The transition toward renewable energy sources necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of grid infrastructure and operational strategies. A panel of utility industry experts from Eversource, PSEG New Jersey, National Grid, and Arizona Public Service will share challenges with integrating renewables and modernizing their grids to accommodate evolving consumer demands and technological advancements.

Topics to be discussed include:

• The intermittency of renewable energy sources and the grid stability and reliability complexities they bring 
• Advanced forecasting, energy storage solutions, and demand-side management strategies
• Coordinating diverse DER assets, including rooftop solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle chargers
• Communication and control frameworks to optimize resource use and mitigate grid congestion
• Grid infrastructure upgrades needed to accommodate bi-directional power flows and enhance grid resilience, such as smart grid technologies, grid-scale energy storage systems, and intelligent grid monitoring and control systems capable of real-time situational awareness and adaptive response.
• Lagging regulatory frameworks pose challenges for utilities seeking to incentivize renewable integration and grid modernization investments
• Cybersecurity concerns related to interconnected smart grids

Ultimately, the session will foster the dialog needed to advance the inclusion of renewables in electric utility portfolios.