Midwestern Transmission Summit

October 8-9, 2024 | Novi, MI and Online :: Eastern Time

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Hosted by ITC

“The conference provided a good mix of topics presented by personable subject matter experts.” Group Leader – Transmission Planning, LG&E and KU

“I appreciate EUCI’s opportunity to bring decision makers together in an intimate setting to get to know each other on a 1^st name basis.” Site Manager, Newpark

“This conference had topics that were relevant to me which added value to attending.” Manager, Tx Project Management, FirstEnergy

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EUCI serves as a sounding board/forum to share best practices and information that effects anyone related to energy, no matter what their level of involvement. The cumulative experience of event attendees is astounding, and information shared is invaluable.” Director of Business Development, PJ Helicopters, Inc

“The conference was a good opportunity for networking and making new contacts.” President, Power Delivery Solutions

“It was great to network with members of other utilities and from other areas from within the industry that I normally would not have had the chance to meet at a regional conference.” Sr. Project Manager, Entergy

The Midwest is on the cusp of transformative changes in its energy landscape with the implementation of FERC Order No. 1920. This reform is set to bring about significant changes in the Midwest’s transmission and distribution systems, requiring innovative solutions.

The Midwest Transmission summit offers a unique platform for attendees to gain insights from leading utilities, Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), renewable developers, regulatory directors, and solutions providers. The focus is on navigating the complexities of grid vulnerability and technical development in the Midwest.

Key Issues Addressed:

• Aligning State and Federal Regulations
• Meeting Federal Planning Requirements
• Aging Infrastructure and Regulatory Hurdles
• Integrating Solar and Offshore Wind into the Existing Grid

Key Topics:

Participants will engage with industry experts to discuss crucial topics, including:

• Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Battery Storage
• Coordinated Grid Operations Across States
• Innovative Approaches and Technologies
• Effective Methods for Transmission Project Planning and Grid Modernization
• Case Studies on Building a Resilient and Reliable Transmission System in the Midwest

Join us at the 16th Annual Midwestern Transmission Summit to be part of the conversation and contribute to actionable solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire understanding of FERC’s latest directives, including new regulations introduced through Order No. 1920.
• Gain insights into the significant challenges facing Midwest transmission development and the strategic vision and plans for transmission development in the Midwest.
• Evaluate the key initiatives and measures MISO is implementing to ensure reliability within its region.
• Discuss the latest updates on MISO’s Long Range Transmission Plan, specifically Tranche 2.1
• Comprehend the implications of FERC Order 1920 on MISO’s operations and the impact of the increasing trend of short-timeframe load additions.
• Compare the strategies and challenges involved in coordinating the planning and development of the energy grid in the Midwestern region.
• Review the impact of ongoing regulatory frameworks such as FERC Orders (1920 & 2023), EPA regulations, and DOE funding and siting efforts on grid planning and development in the Midwest.
• Examine the challenges posed by increasing load growth driven by data centers and industrial expansion, juxtaposed against the retirement of traditional generation sources and the strain on the generation interconnection queue.
• Recognize the urgency and complexity of comprehensive long-term planning efforts needed to anticipate future scenarios.
• Evaluate the analytical tools used by utilities to forecast and plan for future grid reliability.
• Review insights strategies employed by utilities to integrate weather-dependent generation sources (like wind and solar) into the grid effectively.
• Assess ongoing and planned transmission expansion projects in the Midwest aimed at alleviating near-term congestion.
• Discuss how voluntary markets operate within the Midwest transmission system, including their function, impact on the grid operations and incentives.
• Explore strategies for effectively integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into the broader transmission network.
• Explore the complexities of permitting and siting processes for grid expansion projects in the Midwest, and effective strategies for engaging local communities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and network with key stakeholders in the Midwest energy market.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

8:45 – 9:00 a.m. :: Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:00 – 9:15 a.m. :: Keynote Address: Outlook on Transmission Development in the Midwest

• The keynote session will set the stage for the Midwest Transmission Summit by providing a comprehensive overview of the future landscape of transmission development in the region.We  will delve into the operational implications of the consensus on investing in the power grid.
• Attendees will gain insights into the multifaceted process of upgrading or constructing new transmission lines, covering everything from engineering lattice towers to navigating the complexities of permitting. This session promises to illuminate the path a transmission project takes from initial concept to becoming a tangible infrastructure on the ground.

Key Components:

• Insights into the multifaceted process of upgrading or constructing new transmission lines
• Regulatory and permitting challenges associated with transmission projects
• Step-by-step process of transforming a transmission project from concept to operational infrastructure

Chuck Marshall, Vice President of Planning, ITC

9:15 – 10:00 a.m. :: MISO: Regional Transmission Operator Updates

This session will discuss key developments and regulatory updates impacting the MISO region, including transmission and resource planning activities.

Key Components:

• MISO Reliability Imperative
• MISO Long Range Transmission Plan Tranche 2.1 update
• FERC Order 1920 analysis at MISO
• Rise of short-timeframe load additions within the MISO region

Amanda Schiro, Sr. Manager Expansion Planning, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

Sumit Pal Brar, Lead Resource Utilization, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. :: Long Term Planning and the Midwestern Energy Grid Transformation

This session will focus on the coordination of planning and development of the energy grid in the Midwestern region between MISO and its stakeholders.  The energy transition is driving a greater focus on the coordination of planning for transmission, generation and distribution all under the backdrop of continued Orders (FERC 1920 & 2023 for example) and government action (EPA regulations and DOE funding and siting efforts).  The region is experiencing an increase in load growth driven by data centers and industrial growth at a time when the traditional generation fleet is retiring.  At the same time, the generation interconnection queue continues to be overloaded and delayed.  All of these issues are driving the need for comprehensive long-term planning.

Key Components:

• Coordination of planning and development of the energy grid in the Midwestern region between MISO and its stakeholders.
• The energy transition and the need for coordinated planning for transmission, generation, and distribution.
• Context of FERC Orders (1920 & 2023) and government actions (EPA regulations and DOE funding and siting efforts).
• Increased load growth driven by data centers and industrial growth.
• Retirement of the traditional generation fleet.
• Overloaded and delayed generation interconnection queue.
• Need for comprehensive long-term planning based on future scenarios.
• Urgency to move quickly in planning and development efforts.

Jeff Dodd, Vice President, Transmission Policy, Strategy & Stakeholder Relations, Chief of Staff, Ameren

10:45 – 11:15 a.m. :: Networking Break

 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Utility Planning for Future Reliability

This session will cover analytical aspects of ensuring a future with a reliable, economically efficient, and sustainable grid.

Key Components:

• Analytical Tools
• System load – Electrification, Data centers, Load profile
• Weather dependent generation
• RTO/Interconnected grid
• Analytical outputs

Jared Alholinna, P.E. Manager, Regional Transmission Planning, Great River Energy

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. :: Mitigating Near-Term Congestion through Transmission Planning and Operations

This session will address current and future transmission enhancement initiatives, short-term congestion management techniques, and the performance and dependability of transmission systems in the Midwest.

Key Components:

• Ongoing and planned transmission expansion projects aimed at alleviating near-term congestion in the Midwest region.
• Insights into operational strategies implemented to mitigate congestion in the near term.
• Efficiency and reliability of transmission infrastructure.

Madeleine Balchan, Regional Transmission Planning Engineer, Xcel

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. :: Group Luncheon

1:45 – 2:30 p.m. :: The Voluntary Market & Factoring-In Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to the Greater Transmission System

This session will cover the integration of DERs into the Midwest transmission system, including the role of voluntary markets and strategies for their effective incorporation into the broader network.

Key Components:

• Understanding the role of voluntary markets in the Midwest transmission system.
• Exploring the integration of DERs into the transmission system.
• Discussing strategies for factoring DERs into the broader transmission network.

Dr. Devin Moeller, Renewable Energy Manager, Black Hills Energy

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. :: Panel: Tackling Key Transmission Challenges in the Midwest

This concluding session will serve as a forum for experts and the attendees to discuss and share insights on overcoming challenges in transmission development.

Moderator: Davis Strobridge, Manager of Regulatory Strategy, ITC

Jeff Dodd, Vice President – Transmission Policy, Strategy & Stakeholder Relations, Chief of Staff, Ameren

Jared Alholinna, P.E. Manager, Regional Transmission Planning, Great River Energy

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

8:45 – 9:00 a.m. :: Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:00 – 9:15 a.m. :: Keynote Address: Permitting and Siting Challenges & Effective Community Engagement Strategies

As utility practitioners, we know the importance of building infrastructure to meet the needs of our local communities, yet building it is more challenging than ever before. In this session, we will discuss ways to engage communities in the infrastructure conversation, along with the challenges that utilities are facing when trying to construct.

Key components:

• Moving from Planning to project completion in a complex environment.
• The challenges of navigating siting and permitting requirements.
• The lessons learned from effective community engagement.
• Outlook on grid development in the Midwestern region.

Cynthia Stump, Director of Local Government and Community Affairs, ITC

9:15 – 10:00 a.m. :: FERC Updates

This session will discuss FERC’s latest directives, including new regulations, funding distribution, missed points, upcoming issues, and tech integration.

Key Components:

• Introduction of Order No. 1920
• Cost Allocation and State Agreement Processes
• Omissions and Future Considerations
• Coordination and Technological Integration

Senior Representative invited, FERC

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. :: Networking Break

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Panel: Transmission Expansion for Renewable Integration in the Midwest

This session will engage both attendees and the experts in a discussion on how transmission expansion can support the integration of renewable energy sources in the Midwest.

Moderator: Kwafo Adarkwa, Director of Public Affairs, ITC

Sumit Brar, Lead Resource Utilization, MISO

Rafik Halim, Sr. Director of Transmission, National Grid Renewables

Maggie Kristian, Regulatory Policy Manager, National Grid Renewables

Natalie Lyijynen, Sustainable Business Associate, Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council

David Mindham, Director of Regulatory & Market Affairs, EDP Renewables

Dr. Devin Moeller, Renewable Energy Manager, Black Hills Energy

Doug Scott, Chairman, Illinois Commerce Commission

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. :: Group Luncheon

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. :: ITC Facility Tour /Solar Garden Tour/Networking

This special session provides the attendees with a practical, hands-on experience through a tour of an ITC facility, showcasing real-world electric transmission applications in the Midwest, while taking a leisure hike through ITC’s solar garden.

3:00 p.m. :: Conference Adjourns

Kwafo Adarkwa, Director of Public Affairs, ITC	Jared Alholinna, P.E. Manager, Regional Transmission Planning, Great River Energy	Madeleine Balchan, Regional Transmission Planning Engineer, Xcel	Sumit Brar, MISO, Lead Resource Utilization	Jeff Dodd, Vice President – Transmission Policy, Strategy & Stakeholder Relations/Chief of Staff, Ameren

Rafik Halim,Sr. Director of Transmission, National Grid Renewables	Maggie Kristian, Regulatory Policy Manager, National Grid Renewables	Natalie Lyijynen, Sustainable Business Associate, Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council	Chuck Marshall, Vice President of Planning, ITC	David Mindham, Director of Regulatory & Market Affairs, EDP Renewables

Dr. Devin Moeller, Renewable Energy Manager, Black Hills Energy	Amanda Schiro, MISO, Sr. Manager Expansion Planning	Doug Scott, Chairman, Illinois Commerce Commission	Cynthia Stump, Director of Local Government and Community Affairs, ITC	Davis Strobridge, Manager of Regulatory Strategy, ITC

 

Please Note: Confirmed speakers do not need to register and are encouraged to participate in all sessions of the event. If you are a speaker and have any questions please contact our offices at 1.303.770.8800

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Midwestern Transmission Summit

October 8-9, 2024 | Novi, MI

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

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 September 06, 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 1.0 CEUs for this event.

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

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

Instructional Methods

Group discussion, case study analysis, presentations, Q&A, scenario-based discussion.

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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: 12.0
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
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

• Utility professionals and grid operators
• Transmission and distribution planners, managers, and engineers
• Renewable energy developers and technology vendors
• Regulatory staff and representatives from state and federal agencies
• Researchers, academics, and industry consultants
• Government officials, policymakers, and legislative bodies
• Energy, market, environmental, financial analysts, and lawyers
• Risk management specialists and compliance staff
• Community engagement specialists
• Project managers and executives from electric utilities

 

We have several speaking and sponsorship opportunities available for this event. If you are interested in highlighting you or your company’s expertise to this influential group of industry leaders please contact Arina Neuman at [email protected] or Dana Waldrop at [email protected]