ATX AGENDA & SPEAKERS

The GridNEXT ATX forum will bring together utilities, transmission operators, regulators, developers, consultants, and technology providers to:

• Examine the current state of transmission infrastructure.

• Identify key challenges related to expanding and modernizing the grid.

• Share practical solutions for transmission bottlenecks.

• Encourage collaboration between stakeholders to align policy, technology, and planning.

• Develop actionable ideas for transmission expansion and integration of clean energy sources.

Attendees Should Expect

Expert Insights and Strategic Vision

• Keynotes from ERCOT and the Texas PUC will provide top-level insights into the future of the grid and regulatory direction.

• Attendees will hear about ERCOT's approach to grid expansion, planning, and weatherization.

Technical and Policy-Focused Panel Discussions

Panels will cover:

• State of the Grid and readiness for the energy transition.

• Transmission bottlenecks and practical solutions.

• Integrated resource planning that aligns generation and transmission.

• Digitization of energy services, including AI and data-driven grid operations.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

• The Roundtable Lunch will offer hands-on engagement. Participants will join topic-focused working groups (e.g., policy, technology, interconnection reform) to produce concrete recommendations or partnership ideas.

Networking and Industry Dialogue

• Moderated discussions led by Electric Power Engineers (EPE) and contributions from industry leaders like NextEra, SPP, Oncor, RWE, and others create a collaborative environment for both strategic thinkers and technical experts.

Plus, Professional Engineering (PE) credits along the way!

9AM - Welcome Remarks

Stephanie Badr

CEO, Electric Power Engineers

9:15AM - Keynote: ERCOT's Vision for Transmission Expansion

Kristi Hobbs

Vice President, System Planning and Weatherization, ERCOT

9:45AM - State of Transmission and Are We Ready

In this discussion, panelists will address the current and future state of electric power transmission infrastructure, particularly in the context of the energy transition (e.g., renewables integration, electrification, and resilience)

Moderator:

Tamer Rousan

Executive Vice President, Utilities, Transmission, and Distribution, Electric Power Engineers

Speakers:

Matt Pawlowski

Vice President, Development and Planning, NextEra Transmission

Casey Cathey

Vice President of Engineering, Southwest Power Pool

Eithar Nashawati, PE, PhD

Senior Director of Asset Planning, Oncor

11AM - Overcoming Transmission Bottlenecks — Challenges & Solutions

In this discussion, the panelists will identify and focus on the key causes of transmission constraints and explore actionable strategies to resolve them. In the context of integrating clean energy, expanding electrification, and modernizing the grid, attendees will find this discussion informative and inspiring to work together to provide sustainable energy to meet our future needs.

Moderator:

Billy Yancey

Vice President, Technical Services and Compliance, EPE

Kenneth A. Donohoo

Principal, Owl Electric Reliability Consulting

Abdul Ardate

Director of Transmission & Interconnection, EDP Renewables

12PM - Roundtable Lunch - From Insights to Actions

Facilitated working tables organized by topic (policy, technology, interconnection reform, regional coordination).

Goal: Each table produces one actionable idea or partnership opportunity. We will then work to select one of those actionable ideas to drive them for the next 12 months.

2PM - Power for Texas: Reliability for the Future

Kathleen Jackson P.E.

Commissioner, Texas Public Utilities Commission

2:30PM - Integrated Resource Planning — Aligning Generation, Load and Transmission

In this conversation, panelists will focus on how to coordinate long-term energy generation planning (e.g., for renewables, storage, firm resources) with transmission system planning to ensure cost-effective, reliable, resilient electric systems.

Moderator:

Kalyan Chilukuri

EVP, Energy Resources, EPE

Speakers:

Gimod Mathew

VP, Strategy & New Initiatives, Grid United

Mike Sisk

VP, Electrical Systems Engineering, RWE Clean Energy

Lee Ye

VP, Data Center Power Procurement, Prologis

Ruchi Singh

VP, Transmission Strategy and Generator Interconnection, Urban Grid Company

Ken Wei

Director of Development, Next Era Energy Resources

3:30PM - Digitization of Energy Services in Energy Delivery and Grid Operations

Panelists will explore how digital technologies are transforming the way energy is delivered, managed, and optimized—from transmission and distribution systems to behind-the-meter applications. In addition, panelists will address how regulators are adapting their processes using artificial intelligence.

Moderator:

Hugo Mena

Chief Growth Officer, Electric Power Engineers

Speakers:

Hudson Hollister

CEO, HData

Evan Caron

Co-founder and CIO, Montauk Climate

Venkat Tirupati

Vice President of DevOps and Grid Transformation, ERCOT

4:30PM - Closing Remarks

4:30PM-5:30PM - Networking Happy Hour

Join your colleagues for a relaxed and engaging Networking Happy Hour!

This is your perfect opportunity to unwind after a day of insightful sessions, connect with peers, and expand your professional network in a casual setting. Enjoy complimentary drinks and light bites while fostering new connections and strengthening existing relationships within our vibrant community.