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Advanced Distribution Operations

On-Demand Training:
Advanced Distribution Operations

Recorded: January 21 - 22, 2026

Overview Agenda Instructors
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The power grid is experiencing an ongoing transformation driven by decentralization, and digitalization. This one-day course is designed for utility professionals, grid operators, engineers, and decision-makers looking to lead the modernization of distribution operations.

Attendees will take a 360-degree look at today’s most critical grid challenges and solutions. From foundational distribution automation and real-time control strategies to fault detection, DER integration, and cyber-secure operations, this course equips attendees with the knowledge and tools to drive smarter, faster, and more reliable distribution systems. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the technologies, standards, and operational strategies shaping the future of grid operations along with actionable skills you can apply in the field or control room.

Key Topics Include:

  • The evolution of the distribution grid and emerging operational challenges
  • Distribution automation (DA), SCADA, DMS, and ADMS
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning in grid optimization
  • Fault detection, isolation, and self-healing grid technologies
  • Grid visibility, edge sensing, and situational awareness
  • Integration of DERs, microgrids, and inverter-based resources
  • Cybersecurity best practices and compliance with key industry standards
  • Regulatory trends and strategies for future-ready operations

Join this course to stay ahead of the curve of the next generation of distribution system operations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explore the transformation of distribution operations
  • Gain a solid foundation in distribution automation systems, from SCADA to next-gen ADMS and their distinct roles in modern control
  • Assess the power of AI and machine learning to enable predictive, adaptive, and autonomous grid operations
  • Master advanced fault detection that reduces outage times and boosts grid reliability
  • Leverage grid visualization and analytics platforms to enhance decision-making for control room operators and field teams
  • Translate real-time data into actionable operational decisions for faster fault response
  • Discuss the coordination between centralized systems and distributed resources to maintain system stability and efficiency.

Register

This is a recorded session - no instructor interaction is available. Recordings do not qualify for continuing education credits. Recordings will expire 30 days from date of purchase and sharing, downloading or copying of the recording in any way is strictly prohibited and will result in the termination of your license.

PURCHASE THIS RECORDING:

Recording license(s)$ 995.00 each

Day one

Day two

Agenda

8:15 AM - 8:30 AM

Log In & Welcome

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Course Timing

The New Era of Distribution Operations

  • Evolution of the Distribution Grid
  • Key Challenges in Modern Distribution Systems
  • Role of Digitization, DERs, and Customer Expectations
  • Grid Edge, Decentralization, and Electrification Trends

Automation Foundations & Next-Gen Control

  • Fundamentals of Distribution Automation (DA)
  • SCADA, DMS, and ADMS – What is the Difference?
  • Integration of AI & Machine Learning in ADA
  • Control Strategies for Real-Time Optimization

Fault Detection, Isolation & Restoration (FDIR)

  • Anatomy of Faults in Distribution Networks
  • Automated Fault Detection and Self-Healing Systems
  • Case Studies

Agenda

8:15 - 8:30 AM

Log In & Welcome

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Course Timing

Real-Time Grid Visibility & Situational Awareness

  • Importance of Grid Observability
  • AMI, PMUs, Line Sensors, and Edge Intelligence
  • Data Analytics for Proactive Grid Monitoring
  • Visualization Tools for Operators and Field Teams

Integration of DERs, Microgrids & Inverter-Based Resources

  • Challenges of High DER Penetration
  • Grid-Forming Inverters & Volt/VAR Control
  • Managing Bi-Directional Power Flows
  • Coordination Between Microgrids and Central Systems

Cybersecurity, Standards & Regulatory Alignment

  • Cyber Threats to Automated Distribution Systems
  • NERC CIP, IEEE 1547, IEC 61850 & Relevant Standards
  • Regulatory Trends Shaping the Modern Grid
  • Building Resilient & Compliant Operations

Instructors

Jon Grooters is a seasoned leader in the utility industry with extensive expertise in grid modernization, protection & control, and enterprise software solutions such as DERMS, SCADA, and ADMS. With career spanning roles in business development, sales, and strategic leadership, he has been instrumental in advancing distributed energy resource management and grid innovation. Jon has a proven track record of driving market expansion, collaborating with national labs, and delivering thought leadership through industry engagements. His background includes key roles at Enbala/Generac Grid Services, Minsait ACS, and Beckwith Electric, where he contributed to developing and deploying smart grid technologies. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Colorado State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Colorado and Florida.

Jon Grooters

Director of United States Market

EnerNex

Michele Pastore brings more than 15 years of experience in the electric utility industry, specializing in business development, power markets, and the evaluation of emerging technologies. His background includes engineering, design, and operation of renewable and conventional generation, transmission, and distribution systems across the United States, Italy, Jordan, Dubai, Ivory Coast, and Western Africa.

Areas of Expertise: Power Markets; Grid Modernization Strategy; Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Technologies; Transmission Advisory Services

Michele Pastore

President and Chief Executive Officer

EnerNex

Dr. Aaron Snyder specializes in grid modernization architecture, distribution system resilience, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), requirements analysis, and metering standards. He has supported U.S. federal standards and interoperability initiatives for more than 14 years and participates in international standards development for metering and information exchange. He is a member of the GridWise Architecture Council and a Senior Member of IEEE.

Areas of Expertise: Grid Modernization Roadmap and Strategy; Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI); Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS); Electricity Metering

Aaron Snyder, Ph.D.

Director of Grid Technology Consulting

EnerNex

Scott Morgan is a Principal Consultant with EnerNex specializing in cybersecurity and application architecture for Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems in the electric utility sector. He has over 16 years of experience supporting utilities worldwide in developing cybersecurity frameworks, risk assessment tools, and system architectures that strengthen grid operations and digital resilience. His technical expertise spans cybersecurity risk management, IT/OT integration, and data analytics using tools such as Python, R, and Excel.

Areas of Expertise: Cybersecurity Risk Management and Framework Development; IT/OT System Architecture; Grid Modernization; Data Analytics and Visualization; Technical Standards and Policy Development

Scott Morgan

Principal Consultant

EnerNex

Brian Smith is a Principal Consultant at EnerNex with over 33 years of experience in industrial control systems cybersecurity, NERC CIP compliance, and utility automation systems. He specializes in enterprise and solutions architecture for electric utilities, supporting projects involving SCADA, Energy Management Systems (EMS), and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Mr. Smith holds CISSP, GCIP, and TOGAF 9 certifications and provides expert guidance on cybersecurity assessments, system integration, and grid modernization initiatives.

Areas of Expertise: Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cybersecurity; NERC CIP Compliance; Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and EMS; AMI; Utility Communications and Automation

Brian Smith

Principal Consultant

EnerNex