessBiju Gopi\, Senior Manager\, Transmission Interface Coordination\, California Independent System Operator (CAISO) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 7A: Large Loads: Stability Impacts\, Interconnection Requirements\, Modeling Considerations\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Julia Matevosyan\, Associate Director\, Chief Engineer\, ESIG \n\n\n\nAs data centers and other large\, power-electronic loads connect at scale\, their dynamic behavior is becoming a material stability and reliability risk. This session examines interconnection requirements\, EMT modeling approaches\, operational readiness\, and interaction risks\, with a focus on practical assessment and mitigation. \n\n\n\n\nConsiderations for EMT Modeling of Data Center LoadsAmin Zamani\, Senior Director of Advanced Technology Integration\, Executive Advisor\, Danovo Energy (fka Quanta) (Canada) \n\n\n\nData Center Modeling\, Colocation\, and Digital Twin Solutions with AI Load Simulator and RTDS-Based HIL TestbedSam Maleki\, Chief Growth Officer\, Data Centers\, EdgeTunePower Inc. (Canada) \n\n\n\nOperational Readiness for Data CentersScott Anderson\, Director – Operational Readiness\, Salt River Project \n\n\n\nLarge Load Reliability Requirements in MISOBeibei Li (BeiLi)\, Manager of Strategic Assessment\, MISO \n\n\n\nUnderstanding Risks to Synchronous Machines Due to Load VariabilityAndrew Isaacs\, Vice President\, Electranix (Canada) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 7B: Integrated Planning\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Angela Long\, Founder & CEO\, Rockcress Consulting \n\n\n\nIntegrated planning (e.g.\, T&D\, G&T) can lead to more efficient solutions for the system as a whole. What processes and methods are being proposed or are being implemented for successful integrated planning? \n\n\n\n\nSurvey of Integrated Planning ProcessesJonathan Surls\, Head of Solutions\, Energy Exemplar \n\n\n\nIntegrated System Planning: A Distribution System PerspectiveJulie Koo\, Principal Planning Analyst\, Distribution Strategy\, Salt River Project (SRP) \n\n\n\nUse of DERs to Serve Bulk System and T&D Operational Needs in APSMichael Dzurak\, Energy Innovation Advisor\, VPP Expansion and Development\, Arizona Public Service (APS) \n\n\n\nDeploying Distributed Batteries for Integrated System CapacityPatrick Dalton\, Director of System Engineering\, Sparkfund \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClosing Plenary: Flexibility from Large Loads\n\n\n\nSession Chair: Margarita Patria\, Principal\, Charles River Associates \n\n\n\nLarge loads can have large integration challenges\, but they can also bring flexibility solutions. What form does this flexibility take\, what value does it have\, and how do we realize it? \n\n\n\n\nFlexible Data Centers: A Faster More Affordable Path to PowerAstrid Atkinson\, CEO & Co-founder\, Camus \n\n\n\nVulcan Test Platform: Demonstrating the Data Center as a Flexible Grid AssetJeff Bladen\, Head of Energy\, Verrus \n\n\n\nA Utility’s Perspective on Large Load Flexibility RequirementsJesse Waters\, Manager\, Balancing Authority Function\, Tucson Electric Power (TEP)\n\n\n\nState-regulated Utility Tariffs and Processes to Enable FlexibilityMiles Farmer\, Partner\, Roselle LLP  \n\n\n\nDeep Flexibility Through Energy Parks with Thermal Energy StorageEric Gimon\, Senior Fellow\, Energy Innovation \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorkshop Sponsors
URL:https://www.esig.energy/event/2026-spring-technical-workshop/
LOCATION:Loews Ventana Canyon Resort\, 7000 N Resort Dr\, Tucson\, AZ\, 85750
CATEGORIES:ESIG Workshops
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