2015 techadvantage program learning labs (as of … techadvantage program – learning labs ......
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2015 TechAdvantage Program – Learning Labs (as of 01/19/15)
Look for these Icons
They indicate sessions that may be of interest to you
[EO] Engineering & Operations
[IT] Information Technology
[SM] Supply Managment
[CRN] Cooperative Research Network
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
LEARNING LABS 1
MultiSpeak® ‐ Differences in Versions
311A‐B [EO] [IT]
In this session we will discuss the differences between Versions 3.0, 4.1, and 5.0 of MultiSpeak®. Attendees will gain a
better understanding of the evolution between versions and the limitations and capabilities of each version. Attendees
will also gain valuable insight for considering interoperability capabilities of existing enterprise solutions and/or adding
new technology requirements at your utility.
Gary McNaughton, Vice President, Cornice Engineering
Doug Lambert, MultiSpeak Program manager, NRECA
Using Information Technology to Improve Vegetation Management Operations ‐ Co‐ops Success Stories
311C‐D [EO] [IT]
This session will provide valuable information to co‐op operations personnel at all levels showing how co‐ops can move
from paper‐based, manual vegetation management operations to GIS map‐based systems to plan, manage, track and
report on the vegetation management work at their utilities. Come hear co‐op real‐world examples of how they
successfully implemented digital work management systems for their vegetation management operations.
Steve Powell, Director, Marketing and Business Development, Lewis Tree Service/Clearion Software
John Dean, Power Supply Manager, Glades, EMC
Casey Acker, Manger of Contractors, Bluebonnet EMC
Hot Socket Concerns and Best Practices for Meter Deployment
311E‐F [EO]
With increased media focus on house fires attributed to sources in and around the meter service entrance, Cooperatives
need to be prepared to answer questions from their local fire authorities, members and media. This session will review
the relevant facts and standards, characterize testing and identification methods for hot sockets, and share utility best
practices.
Steve Schamber, VP Product Managment, Landis+Gyr
Tom Lawton, President, TESCO / Advent Design
111(d): Impacts and Implications
311G‐H [EO]
EPA have proposed a regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, so what are the implications for
electric cooperatives? This session will provide an overview of the EPA proposal under section 111(d) of the Clean Air
Act, including:
‐ How will EPA regulate emission from power plants under the proposal?
‐ What are the potential impacts on electricity rates?
‐ What are potential implications for distribution cooperatives?
Ted Cromwell, Senior Principle Environmental Policy, Enviromental Issues, NRECA
GIS at Your Finger Tips – Put GIS Data in the Hands of Those who Need it.
312A‐B [EO] [IT]
Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority proliferates GIS data throughout the organization. From the developers desktop to the line trucks, GIS applications and processes have allowed spatial data to transform normal and irregular operations into a smooth well‐oiled machine. Using the latest spatial Geodatabases from ESRI and cutting edge desktop/mobile web application information is spread easily throughout the organization. This presentation will cover every aspect of GIS operations and how it affects the organization including a demonstration of our cutting edge GIS web application.
Kathy Galloway, Operations Director, Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority (GRICUA)
Chris Miller, GIS Analyst, Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority
Sneak Peek ‐ Windows 10 and Server 10
312C [IT]
This session will focus on “what’s on the horizon” and product insight for Windows 10 and Server 10. We will also
discuss:
• Migration and upgrade issues.
• Licensing changes for these products / pricing impact.
• Estimated availablililty.
• Anticipated commercial release date.
Jay Ferron, CEO, Interactive Security Training
Best Practices for Protection and Control Applications for Transmission Substations
310A‐B When considering service reliability, protective relaying and control must be dependable and secure under various substation configurations and power system conditions. The power service reliability benefits of a new or retrofit substation can be improved significantly by paying close attention to protective relaying scope details at the front end of a project. This presentation explores some real‐world challenges, lessons learned, and practical solutions developed and implemented at a generation and transmission cooperative.
Fred Mathew, Protection Engineer, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Mike Mayo, Senior Transmission Protection Engineer, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative
Kyle Power, Senior Electrical Engineer, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative
Supply Management Speed Networking (Part 1)
313 [SM]
One of the best resources in the supply management profession is your professional network. Join your fellow supply
management professionals in this unique facilitated “speed” networking session covering leading practices in supply
management. Whether an introvert or an extrovert, you’ll make new connections without all of the usual social
pressures in this fast‐paced, high‐energy session.
Stephen Guth, VP Vendor Management, Citizens Property Insurance Company
10:40 a.m. 11:40 a.m.
LEARNING LABS 2
Dynamic Pricing Implementation: Working with Members to Reduce Power Costs
311A‐B [EO] [IT]
This session will describe how New Hampshire Electric Cooperative installed AMI across its system and implemented a
dynamic pricing pilot. The focus will be on the planning and implementation of the pilot, including pricing methodology,
communication technologies, participant solicitation and treatment. NHEC’s will outline their experience with the pilot
and analysis of the impact on participant loads as well as lessons learned regarding metering and communication
challenges across the system components.
Jonathan Nunes, Senior Economist, Leidos
Heather Manypenny, Power Resources Executive, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative
Key Changes and Proposals for 2017 National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®) 311C‐D [EO]
Change Proposals for the 2017 NESC® have been submitted, initially ballotted & published in a Pre‐Print edition.
Attendees will learn about key changes which may affect the design, construction & operation of their systems. There
will also be a review of the steps necessary to send in comments to the NESC committees.
Robert Harris, Principle, Transmission & Distribution Engineer, NRECA
Shawn Higbe, VP, Electrical Engineering, McCall‐Thomas Engineering
Kevin Jordan, Distribution Engineer, Horry Electric Cooperative
How One Utility Cut it's SAIDI in Half!
311E‐F [EO]
This presentation explains how Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative made dramatic improvements in its system reliability by
using Total Quality Management techniques and how it linked business strategy to results using a balanced scorecard
program. This case study shows the how the cooperative reduced its SAIDI from over 200 minutes in 2005 to less than
75 minutes in 2013. The presentation is loaded with tips and practical advice on what to measure and how to act on the
data to yield significant improvement in system reliability.
Lee Layton, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Ridge Electric
What You Should Know About Communication Systems: Business Strategies and Options
311G‐H
Communications networks are growing in importance for successful utility operations, potential information services, and local community wellbeing. This session explores the range of business options and considerations in planning telecommunications for electric cooperatives. Included will be an exploration of what's changing in the building blocks
for communications installations and information flow as well as what factors are unique to cooperatives that support innovative approaches.
Tom Lovas, Energy & Resource Economics Contractor, NRECA Doug Voda, Smart Grid Global Segment Leader, ABB
Eric Cody, President, Cody Energy Group
What Does a Data Breach Really Cost You?
312A‐B [IT]
The amount of data a utility collects and stores continues to rise each year, as do the number of devices used to access
that data and easy solutions for sharing it. Unfortunately, we are often unprepared to properly secure all of that data,
leaving ourselves vulnerable to one of the most pernicious threats faced by modern companies today – the data breach.
But what does a data breach really cost? This session will discuss:
• Data Breach Defined – a legal definition of a data breach
• First Response – what to do immediately following a breach
• Company Impact – what’s happening behind the scenes
• Customer Impact – what will this mean for your customers
• Lessons learned
Chad Smith, Cybersecurity Specialist, Cisco
Secure File Sharing
312C [IT]
Consumerization of cloud‐based file sharing & remote file storage is here to stay. What does that mean to your
cooperative’s cyber security policy? This session will explore:
Secured cloud‐based file sharing solutions that are easy to use and fairly priced.
Service provider product differences between Box, OneDrive, DropBox, Google Drive, plus others in this market
segment.
Identify any “gotchas” or hidden fees in service provider’s solutions.
Attendees will takeaway a list of SAFE, FAIRLY PRICED, SOLID solutions for cloud file sharing and data storage and what
to AVOID!
Jay Ferron, CEO, Interactive Security Training
OSHA Final Rule on Electric Distribution, Transmission and Generation ‐ The Clock is Ticking!
309A‐B [EO]
On April 11, 2014, OSHA published its long awaited Final Rule. Parts of the rule have implementation dates of 12/31/15,
other parts become effective later this year – April 1, 2015. Come hear three panelists discuss how they are handling
implementation. What have been the challenges? Were there any surprises? What are some best practices for
implementation?
Martha Duggan, Senior Principle Regulatory Issues, NRECA
Supply Management Speed Networking (Part 2)
313 [SM]
One of the best resources in the supply management profession is your professional network. Join your fellow supply
management professionals in this unique facilitated “speed” networking session covering leading practices in supply
management. Whether an introvert or an extrovert, you’ll make new connections without all of the usual social
pressures in this fast‐paced, high‐energy session.
Stephen Guth, VP Vendor Management, Citizens Property Insurance Company
TECHNOVATION SESSIONS – ALL CLASSROOMS IN THE EXPO HALL
1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m
TECHNO 1
Harnessing Big Data: Put Your Data Sources to Work
EX1 [EO] [IT]
With the ever increasing amount of data available to your utility, leveraging the information is becoming more critical
and more difficult. Combining all of that data is key to developing efficient operational objectives. By integrating and
transforming your data sources into one intuitive, graphical display, every person in the utility can be better informed,
and management can be better prepared to make crucial decisions that affect your bottom line.
Robin Vogt, Director of Public Relations, SEDC
Troy Schake, Sr VP of Business Development, SEDC
Adam Dinges, COO, Futura Systems, Inc.
Noble REMC Leverages Innovation to Reduce Load and Capital Costs
EX2 [EO]
This Indiana utility’s successful load management delivers a compelling business case for their end customers and uses
standard smart meter endpoints in imaginative and cost effective ways. Boasting a 95% adoption rate and significant on‐
demand load reduction, this program is the first of several the utility has under way. This case study will cover existing
project, pilots and planned projects that will leave you saying “we should try that.”
Doug Dickmeyer, System Engineer, Noble Rural Electric Member Cooperative
Realizing Increased Grid Capacity for High Penetration of Renewable Generation
EX3 [EO]
Renewables are often deemed prohibitively expensive due to the associated cost of upgrading supporting grid
infrastructure. Real‐time monitoring and control is presented as a viable alternative to traditional upgrades, by using
existing assets more effectively to accommodate renewables that face thermal, voltage and stability grid constraints.
Discover an international case study where the Orkney Islands pioneered Active Network Management to connect
25MW of small and large community wind generation to a rural network previously considered ‘full’ under traditional
planning methodology.
Ryan Sims, Smart Grid Engineer, Smarter Grid Solutions
Bob Currie, CTO, Smarter Grid Solutions
Colin Gault, Principle Consultant, Smarter Grid Solutions
Industry Case Studies on the Use of Video Monitoring in Responding to Physical Threats to the Electric Grid
EX4 [EO] [SM]
The Metcalf incident has focused the electric utility industry on the need to be proactive in protecting the electric grid
from physical threats. This presentation will provide an update on industry regulations and guidelines relating to
protecting the critical assets within a substation and will provide real world case studies of utilities using video
monitoring as a key component to address these threats. In addition, an update on the current state of technology
available is provided and solution architectures will be presented that address the specific needs of electric utilities.
Pino Porciello, President, Systems With Intelligence Inc.
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
TECHNO 2
Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) for Electric Distribution Cooperatives
EX1 [EO]
Conservation voltage reduction is growing in popularity among electric distribution cooperatives because it provides an
effective mechanism to reduce peak electrical demand and improve efficiency with no adverse impacts or sacrifices by
the members. This presentation will describe basic CVR principles, potential benefits, and practical (low cost) method to
implement CVR. The session will include a case study of how one electric distribution coop has used CVR for peak
demand reduction
Robert Uluski, P.E., VP, DA‐DMS, Utility Integration Solutions, Inc.
Rob Ardis, P.E., Chief Operating Officer, Pee Dee Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Loop Scheme Cuts Utility Customer Outage Duration
EX2 [EO]
For years an electric utility in the upper Midwest had been experiencing outages at their substations that would take out
a large number of customers. The utility knew that by using a new‐generation loop scheme it would be possible to back‐
feed many customers during an outage, but needed a way to implement that. The utility chose solid‐dielectric three‐
phase open bus‐tie vacuum breakers with integral voltage sensors on both inputs and outputs to remotely handle power
re‐routing. The result has been a reduction in outages by 34 minutes per customer.
Matthew Zawicki, Senior Marketing Specialist, G&W Electric Co.
Bill Barnhart, VP of Engineering and Operations, Hancock‐Wood
Michael LaBianco, Regional VP, Midwest, G&W Electric Co
Offering a Utility‐Driven Community Solar Solution with 100% Success
EX3 [EO] [IT] [SM]
The first of its kind in the U.S., this utility‐centric model retains ratepayers who are interested in solar; keeping them
grid‐connected while lowering their electricity bills and decreasing their carbon impact. Once a power purchase
agreement is negotiated, CEC maintains and monitors the facilities with proprietary software—which also credits
customers’ electric bills automatically, eliminating the burden to utility staff.
Bart Rupert, Chief Management Officer, Clean Energy Collective
Using Technology to Create the Cross‐disciplinary Worker
EX4 [EO] [IT] [SM]
The unification of field operations work is introducing a new level of complexity for the mobile workforce and is
demanding cross‐disciplinary workers who complete more diverse tasks in the field. To better support workers in this
environment, co‐ops can provide crews with sophisticated tools and workflows packaged in a single mobile solution.
Mobile technology can also help utilities retain the knowledge of retiring workers and transfer it to younger employees.
The session includes demos of future mobile technologies, such as safety timers using Google Glass.
Peter Millar, VP Product Development, Clevest
3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
TECHNO 3
Convergence of Information Technology and Operations Technology: Segmenting Responsibilities and Organizing for
Distribution Grid Modernization
EX1 [EO] [IT]
This presentation identifies the process owners for information technology and the process owners for operation
technology, the elements or work practices that will change as convergence of information and operation technology
occurs, and recommendations of roles and responsibilities for each group. A break down of purpose, connectivity
methods and process owners will be provided for both IT and OT functions. Examples of public power utilties involved in
this transition, and what they found successful and unsuccessful will be presented.
Doug Voda, MV Global Segment Leader Smart Grid, ABB
Building on what you have to improve reliability through DA
EX2 [EO] [IT]
The presentation will discuss DA programs for improving reliability and automating restoration. Utilities can use existing
AMI, OMS and SCADA to improve reliability by better integrating them and sharing information more effectively.
Utilities can use relay data to better understand afterward what caused an outage. And ultimately, as utilities look to
automate fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR), the session will discuss whether they would truly benefit from
an automated system and what will most impact the performance of the system, the capital cost and effort to
implement.
Jim Weikert, Lead Utility Automation Consultant, Power System Engineering
A Proactive Approach: Integration New Technology for a Reliable System
EX3 [IT] [SM]
Utilities like Northern Neck Electric Cooperative have been shifting from a reactive mindset to a more proactive
approach by implementing modernized staking, design and structure analysis tools. These new tools allow utilities to
identify locations on GIS maps, create staking sketches, access job details, determine the load and strength of locations
and ensure structures are complying with standards, all in effort to maintain a reliable system. This presentation will
discuss NNEC’s and other utilities’ experiences with integrating new technology solutions into their current design
platforms.
Chris Neale, GIS Administrator, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative
Tom Brandewie, Director, Business Services, SPIDA Software
David Shaw, Director of Business Development, Partner Software
Lessons Learned – 40 Years of Designing Cooperative Facilities
EX4 [EO] [IT] [SM]
Electric cooperatives are very unique in the way they utilize facilities. The purpose of this session is to give Cooperative
leaders the tools needed to complete a successful building campaign. Participants will learn the advantages and
disadvantages of several project delivery methods and how a design professional who understands cooperative can help
plan and design a highly‐functional facility. Finally we will discuss the top ten most often made mistakes encountered
during the planning, design and construction process of electric cooperative headquarters, warehouses and service
facilities.
Kent Hanebaum, Senior Vice President ‐ Director, A/E Division, Guernsey
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
LEARNING LABS 3
How to Implement a Pre‐Pay System
311A‐B [EO] [IT]
Prepay systems are being explored as a new customer payment option with AMI/ Smart Grid programs. We will discuss
how utilities have gone about preparing and implementing a prepay system. The following options for a pre‐pay system
will be discussed during the presentations:
• Will this be effective for my demographic?
• How Do I Run it?
• ACH/ Credit Cards/ Cash
• IVR/ Call Centers
• Kiosks
• Windows‐ Drive up or inside only
Dale Pennington, Managing Director, UtiliWorks Consulting, LLC.
A New Model for Substation Security
311C‐D [EO] [SM]
The recent discussions surrounding the April 2013 incident at the PG&E Metcalf substation has revived the historical
concerns surrounding critical infrastructure protection. The takeaway from this event is not that electric substations are
vulnerable to high powered rifle attack but that this known vulnerability has been exploited in what is reported to be a
well planned effort by a determined group of individuals. This has resulted in the NERC CIP‐014 standard specifically
addressing substation security.This presentation will present design models to meet the new standard.
Randall Nason, Vice President, Manager of Security Consulting, Guernsey
OMS & IVR Implementation: Elevating Customer Service & System Operations
311E‐F [EO] [IT]
VIWAPA has invested in infrastructure and technology to improve customer responsiveness and efficiently identify
outages and restore power. Last year, Milsoft Utility Solutions’ Outage Management System (OMS) and Interactive Voice
Response (IVR) were implemented to streamline customer outage response and improve system reliability. We will
share the successful management of the implementations over a five‐month period and will provide the current status
of the new OMS and IVR, the approach for implementation and integration with existing utility systems, and lessons
learned.
Keith Mullen, Managing Director, Distribution Planning & Analysis, Leidos
Improve Grid Reliability with Faster Field Response and Restoration
311G‐H [EO] [IT]
After deploying smart meters and AMI networks, utilities face a substantial increase in meter data. But unless it can be
turned into meaningful information, this data provides little value. Find out how Brunswick EMC is using technology to
access AMI information on blinks and other anomalies—and put it into visual context—to bridge the gap between
determining action in the control room and taking action in the field. This helps cooperatives make better data‐driven
decisions and increase the speed and efficiency of field response.
Robin Cairns, AMI, Clevest
EO IT SM
Cost‐Benefit Modeling Solar With the OMF
312A‐B [EO] [IT]
Solar PV is cheaper and more popular than ever before. NRECA has been working with three co‐ops, who are deploying
or are helping members deploy solar, to assess the costs and benefits of planned and existing systems. This session will
teach you how to use the software models that came out the projects as part of the Open Modeling Framework
(www.omf.coop). Focus will be on co‐op and member‐owned systems, financial analysis of deploying systems, and the
engineering impact on the distribution system.
Dave Pinney, Program Manager, NRECA
Doug Danley, Consultant, Renewable Energy, NRECA
Using Mobile Technology to Improve Operational Efficiency
312C [IT]
This is a case study outlining how Owen Electric Cooperative (KY) utilized the latest in mobile technology and a
helicopter to inspect their feeder network in record time. In this instance, Owen Electric Cooperative was preparing for
the NASCAR event that draws hundreds of thousands of people to their area. They flew at speeds of 40 mph and
altitudes of 200 ft all while using a mobile app created by GISbiz, Inc. to identify areas in need of maintenance. The
implications of this study are that other operational activities including storm damage assessment can be performed
using this process.
Brandon Fyffe, Business Developoment, GISbiz, Inc.
Rusty Williams, Senior VP of Technology and Operations, Owen Electric Cooperative
Babu Krishnasamy, President/CEO, GISbiz, Inc.
Long‐Term Packet Capture and Analysis in Critical Infrastructures
310A‐B [EO] [IT]
The presentation will move through a case study of an implementation of long‐term packet capture and show how the
value evolved from a tool to aid with intrusion analysis into a tool to address operational failures, situational awareness,
incident response, and 360 degree post‐mortem capabilities. Specific examples will be used to facilitate the discussion.
We will discuss how this technology was used to reduce noise by identifying high‐intensity, low‐impact operational
events which in turn better facilitated intrusion and anomaly monitoring in a control system environment.
Michael Meason, Manager, Technical Services, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative
Contract Basics: Demystifying Contract Legalese
309A‐B [SM]
Wonder what obscure contract terms such as indemnification, limitation of liability, and representations and warranties
really mean? This session will demystify those terms and other contract legalese, preparing you to hold your own
against the fiercest negotiators. After this intense session, you’ll never look at contracts the same way again.
Stephen Guth, VP Vendor Management, Citizens Property Insurance Company
Value Analysis: Quest for the Best in Cost and Function
313 [SM]
Many naïve purchasers as well as others seem to assume that once a contract is accepted by a supplier their worries are
over. However, only 16% of all major contracts are completed either on‐time and within budget. With this said not only
do we need to better manage our transactions but we need to mitigate risks associated with any and all such endeavors.
This session will highlight about four to five common areas we see issues with; inventory management, contracts,
supplier qualifications, disaster recovery and how best to control these risks to be successful in our plans.
William D. Agee, CPM, CEM, CMN, CPE, CPP, CPIM, SSBB, President, William D. Agee & Associates
9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LEARNING LABS 4
Do You Need a Business Case for Demand Side Management?
311A‐B [EO]
Co‐ops differ drastically in their approach to Demand Side Management. What are the short and long term impacts of
these different approaches on co‐ops and the communities they serve? How could different approaches affect
wholesale power costs and retail rates? How will they affect member satisfaction? How does rate design constrain the
selection and effectiveness of DSM strategies? Four experts, three of them from leading co‐ops, explain their
experience and perspective on an issue that is growing in importance as the Clean Power Plan is debated.
Patrick Keegan, CEO/Owner, Collaborative Efficiency
Scott Drake, Manager of Technical Services, East Kentucky Power Cooperative
Eddie Webster, Demand Response and Emerging Technologies Lead, Great River Energy
Cameron Smallwood, Chief Operating Officer, United Cooperative Services
Do the Math and Build an IT‐Finance Partnership
311C‐D [IT] [SM]
Do you know what your cooperative’s approach to finance is? Do you know what the true Business Benefits are for your
proposed IT project(s)? Do you speak the same language that Finance does?
Join us for a session on how to build a credible business case and calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) for your next
IT project. Learn how to develop your IT project proposal so that it “speaks” to the folks in Finance. Convince your
partners in Finance by including a thorough business risk assessment and any “soft” benefits that might need to be
counted too.
Once you win the dollars to tackle your project, you will need to learn how to prepare a financial report on your results
and, most importantly, how to conduct a financial performance assessment to measure the project’s ROI.
Tom Dawson, Controller ‐ IT, Finance Corporate Accounting, NRECA
Impacts and Implementation: NERC Reliability Standards, Compliance Initiatives, and Regulatory Activities
311E‐F [EO]
This session will focus on the impacts and the implementation of North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)
Reliability Assurance Compliance and Enforcement Program and Risk Based Registration. An overview of several
standards will be provided including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP or cyber security), Geomagnetic
Disturbances(GMD) and Communication Protocol standards.
Patti Metro, Manager, Transmission & Reliability Standards, Energy & Power Division, NRECA
Barry Lawson, Associate Director, Power Delivery & Reliability, Government Relations, NRECA
Emerging Approaches for Continuous Network Monitoring for Cyber Security
312A‐B [EO] [IT]
Cyber‐attacks have increased in volume and sophistication. How to keep your networks secure? More and more the
industry is looking at continuous monitoring, where applications watch activity throughout the network for signs of
incursion. This session presents three approaches to continuous monitoring‐‐two commercially available options, and
one research project under way at CRN‐‐and explains how continuous monitoring can help protect both customer data
and sensitive control systems. Q&A will include co‐ops who have used these approaches.
Maurice Martin, Program Manager, Cooperative Research Network, NRECA
Matthew Sweeney, Research Program Manager and Architect, SRC In.
Scott Dinnage, Senior Cyber Security Consultant, Team Manager, N‐Dimension Solutions Inc.
Craig Miller, Chief Scientist, NRECA
Data Analytics: What You Don't Know Can Help You
312C [IT]
Data analytics delivers the business value of utility communications networks (like AMI and SCADA) by providing
intelligence and actionable insights to utilities. However, many utilities are losing out by treating these networks as over‐
glorified meter reading and switch control systems. This panel will discuss how utilities quickly found low hanging fruit –
and the long‐term opportunities – that are driving down operational costs and improving their service, reliability and
financial performance.
Alicia Massey, Marketing Communications Manager, Sensus
Brian Crow, CEO, Verdeeco Inc./Sensus
How to Make Your Contact Center PCI Compliant
310A‐B [IT]
PCI compliance is a hot topic for coops and there is a great deal of misinformation on this subject. It’s possible to be PCI
compliant with your customer service reps (CSRs) taking credit card info over the phone if you choose. Or, if you don’t
want your CSRs taking credit card calls there are other options. At this presentation you will learn about what being PCI
compliant really means, what’s required if you want your CSRs to handle credit cards, the variety of tools
(software/hardware) that are available to ensure compliance and what some coops have done or are doing to be PCI
compliant.
Paul Thompson, Vice President of Administration/CFO, Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC)
Ethical Concerns and Opportunities in Purchasing
309A‐B [SM]
We are all born with a moral compass. However, with the temptations of life as well as the challenging situations we
face in our professional purchasing and management careers. This sessions talks about how we keep our compass
pointing in an acceptable manner and what we need to do for our organizations since we represent them as the public
face. This session will discuss some of the temptations as well as well as ways to both avoid the temptation and types of
repercussions should you stray to the dark side.
William D. Agee, CPM, CEM, CMN, CPE, CPP, CPIM, SSBB, President, William D. Agee & Associates
Benchmarks ‐ Measure What you Manage
313 [SM]
This course will cover benchmarks and key performance indicators and how they can be used to influence pricing
negotiations as well as purchase decisions. Discussion topics will include benchmarks and ratios which are designed to
influence the cooperatives purchasing and warehousing decisions.
Robert Sherman, Senior Manager of Procurement and Facilities, United Cooperative Services, Inc.
TECHNOVATION SESSIONS – ALL CLASSROOMS IN THE EXPO HALL
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
TECHNO 4
Using the cloud to power your MDM, AMI & DA software solutions
EX1 [IT]
Utilismart will present a User Case Scenario with their customer Essex Powerlines to demonstrate how to use the cloud
to power your MDM, AMI & DA. SmartMAP has been designed with end‐use electricity customers as a number one
priority. This comprehensive solution gives utilities useful insight into the state of their system, and extends this
information into an Outage Management System, Customer Energy Reports, Web portals, Asset Management tools and
Engineering Analysis giving utilities the power to effectively perform all these tasks in one application.
Lyndsay Terzis, Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Utilismart Corporation
Gary Moody, VP Sales & Marketing, Utilismart Corporation
David Kidd, D.E.S.S. Manager, Essex Powerlines
Use of Aerial Saw on ROWs
EX2 [EO]
Aerial saws are devices suspended under a helicopter with multiple cutting blades that trim trees along the edge of
rights‐of‐way to enhance service reliability. Information will be provided so that members can evaluate the economics,
safety, and reliability benefits of using an aerial saw for ROW clearing. There are currently three major companies that
offer this service in the U. S. and contact information will be provided in order to avoid commercialism for any one
company.
Lynn Grayson, Marketing Manager, Aerial Solutions, Inc.
Ben Cash, VP of Operations, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
A Technology Whose Time Has Come
EX3 [EO] [IT]
Cellular AMI provides high value metering applications for ultra‐low latency and ultra‐high bandwidth. Learn how Great
Lakes Energy incorporated cellular AMI and continues to realize the benefits which include ease of deployment, security
of the network, and cost savings.
Dave Hickman, Manager, Distribution Systems Technology, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative
Mark Thompson, Vice President of Strategic Development, Aclara
Process Redesign: The Marriage of Technology and Processes
EX4 [EO] [IT] [SM]
This presentation will explain how important it is to review your current processes and the impact a new technology will
have your current business processes and the organization. We will explore how detailed the new process design needs
to be, and how to incorporate the technological impacts into the process redesign. We will also share how data, and the
management of data, must be a part of your process analysis and design. We will also explore how technology can
impact an organizational structure and how to gain acceptance of the new technology in your organization.
Mark Johnson, Principal Consultant, Excergy Corp.
1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
TECHNO 5
Have Cyber‐Attacks Already Compromised your Reliability and Revenue?
EX1 [EO] [IT]
This session examines the results of a three month cyber security monitoring initiative involving NRECA member utilities.
The program was developed in consultation with NRECA and cooperative utility personnel. This study is unique because
the data was collected using a monitoring technology placed behind the firewalls of cooperatives. This initiative
transcends the media hype around cyber security and examines the threats confronting the cooperative electric
community.
Lou Carmellini, CMO, N‐Dimension Solutions, Inc.
Scott Dinnage, Senior Cyber Security Consultant ‐ Team Manager ‐ Solutions Group, N‐Dimension Solutions Inc.
Cloud‐based SCADA, Removing Implementation and Deployment Barriers
EX2 [EO] [IT]
Small utilities have historically struggled with deploying new SCADA technologies due to high initial capital investment
costs, large staffing commitments, and challenging learning curves. With cloud‐based SCADA solutions, every size utility,
staffing, and budget can realize the benefits of SCADA technology, such as increased reliability, decreased field
maintenance costs, and a platform for future growth and technology. Additionally, today’s technology allows for full
deployment of these solutions while addressing common industry concerns, such as high‐availability, access, and
security.
Liam Kearns, Solutions Engineer, Open Systems International, Inc.
Optimal Network Infrastructure Design for Power Utility Substation Security, Automation & Maintenance
EX3 [IT]
The intent of the presentation is to provide working knowledge of networking technologies available for substation
automation. This session will provide insight on currently available networking technologies, key features to look for
when purchasing network equipment, methods to use to ensure performance and reliability of network
communications, and the effect of NERC/CIP regulations on network communications, security, event monitoring and
recording. Some specific networking examples will be covered in the session.
Tony LeFebvre, Director Product Management, Transition Networks
Jon Ragan, Director Product Marketing, Transition Networks
Purchasing and Supply Chain Roundtable ‐ Exploring Challenges and Solutions
EX4 [SM]
Don’t miss this opportunity to listen in on and share valuable perspectives on critical purchasing and supply chain issues
facing G&T and Distribution cooperatives. Two half‐day sessions of roundtables will explore topics such as strategic
sourcing, mitigating supply chain risk, RUS requirements, and facility security in an environment that promotes an open
and honest exchange of ideas. Discussions will be facilitated by ISM‐CU, the Cooperative Utilities affiliate of the Institute
for Supply Management. All conference attendees welcome.
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TECHNO 6
Realizing Performance Enhancements with Network Security
EX1 [IT]
Network Architecture can play a significant role in the security and performance of your communications network.
Utilities that do not design for these when deploying networks often are disappointed in the result. As corporate and
control networks co‐exist on the same links, these designs become more important. Having a well‐designed network
can facilitate the traffic shaping and performance tuning for latency sensitive applications or low bandwidth congested
data links while providing important security measures.
Jeff Simdon, Lead Consultant ‐ Security and IT, Power System Engineering
Predicting Loads and Bills for Residential Members
EX2 [EO]
As utilities have begun to store their grid data, they have begun to leverage this data in new ways. Brad Molander from
NISC will be sharing results from research project that involved predicting residential loads with incredible accuracy.
Using industry standard CBL calculations a team of computer scientists and mathematics students built an analytical
layer on top of traditional processes. This session will walk attendees through the process and promote an open
discussion on how these algorithms can be leveraged in the future.
Brad Molander, Technology Evangelist, NISC
Smart Voltage Reduction
EX3 [EO]
This session provides an overview of a Smart Voltage Reduction system algorithm that allows maximum percentage of
voltage reduction without reducing bandwidth or entering multiple levels plus the following benefits. This system allows
the user the ability to remotely change the percentage of reduction without changing any hardware. A second benefit is
in faster response time. A third benefit is that there is verification that the control is in reduction mode.
David Aldrich, Application & Sales Manager, Beckwith Electric Company
Effective Utility Vegetation Management through Application Software
EX4 [EO IT SM]
It can be difficult to decide exactly how to proceed with your vegetation management program with the number of cost
drivers on your system. Weather patterns in recent years have been outside what is considered normal and have tested
electrical systems. Unprecedented rains had a direct, negative impact on the amount of regrowth experienced by North
Carolina’s Union Power Cooperative. To help deal with increasing expense, Union adopted new tools that provide data
intelligence needed to manage its vegetation management program more effectively.
Tim Lawyer, Business Development Manager, ACRT, Inc.
Wil Ortiz, Manager, Vegetation Management, Union Power Cooperative
3:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
TECHNICAL GENERAL SESSIONS
Convergence of the Smart Grid with the Internet of Things
311A‐D [IT] [EO] [SM]
The electric utility grid is transforming from a few, large loosely connected, centrally monitored and controlled grids to
many, smaller networks with distributed generation, monitoring, and control. Distribution utilities will face monitoring
and managing orders of magnitude more devices and systems Meanwhile, the Internet of Things steadily grows more
ubiquitous, powerful and secure. The purpose of this webinar is to discuss why and how the production and utilization
of electric energy will ever more rapidly become inseparable and even indistinguishable from the Internet of Things.
Steven Collier, Director, Smart Grid Strategies, Milsoft Utility Solutions
Cyber Security Strategies: Procurement, Benchmarking, and Best Practices
311E‐H [IT] [EO] [SM]
An effective cyber security program requires the participation of the entire organization‐‐not just the IT department.
Find out how RFPs and procument processes can improve cyber security, and also how your co‐op can draw on industry‐
wide research to improve its cyber security posture.
Annabelle Lee, EPRI
Rebecca Massello, Program Manager, Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure, Energetics Incorporated
Evgeny Lebanidze, Senior Consultant, Cigital
PV Any Way it Comes At You!
312A‐C [EO] [IT]
Solar at co‐ops can show up in many flavors, from small residential systems to megawatt‐scale generation plant. This
session will provide a co‐op centric view of solar projects at three scales: residential rooftop, community solar and
utility‐scale solar. CRN staff and co‐op executives will discuss real and projected projects and share experiences.
Doug Danley, Contractor ‐ Principle Investigator, CRN, NRECA
Gary Lemay, Renewable Energy Engineer, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative
Peter Muhoro, Director, Energy Research and Strategies, Pedernales Electric Co‐op, Inc.
25 x 25: Economic Development and Challenges of Renewables
309‐310 [EO] [IT]
25 x 25 = 25% of energy from renewable resources by the year 2025. Energy for Economic Growth (EEG) is a program
NRECA has been supporting for almost a decade through the 25x25 Initiative. The program has developed case studies
and initiated conversations with cooperative leaders around innovative renewable energy business models and
strategies RECs can deploy in communities to stimulate economic development.
3 coop executives will lead a discussion of the technical, financial, cultural barriers they faced during the successful
deployment of their renewable projects that include wind, solar, and biomass ventures from both a G&T and
distribution coop’s perspective. The session will also highlight the success of the EEG program to date, and provide
information on how this program can be a resource to their coops.
Ernie Shea, Project Coordinator,
Bryan Wasjbirm, CEO, Jasper County REMC
Warren McKenna, CEO, Farmers Electric Cooperative
Greg Wagoner, VP, Business Development, Wabash Valley Power Association, Inc.
Influencing Industry Standards: Why It's Important to be at the Table
309 A‐B [EO]
Many different Standards affect our industry and all are updated at various times. Learn about key Standards bodies that
NRECA and volunteers from the membership are involved with. Hear examples of how standard affect your work and
costs, and how we can influence the process.
Robert Harris, Principle, Transmission & Distribution Engineer, NRECA
Norris Nicholson, Chair, Technical Standards Committee "A", RUS
Keith Dennis, Senior Principal, End‐Use Solutions and Standards, NRECA
Patti Metro, Manager, Transmission & Reliability Standards, Energy & Power Division, NRECA
Supply Management General Session/ ISM‐CU Annual Meeting and Reception
313 [SM]
ISM‐CU is dedicated to the training, education and professional development of co‐op supply professionals. During this
Year’s ISM‐CU Annual Meeting, we will hear from Carl Briggs, PhD., Director, Supply Chain Academy, Indiana University
Kelley School of Business.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
LEARNING LABS 5
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Demand Management Strategies for High Impact C&I Accounts
311A‐B [EO][IT]
Like many other coops, IREC was faced with the need to upgrade existing PLC with a cost‐effective, yet high performance
network. Driven by the need to automate and implement demand management to meet the challenges of rising costs, it
chose a hybrid RF overlay solution to serve as the backbone for sophisticated pricing incentives and agricultural load
shedding programs. Granular smart meter data ensures that IREC can quickly and selectively trigger curtailment events
to farms, minimizing the impact of disruption to any single farm while effectively shaving peak and avoiding excess
charges.
Laura Wright, Marketing Communications Manager, Tantalus
Sean Middleton, Manager of Engineering, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Dermot O'Leary, COO, Tantalus
Transformer Dilemma in Today's Substations
311C‐D [EO]
What is the Transformer Dilemma? Over the past several decades, the expansion of power consumption has been
unprecedented globally with the additions of several transformers to the expanding global grid. Significant industrial
growth happened in the 1950’s and beyond. Power consumption continues to grow on the average 3‐5% per year
globally. Transformers fail for various reasons before their expected life, and those that make it to 40 years survive on
“borrowed time” beyond that point.
Jeff Golarz, Director, T&D Solutions ‐ SmartDGA, LumaSense Technology
Managing What you Measure: Leverage the Power of the Balanced Performance Scorecard 311E‐F [EO SM] You’ve heard it said many times; you can’t manage what you don’t measure. However, no one tells you how to manage what you measure. Touchstone’s Balanced Performance Scorecard is a valuable benchmarking tool that can help you benchmark your Cooperative’s performance against your peers. Tim, Henry and Tony will discuss how to leverage the Balanced Performance Scorecard to improve performance. You will leave this discussion with actionable methods you can put to use immediately to help improve performance.
Tim Sullivan, Senior Director, Business Development, Touchstone Energy, NRECA
Henry Cano, Senior Principal, National Consulting Group, NRECA
Tony Thomas, Principal Engineer, Distribution and Engineering Operations, NRECA
Wireless Technology and Trends in Distribution Automation, SCADA, and Substation Communications 311G‐H [EO IT]
Automation of distribution applications in the power grid can streamline operations, improve grid efficiency, and
provide measurable benefit to the end user. Wireless communication technology can be a secure, reliable, and cost
effective solution for distribution automation. In this session we will explore emerging technologies and trends in
wireless technology and their application in distribution automation as well as substation communication and SCADA.
Both broadband and narrowband wireless technologies will be addressed. Considerations on how to best select, design,
and implement the right wireless technology will be explored.
Cloud Computing vs Enterprise Architecture
312A‐B [IT]
Cloud Computing these days is a nebulous term. Selecting and then leveraging a cloud environment can be very
challenging. This session will help educate utility employees on various types of cloud computing environments and help
them better position themselves to leverage distributed computing for their modern needs. Sensor data is all around us,
ensuring your data can be kept for years to come is essential to preparing for tomorrow's SmartGrid. Inspecting this
data, looking for undesired patterns and getting your staff engaged will help you be more proactive in your enterprise.
Brad Molander, Technology Evangelist, NISC
G&T Driven DSM While Leveraging The Distribution Co‐ops AMI
312C [EO] [IT]
For many years, G&Ts and many distribution co‐ops have offered a one‐way load management program. Many of these
one‐way LM systems are aging and/or exist with failure rates exceeding 20%. Software residing at the G&T can now
communicate with member’s AMI or use cellular to operate a Load Control program. This session will review the
software, business model, costs, risks, pros, cons and vendor availability for this type of business model that leveraging
the two‐way AMI of the members. This is now classified as a Demand Response Management System (DRMS).
Rick Schmidt, Vice President ‐ Utility Automation and Communications, Power system Engineering Inc (PSE)
What’s Your Cooperative's Digital Strategy and Do You Need the DAM System?
310A‐B [IT]
Is your cooperative struggling to get their digital strategy articulated and technology needs planned for? Does your
cooperative have a digital strategy in place? Is there a document that you can point to as your roadmap for technology
implementation? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then this session has been designed for you.
Rick Petty, CEO, Logan County Electric Cooperative
Solar Energy Procurement in Your Co‐op
309A‐B [SM]
Overview of Solar Energy Utility Scale Components, Purchasing Experience, and SUNDA (Solar Utility Network
Deployment Acceleration) tools and information. Learn about terminology and what to include in solar energy
equipment quotations including photovoltaic (PV) modules, inverters and racking quotes. A list of some of the main
suppliers of utility scale solar energy equipment will be provided.
Dale Bartholomew, Contracts Representative, NRECA
Doug Danley, Contractor ‐ Principle Investigator, CRN, NRECA
Vendor Relationship Management: Getting What You Paid For (and More)
313 [SM]
Just managing contracts isn’t enough these days: vendor relationships need to be actively managed to get what you paid
for and to attain beyond‐the‐contract value. Learn how to optimize vendor relationships and stand‐up a robust vendor
management program that spans from pre‐award due diligence to vendor classification to vendor governance
guidelines.
Stephen Guth, VP Vendor Management, Citizens Property Insurance Company
LEARNING LABS 6
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Utilities + Telcos: The New Breed of Utility
311A‐B [EO][IT]
The benefits of fiber‐enabled Smart Grid and media services have many coops wondering how to sign up. Ninestar will
share its experiences as one of the first electric coops to merge with a telco to implement Triple Play + Smart Grid
functionality with a positive business case. By combining utility/telco resources, they reduced the cost and complexity of
the deployment, successfully justified the cost of fiber, and leveraged new revenue streams to help fund the project.
Laura Wright, Marketing Communications Manager, Tantalus
Jarrod Beeson, Director of Switching & Special Projects, Ninestar Connect
Dermot O'Leary, COO, Tantalus
Verification of ANSI O5.1 Strength Values Through Destructive Testing
311C‐D [EO] [IT]
The presentation will provided insight into the changing resource base used for the production of Southern Pine utility
poles. Poles from across the production range were destructively tested in bending following the procedures of ASTM
D1036. This data will describe horizontal deflection, longitudinal movement of load point, MOE & MOR. The data will be
compared against origin of material, constituents of wood materials, and recorded strength targets as set by ANSI o5.1.
Kevin Ragon, Executive VP, North American Wood Pole Council
Rubin Shmulsky, Department Head / Professor, Mississippi State Department of Sustainable Bioproducts
21st Century DG: Impact on Power Planning & Co‐op Policies
311E‐F [EO]
As Distributed Generation (DG) project barriers continue to crumble, solar, wind, and CHP installations will propagate
across co‐op distribution grids. Co‐op’s need to model DG’s impact on their financial budgets, incorporate DG into
transmission‐dependent generation planning, and update Bi‐laws and Regulations so constituents have a comprehensive
understanding of their responsibilities when deploying DG. This changing landscape requires G&T’s to coordinate with
distributors as demand response, DG, paper assets, and hard assets are integrated to provide affordable and reliable
power.
Dean Moretton, Director, Kankakee Valley REMC
Scott Thompson, Vice President of Business Development & Customer Service, ACES Power Marketing
Navigating the backbone telecommunications fiber versus microwave business case decision tree
311G‐H
As utilities expand smart grid programs and applications throughout their service territory, more robust backbone
circuits have become necessary for these new programs. There is a growing trend for utilities to deploy more fiber optics
for backbone upgrades or green‐field installations. This presentation studies methodologies to assess the benefits of
fiber optics versus microwave backbone deployment options using the latest in GIS and system propagation tools. It also
benchmarks proven costing exercises to determine the best system design for future backbone deployments.
Charles Plummer, Director of Communications Infrastructure, Power System Engineering
Craig Turner, Engineering Services Manager, Dakota Electric Association
Think Strategically, Speak Strategically
312A‐B [IT]
An organization’s successful execution and measurement of its strategy is one of the biggest keys to improving Member
satisfaction and increasing organizational effectiveness. Join us in this session for a discussion on making sure your IT
strategy becomes an integral part of your organization’s overall business strategy.
Doug Wilson, Chief Information Officer, Powder River Energy Corp.
Facing the Challenges of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Operations Head On 310A‐B [DESCRIPTION TO COME]
Mike Casper, Senior Principle, Generation and Fuels, Business & Technology Strategies, NRECA Jeff Triplett, PE, Utility System Consultant, Power System Engineering
The Ins and Outs of Purchasing for the New Buyer
309A‐B [SM]
Whether you’re new to a purchasing role or just finding yourself occasionally dabbling as a buyer, this session will give
you the insights and best practices needed to better manage the purchasing process. You’ll walk away with a better
understanding of industry tools and resources and the confidence to effectively incorporate them into your work
processes.
Chris Cady, Manager, Supply Chain & Facilites, Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Finding Value through Vendor Alliances
313 [SM]
An alliance strategy needs to reflect the business goals of your cooperative. Fundamental questions include, “What do
we want to achieve from an alliance?” and “What, if any, type of alliance will help us best get there?” To answer these
questions, this session will examine the various approaches to and types of alliances, as well as their advantages and
potential downsides of various.
Irene Marnell, Senior Director, Contracts Administration, NRECA
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
LEARNING LABS 7
Grid Resilience: Business Continuity, the Step after Developing an Emergency Response Plan
311A‐B [EO] [IT] [SM]
Create an environment of business resiliency that goes beyond recovery to ensure your business continues. Resilience is
the ability to bounce back quickly from damage, failure, and disruption of any kind. Below are the highlights that will be
discussed during this session: Transition from line management to crisis leadership Understand the crisis management
roles and responsibilities Clearly communicate expectations to all stake holders Implementing Change Management
Strategic planning = Business Continuity Secure your whole organization, not just your data and networks
Dennis Rose, Director ‐ Business Continuity / Disaster Recovery, CHR Solutions
Developing a Customer Engagement Strategy
311C‐D [EO] [IT] [SM]
Member needs are very diverse regarding the different types of energy related products and services desired. Various
forms of competition have entered the co‐op market. Some customers want new types of home automation from
energy management lighting to security. Others prefer new rates and DSM programs to reduce their bills. Some want
pre‐pay. In some cases, solar PV is desired. This session will provide guidance and take‐a‐ways on approaches, tips and
tools for developing an appropriate customer engagement program for your co‐op.
Rick Schmidt, Vice President ‐ Utility Automation and Communications, Power System Engineering (PSE)
Developing Trends in Distributed Energy Resources
311E‐F [EO]
The purpose of this presentation is to describe how Distributed Energy Resources can be included in the electric utility
smart grid plans to improve performance. David will present methods to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of various
implementation options and provide a basis for deciding how to optimize the deployment of a network that would
achieve targeted goals for the energy sector. Through analytic approaches, David will delineate alternative technology
paths to the completion of a smart grid system and provide methods for cost justifying the implementation of particular
applications.
David Shpigler, Principcal, UtiliWorks Consulting, LLC.
Solar PV: Engineering and Business Models
311G‐H [EO] [SM]
The goal of the DOE Sunshot funded SUNDA project is to make it easier and cheaper for coops to own large scale PV
systems by developing "standardized" utility owned PV systems. This session will review the results of the first year,
discussing the latest financial models and equipment costs we are seeing in this project.
Andrew Cotter, Program Manager, CRN , NRECA
Krishna Murthy, Vice President, Energy and Industry Analysis, CFC
IT Peer‐to‐Peer
313 [IT]
Join us at the peer‐to‐peer session for a panel led discussion on products/tools that IT folks are finding useful (especially
those in the open source and freeware/shareware categories). Learn more about freeware, open source code, and
mobile apps that have been found useful in cooperative & mobile applications. Bring your own scenarios to join in on
the lively discussion.
We will have several laptops, with overhead projection and operators to go online and capture the link information to
put into an MS word document for later distribution among session participants.
Mike Hyde, Manager, IT, Northern, Neck Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Rising to the Challenge of Integrating Renewable Resources into Cooperative Portfolios
310A‐B [EO]
Electric Cooperatives play important roles in improving the energy security posture of the United States. One of the
roles is sharing their experiences of adding renewable energy generation into the grid and then, based on the
experiences, making sound infrastructure and operational investments that result in more reliable and cost‐effective
power generation from all energy resources. This panel, which includes past Wind Cooperative of the Year Award
winners, will discuss their knowledge and experience in adding renewable energy to utility portfolios. The panel will also
address future plans and needs to add more fast start generation, increase renewable energy use, control bottom line
cost, and improve overall grid reliability.
Mike Casper, Senior Principle, Generation and Fuels, Business & Technology Strategies
Sean Middleton, Manager of Engineering, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Charlie Smith, CEO, Utility Variable Generation Integration Group
Scott Williams, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative
Vendor Discounts – What You Don’t Know Could Cost You and Your Co‐op
309A‐B [SM]
NAPA, WEX, Case, Vermeer, Kubota, Caterpillar – these are just a few of the new, deep‐discount purchasing
opportunities being delivered through The National Discounts Program. Join this session and learn how you can
maximize your personal and business cost savings.
Dale Bartholomew, Contracts Representative, NRECA
Volt-VAR Optimization: Innovative Deployments and Research Results
Palmetto Electric Co-op has seen striking results and benefits from its Volt-VAR Optimization system. NEETRAC, the research lab affiliated with Georgia Tech, was the co-op’s research partner in the deployment. Hear about Palmetto’s work, and what it took to accomplish. Also hear the latest about a new, open-source planning tool developed by the Cooperative Research Network through the Smart Grid Demonstration Project.
Wil Saleeby, Vice President of Engineering, Palmetto Electric Cooperative Inc.Yamille Del Valle, Research Engineer, Georgia Institute of Technology - NEETRACDavid Pinney, Lead Software Engineer, NRECA Cooperative Research Network
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