2025 IEEE Power & Energy Society Super Session Topics

Summary: The electrical distribution grid is undergoing a rapid transformation due to the widespread integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles. These resources introduce new challenges for grid operators, including variability and uncertainty, which traditional systems are not designed to handle. In parallel, advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and automation are reshaping how utility operations interface with these dynamic grid components. Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) and Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) offer crucial solutions to these emerging challenges by providing enhanced automation, improved reliability, and smarter grid management in the presence of increasing DER penetration. However, the industry still lacks a comprehensive understanding of the various integration models for ADMS and DERMS, as well as the associated benefits and challenges. This panel aims to address these knowledge gaps by exploring distinct models of ADMS-DERMS integration. Experts will discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and system-level optimization in these systems, highlighting opportunities to utilize the wealth of data generated by DERs. The session will provide insights to utility professionals, researchers, and industry leaders on how to optimize grid operations for a more resilient and efficient energy future.

Session Chair: Luka Strezoski, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad

Speakers:

• Kyle Comstock, Mosaic
• Andrew Curtis, Curri
• Relja Strezoski, GridMod
• Ruben Valcarcel Feliu, POWER Engineers

Summary: Power grid operation is critical to ensure a reliable and continuous supply of electricity, which is essential for modern life and economic activities. Grid operators worldwide plan, monitor, and control power systems for changes and unexpected events. Major power outages and blackouts can happen sometimes and lead to significant losses and business disruptions. It is crucial for the power industry to share experiences, learn from past events to improve reliability, resilience, and emergency response, take proactive steps to address weaknesses and mitigate risks, and prevent similar incidents in the future. Working together, the power industry can be better prepared for future challenges. This Late Breaking News session will have grid operators and utilities from different continents to review significant grid operation events happened recently, including blackout analysis, key findings, and lessons learned.

Session Chair: Hong Chen, PJM Interconnection

Speakers:

• Raphael Gignac, LUMA Energy
• Shicong Ma, Zoox
• Xusheng Ma
• Dean Sharafi, AEMO
• Costas Vournas

Summary: As the electric grid continues to evolve with a changing resource mix that features increasing deployment of weather-driven resources and the integration of large loads, resource adequacy and energy assurance are challenged. New developments in nuclear power, regulatory requirements, and technical changes are offering new pathways to ensuring reliable energy assurance, which will be covered in this panel. This panel will examine these challenges from the lens of resource planning and resource development, and from the perspectives of system operators who are charged with ensuring grid reliability.

Session Chairs:

• Jay Liu, Glow Services Corp
• Eric Meier, ERCOT

Speakers:

• Anjan Bose, Anjan Boss, LLC
• Bautista Guillermo, May Mobility
• Joo Hyuh Jin
• Julie Jin, ERCOT
• Jay Liu, Glow Services Corp
• Shicong Ma, Zoox
• Tongxin Zheng, ISO New England Inc