Optimizing the Grid

for Transportation Electrification

Due to the ongoing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Grid Forward has canceled this conference. Our Annual Meeting and Celebration are postponed to later in 2020.

A Focused Summit on EVs and Electrification for Our Regional Grid

This event was designed to together experts and regional practitioners to explore emerging best practices to prepare our regional grid not just only electrified transportation but for beneficial electrification overall. We had planned to pick up the discussion where EVS33 will leave off: defining the holistic strategies that utilities should pursue to encourage and support fleet and consumer EVs; electrification of buildings and factories; and carbon-free, equitable, affordable and resilient energy to support our region, industry and communities.

Optimizing the Grid for Transportation Electrification
THE SUMMIT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS

Summit Planned Agenda

The Optimizing the Grid Summit had planned to feature panels and working sessions to explore the broader energy implications of EVs and other forms of electrification. Our planning had centered on these topics:

  • Holistic and Integrated Approaches to Electrification – This session discussion delves into how buildings, electric vehicles, renewables, automated DR, grid controls, and emerging technology can all work together as a holistic solution to managing load.
  • Key Components to Managing Transportation Electrification – This panel kicks off a series of deep-dive discussions in which participants to choose discrete topic areas of interest to explore further. Topics will include: consumer EVs, commercial/industrial electrification and vehicles, integration of heavy-duty fleets, complicating issues to upgrading the distribution system, and more.
  • Leveraging Data Analytics to Optimize Grid Investments – From predicting energy consumption to balancing load, to integrating demand response and anticipating capacity and infrastructure needs, this discussion investigates how and why data analytics will play a large role in managing the modernized grid.

The Grid Forward Member Meeting and 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Are Postponed Until Later in 2020

We will actively monitor the COVID-19 crisis and guidance from government agencies, and let you know as soon as can confidently and safely reschedule these activities.

  • Annual Members Meeting: Grid Forward members will be invited to come together for lunch, sharing progress and conducting the business of our 501(c) member-driven organization. Guests and organizations interested in membership are welcome to attend.
  • Look Forward Celebration: Grid Forward members, alumni, partners and supporters will enjoy an intimate look at the first decade of the Grid Forward community, followed by a bold discussion about what the 2020s may bring to our regional electrical grid. Voice your opinions and meet key change agents in our region. Situation permitting, we hope to also celebrate in an evening social event we call Fast Forward in the 2020s.