Gas Insulated Substations Conference

Technology Developments and Lessons Learned

March 5-6, 2024 | Washington, DC ::

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Hosted by Pepco

“It was such a great conference with many interesting topics! I loved that all parts of the industry were there, from manufacturing to utility, to openly share their expertise. It was also the perfect size – not too big where it’s too overwhelming. Thanks for such a great conference! – Project Manager, Hawaiian Electric

“Great mix of technical information & personal experience” -Electrical Engineer, SECO

“It’s great to bring utilities and vendors together to discuss best practices and lessons learned” -Project Manager, Southern Company

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“This helped me better understand the basics of GIS and helped to get me up to speed with industry developments” – Engineer, Southern California Edison

“A great exposure to the real-life engineering, operations issues, and considerations for GIS” – Stations Engineering Manager, Florida Power & Light

“Excellent conference that covered the topic very well” – Regional office manager, SECO

“Very good conference to learn about GIS equipment and how it is used at various locations” –Sr. Engineering Consultant, SECO

“I would recommend this conference to all new utilities/users who are not familiar with GIS” –Business Development Manager, Siemens

“A very practical conference with frank and open discussions. Very good presenters.” –VP, MJ Electric

Faced with increasing demands for reliability, improved aesthetics, land restrictions, and security, the adoption of gas insulated substations (GIS) continues to increase. This conference will address technical developments and business considerations for GIS through case studies and new developments in technology.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear lessons learned and challenges with gas insulated substations from utilities that have been building new GIS or upgrading existing stations, while also seeing one in person through an on-site tour.

Register today to hear developments in technology, including gas alternatives and much more driving the GIS revolution.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain a fundamental refresher from Seattle City Light for an engineer trying to make the case for a new GIS substation in an urban setting
• Identify the components of and reasons for Pepco’s Capital Grid rebuilding project
• Review Clean Air GIS practices including gas handling for maintenance and repairs
• Expand on HV cable accessories used to minimize installation risks and maintenance best outcomes
• Review SF6 replacement with the development of new gases, gas mixtures and vacuum interrupter technologies
• Review what Dominion Energy has learned from using mobile GIS stations
• Engage in a utility user panel discussion on the challenges of and developments in Gas Insulated Substations
• Expand on what Pepco has done with the rebuild of their Harvard Station

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

 

8:30 – 8:45 a.m. :: Introductions

8:45 – 9:00 a.m. :: Welcoming Remarks

Sam Williams, VP of Transmission & Substation, Pepco Holdings

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. :: Design and Construction Guidelines for Building a New GIS Substation

This updated presentation will be a good introduction from a substation engineer’s perspective on developing scope, one-line drawings, equipment ratings, instrumentation and monitoring equipment specifications, testing, commissioning, and more. This will be a refresher for a utility engineer trying to make the case for a new GIS substation in an urban setting with salient features, and specifications to build a new and cost-effective GIS substation. Seattle City Light has in-operation GIS and a new project in progress from which to share insights, experience and useful ideas to consider before starting to build a new one.

Rajinder Rai, Principal Substation Engineer, Seattle City Light

9:45 – 10:15 a.m. :: Capital Grid: Rebuilding Transmission Infrastructure in Washington, DC

Pepco is completing the construction of 10 miles of underground transmission through Washington, DC. As part of the project, they are constructing one greenfield substation, rebuilding two existing substations, and converting an existing substation from 138kV to 230kV. All four substations utilize gas insulated switchgear and set up the framework for rebuilding our transmission system in the city.  This presentation will review this aggressive rebuilding project.

Jason Tucker, Sr. Manager of Project Management, Pepco

Sunit Mitra, Sr. Manager – Substation Engineering, Pepco Holdings

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. :: Networking Break

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. :: Net-Zero Gas Insulated Substations Switchgear Roadmap

This presentation will discuss a Net-Zero GIS roadmap with new developments including 420kV gas insulated bus, breaker and back parts, while explaining the installation requirements for Clean Air GIS including gas handling and the advantages of Clean Air from a maintenance and reporting perspective.

Paul Roskilly, GIS Engineering Manager, Siemens Energy

Sebastian Stark, Head of US Site Operations, Siemens Energy

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: High Voltage Cable Accessories – Minimizing Risks during Installation and Preventable Maintenance Measures

This presentation will review best practices from 60-plus years of providing critical HV cable accessories minimizing installation risks, and measures that can be taken to help preventable maintenance best outcomes. The ways of mitigating risk included will be engage early and often with technical support, manage the stress of supply chain, local and factory-direct training, testing, installation, and using the proper accessories. We will also discuss preventable maintenance measures including testing services, measuring and monitoring using PD and Voltage sensors, minimizing craft sensitivity and tool calibration requirements, and utilizing accessories for testing.

Rudy Bukovnik, R&D HV Cable Accessories, TE Connectivity

Alex Czibur, Manager of Testing and Field Services, TE Connectivity

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. :: Group Luncheon

1:00 – 1:45 p.m. :: Mixed Gases – Strategies, Considerations and Applications

SF₆ has been an essential dielectric fluid for Transmission and Distribution switching equipment and high voltage switchgear for decades.  Despite all the technical advantages of SF₆ there is one shortcoming, that being environmental impact.  This presentation will provide an update on the status of ongoing research and development of new gases, gas mixtures and vacuum interrupter technologies, that have similar electrical properties and functionality to SF₆-filled equipment.  This presentation will also provide strategy considerations and impacts that SF₆ equipment users should understand, and it will discuss the application of these alternative technologies on the electric system.

George Becker, Principal Substation Engineer – GIS Expert, POWER Engineers

1:45 – 2:30 p.m. :: SF6-Free GIS and High Voltage Switchgear: Reliable Eco-Gas-Mix Technology

While providing the reliability and safety expected of today’s sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) GIS, high voltage breakers and instrument transformers using eco-gas-mix technology which contains no SF6 is proven to also reduce the carbon footprint significantly throughout the entire lifecycle. Thus, significantly lowering the environmental impact of transmission products and solutions in the quest toward carbon-neutrality.  In this presentation, we will look closely at what is available for today, expected for tomorrow and where the roadmap of ongoing developments could take this technology long into the future.

Paul J. Melzen, P.E., Director – Substation Design Engineering, Eversource

Thomas Schulz, Strategic Product Marketing Manager – Switchgear – North America, Hitachi Energy

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. :: Networking Break

3:00 – 3:45 p.m. :: Gas Insulated Substations – A Solution Worth the Cost

GIS is a solution to solve multiple issues such as real estate costs, limited installation area, protection from weather, contamination from power plants and other pollutants, physical security, and flexibility of design. Dominion Energy has had success in using mobile GIS stations to assist in quicker service restoration, provide continued service during rebuilds and maintenance, and more uses. This presentation will review what Dominion Energy continues to learn from the use of mobile GIS stations.

Jim Stage, Engineering Technical Consultant, Dominion Energy

3:45 – 5:00 p.m. :: PANEL: Why Gas Insulated Substations?  Hot Topics and Challenges to GIS

This panel presents an opportunity to pose your GIS questions to utility experts. Topics will cover technology and environmental considerations as well as the benefits, challenges, and justification of costs for starting a new project.

Moderator: George Becker, Principal Substation Engineer – GIS Expert, POWER Engineers

Binyam Yeshitla, P.E., Principal Engineer Substation Equipment Standards, Pepco

Jim Stage, Engineering Technical Consultant, Dominion Energy

Rajinder Rai, Principal Substation Engineer, Seattle City Light

Cesar Castillo, Sr., Engineer Equipment Standards, ComEd

Nicolas Sanloup, President – Managing Director, Linxon Americas

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. :: Networking Reception Sponsored by Alridge

 

Wednesday March 6, 2024

 

8:30 – 9:15 a.m. :: Rebuilding the Harvard Station

As part of Pepco’s Capital Grid project, Harvard Station is one of two existing stations that were rebuilt. This presentation will review the task at hand beginning with the need to rebuild through to the completed station.

Sunit Mitra, Sr. Manager – Substation Engineering, Pepco Holdings

9:15 – 9:45 a.m. :: Networking Break and Load onto Bus for Tour

9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Tour of Pepco’s Harvard Station

Wrap-up this conference with an on-site tour of Pepco’s Harvard Station. Following the presentation on this project, engage in a walking tour through the station seeing everything you just heard in the presentation for yourself in person and ask all the questions you have.

9:45 a.m. :: Bus Leaves for Tour

10:00 a.m. :: Tour arrival

10:00 -11:30 a.m. :: Tour

12:00 p.m. :: Return to Conference Location

Although there is no cost associated with the tour, we ask that you register so that we can plan accordingly for transportation.

PPE is Required for the tour. Pepco will provide hard hats and safety glasses. In addition to that, you will need to bring and have Flame-Resistant clothing and composite toe work shoes to go on the tour.

12:00 p.m. :: Return from Tour and Conference Concludes

Mike Anderson, OEM Sales Manager, TE Connectivity

George Becker, Principal Substation Engineer – GIS Expert, POWER Engineers

Rudy Bukovnik, R&D HV Cable Accessories, TE Connectivity

Cesar Castillo, Sr., Engineer Equipment Standards, ComEd

Paul J. Melzen, P.E., Director – Substation Design Engineering, Eversource

Sunit Mitra, Sr. Manager – Substation Engineering, Pepco Holdings

Rajinder Rai, Principal Substation Engineer, Seattle City Light

Paul Roskilly, GIS Engineering Manager, Siemens Energy

Nicolas Sanloup, President – Managing Director, Linxon Americas

Thomas Schulz, Strategic Product Marketing Manager – Switchgear – North America, Hitachi Energy

Jim Stage, Engineering Technical Consultant, Dominion Energy

Sebastian Stark, Head of US Site Operations, Siemens Energy

Jason Tucker, Sr. Manager of Project Management, Pepco

Sam Williams, VP of Transmission & Substation, Pepco Holdings

Binyam Yeshitla, P.E., Principal Engineer Substation Equipment Standards, Pepco

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Gas Insulated Substations Conference

March 5-6, 2024 | Washington, DC

Buy 4 in-person seats and only pay for 3! For this event every fourth in-person attendee is free!

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RELATED WORKSHOPS:

Tour of Pepco's Harvard Station

March 6

Individual attendee(s) - $ 0.00 each
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Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before February 02, 2024 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.9 CEUs for this conference

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must sign in/out each day, be in attendance for the entirety of the conference to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Case studies, PowerPoint presentations, panel discussion, site visit

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 10.5
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

Who Should Attend

• Transmission and distribution executives and managers
• Substation and distribution engineers
• Project managers involved in substation design, modification, and installation
• Utility asset managers
• Construction firms involved in GIS projects
• Transmission and distribution planners
• Utility environmental managers