About the Topic

Electric utilities have been heavily investing to modernize their distribution grids, from deploying advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to implementing advanced distribution management systems (ADMS). These major investments need to be carefully planned out, typically starting with high-level activities such as use case prioritization, business case development, technology roadmapping, and vendor assessments.

For many utilities, the next major investment in their distribution control centers will be the deployment of a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS), an operational platform which will not only enhance grid safety and reliability, but also help unlock untapped potential of DER (like smart appliances, rooftop solar, distributed batteries, and electric vehicles).

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Topics will include:

• DERMS solution architecture
• Key use cases and functionalities delivered by DERMS
• Early case studies for utilities implementing a DERMS solution
• Panel discussion to learn about the DER management roadmaps for National Grid and SCE

About the Speaker

Brad Cobb is a Senior Manager in EY's Power & Utilities Digital Grid practice. He has 15 years of utility experience spanning Energy Management Systems (EMS), Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and Demand Response Management Systems (DRMS). His focus area is helping utilities adopt emerging DERMS and grid edge management technologies during the recent period of energy transition to a cleaner, more localized, model of energy service and delivery.

About the Panelists

Brenden Russell brings 20 years of utility experience to his current role as the Principal Manager of Technology Strategy at Southern California Edison (SCE).

Prior to this role, Brenden led SCE's Grid Management System (GMS) program, under which new digital technologies and operational analytics are implemented into grid operations in support of SCE's Clean Power and Electrification pathway vision. Prior to his relocation to the US in 2011, Brenden worked for Endeavour Energy (electric utility is NSW, Australia) where he gained extensive knowledge and experience in utility operations, engineering, system planning and construction.

Brenden graduated with honors from the University of Wollongong, Australia with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineer with specialization in Power Systems. He is currently a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California and recently graduated with an MBA from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

Samer Arafa is a principal engineer in the Grid of the Future team at National Grid US.

Samer is currently engaged on NG's DERMS Implementation in Massachusetts (MA). He recently led the company’s Grid Modernization strategy for MA and supports multiple projects exploring the electric grid’s future technology needs.

Samer graduated from Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2006 with a BSEE and earned a MSEE from Northeastern University in 2011. holds a M.B.A from UMASS. Samer is also a licensed PE in MA, a certified PMP and a certified Agile scrum master.

About the Audience

This forum is targeted at all utility members working on DER management efforts, from grid planners to control room engineers and IT professionals. This may include anyone who:

• Engages regulatory entities on DER-related topics
• Prepares business cases for grid modernization investments, like ADMS and DERMS
• Works on planning and/or implementing those grid modernization investments
• Plans, designs and/or implements DER interconnections
• Plans, designs and/or implement customer programs
• Works on the operational coordination of DER for wholesale market participation (FERC Order 2222)