Grid Innovator Awards recognize standout leadership in grid modernization, honoring Puget Sound Energy, Pano AI, and Rich Sedano for their contributions to modernize our energy system
Portland, OR – June 4, 2025. Grid Forward, a member-based non-profit organization promoting grid modernization, announced the winners of the 2025 Grid Innovator of the Year Awards during its Annual Member Meeting on June 4, 2025. This year’s honorees, Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Pano AI, and Rich Sedano, were recognized for their leadership and impactful contributions in driving electric grid innovation.
“Grid Forward is proud to recognize leaders who are actively shaping the future of our energy systems,” said Bryce Yonker, Grid Forward CEO and executive director. “From PSE’s advanced grid platforms to Pano AI’s wildfire detection tech and Rich Sedano’s regulatory leadership, each honoree is making a lasting impact in advancing a more resilient and modern electric grid.”
Each year, Grid Forward presents the Grid Innovator Awards during its Annual Member Meeting to honor exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing electric grid modernization across the western U.S. and Canada. Winners and finalists are selected by a panel of experts including Grid Forward partners, advisors, and board members. The 2025 awards recognized innovation across three categories: utility, industry, and individual.
Grid Innovator Award Winner, Utility: Puget Sound Energy
Puget Sound Energy was recognized for its holistic approach to grid modernization, with standout efforts in resilience, clean energy integration, and advanced technology. Key initiatives include its Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) for real-time grid optimization and a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform for managing distributed energy resources. The other finalists in this category included Avista, Idaho Falls Power, and Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in Ontario, Canada.
Grid Forward’s Kelly Strand (left), Bryce Yonker and Marissa Hummon (right) with Puget Sound Energy’s Michelle Vargo and Reid Shibata.
“PSE is honored to receive Grid Forward’s 2025 Grid Innovator Award,” said Reid Shibata, Manager, Grid Modernization Strategy & Enablement at PSE. “This recognition reflects our commitment to provide safe, reliable, and cleaner energy to our customers. Modernizing our electric grid is essential to delivering on that commitment. Innovation requires patience, grit, and unwavering resilience, which are qualities evident in every member of our diverse team. From Planning, Engineering, Operations, Project Management, IT and so many more, our employees embody the characteristics required to drive meaningful change and create our energy future.”
Grid Innovator Award Winner, Industry: Pano AI
Pano AI was honored for its pioneering use of AI in wildfire detection, notably through its collaboration with Portland General Electric. The partnership has enhanced early fire detection and response, delivering clear benefits to public safety and infrastructure protection. The other finalists in this category were Anterix, IND Technology and Renew Home.
Grid Forward’s Kelly Strand and Bryce Yonker (left) and Marissa Hummon (right) with Pano AI’s Ben Hanson.
“We’re honored to receive the 2025 Grid Innovator Award. Pano AI’s mission is to build the best possible tools for emergency managers on the front lines of the wildfire crisis,” said Sonia Kastner, co-founder and CEO, Pano AI. “Central to that mission is partnering with utilities, who are facing unprecedented challenges from wildfires. It’s our privilege to deliver the innovation they need to protect critical infrastructure and the communities they serve.”
Grid Innovator Award Winner, Individual: Rich Sedano
Rich Sedano was recognized for his decades of leadership in regulatory and policy innovation supporting grid investment. As head of the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) and a former NASEO chair, he has shaped forward-thinking approaches to planning, rate design, and demand-side strategies. Finalists included Mark Gabriel of United Power, Inc. and Patti Pope of Pacific Gas & Electric.
“I appreciate this recognition by Grid Forward and the selectors. Innovation has been a through line in my career,” said Rich Sedano. “As a Vermont regulator, with a foundation of treating stakeholders fairly, I prioritized digital services including 911 for telecom customers, energy efficiency, renewable energy and electric transportation. RAP was known for innovation when I arrived in 2001, I have been privileged to use that platform to help public officials, utility and private sector managers and advocates deploy innovation in policy and regulation to solve problems and generate benefits.”
About Grid Forward
Grid Forward is a 501(c)(6) non-profit, member-driven trade association dedicated to promoting and accelerating innovation on the electric system. We deliver community, expertise and resources for leaders who are working to modernize the grid across the western U.S. and Canada. More information can be found at gridforward.org.
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