Electric Distribution

Electric utility professionals meet to discuss current standards, materials and maintenance for distribution operations. Agendas include roundtable discussion so that each attendee has an opportunity to submit questions and receive feedback from their peers. Presentations focus on new technologies, applications, and specifications available for designing, building and maintaining overhead and underground lines. Attendees leave with the practical knowledge to improve efficiency, safety and reduce costs.

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Meet the Program Development Team for this track. Learn more about the Operations Conference

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Leveraging Brand Loyalty to Build a Sustainable Workforce
Speaker: Ron Minudri, Director of Training, Quanta Services
Effective leadership is crucial in building brand loyalty. Leading by example, communicating with precision, and consistently building trust are the key components underpinning this process. These elements shape a company’s culture, foster customer trust, and ultimately cultivate brand loyalty.

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Smart Grid Modernization 2.0, and the use of Tesla Batteries
Speaker: Jeff Phillips, Customer Operations Manager, Hydro One Inc.
Story of the Smart Grid Modernization Program at Hydro One, by the person who has overseen the process. A Smart Meter 2.0 upgrade with smart switching transmission through 44KV and through remote feeders. This will allow to pull power from batteries and place power packs wherever the grid is looking low.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Wildfire Risks and Strategies on the Electric Distribution System
Moderator: John Hofman, Distribution Dept. Manager, Burns & McDonnell
Panelists: Nicholas Babb, Sr. Manager, Electric Incident Investigations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Nisha Menon, Wildfire Mitigation, Strategy Manager, San Diego Gas & Electric Company
Allen Berreth, VP T&D Operations, Pacific Power
Jay Leyno, Director, Wildfire Mitigation PMO, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Hema Sukumar, Senior Manager – Wildfire Mitigation PMO, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
This session will discuss how utilities are integrating wildfire mitigation measures on the electric distribution system. Looking at the strategies to managing risks, customers, utility commissions, and new technologies.