Utilities collectively are under increasing pressure to act to ensure their critical infrastructure is ready to meet future grid modernization, resilience, security, and clean energy requirements. Over the next 5-7 years, it’s projected that utilities will see six times growth in data usage, driven by an increase in network capacity, performance, and new applications.
Chad Carsten, Director Operations Technology, Evergy, will speak about Evergy’s experience using communication networks to support the grid at DTECH (formerly known as DISTRIBUTECH) convening from March 24-27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
Carsten will participate in the session Why robust networks were key to unifying these utilities, taking place March 26 from 3:00-3:50 PM.
Technology and the communications network advancements that support the grid play a critical role in helping utilities meet network challenges while mitigating risks, increasing customer satisfaction, and improving operational metrics.
Leading utility and ecosystem technology leaders from Xcel, Evergy, and Anterix will share how they can address these challenges and collectively drive industry development by leveraging shared interests, network resources, talent, knowledge, and technology.
In this session, Carsten will be joined by Mike Brozek, VP, Customer Success – Anterix, and Wendall Reimer, Director OT Network Operations – Xcel Energy, led by chairperson Alice Moy-Gonzalez, Senior Vice President, Strategic Development, Anterix.
Chad is a seasoned utility professional with a diverse background. He has worked primarily in the Electric Utility IT and Field Operations environments. Chad has served roles in the Mobile Data, EMS (Energy Management System), Meter Operations, and Data Analytics groups. His current position is Director of Operations Technology. This position allows him the opportunity to innovate through the use of leading technology in grid automation. Chad has been with Evergy for over a decade and, through the variety of positions he has held, is poised to take on any role. He holds a BS degree from Wichita State University in Management Information Systems. Chad has also obtained many other certifications from his military and IT training.
Attending DTECH this year? Don’t miss these other great sessions!
- Itron’s Amanda Dixon on the future of municipal energy management
- Dominion Energy’s Aaron Winter on meeting cloud computing demands
- National Grid’s Jon Malaver on utility talent acquisition retention amid rapid industry changes
- Eversource Energy’s John Nachilly on leveraging eSIM tech for SCADA resiliency
- National Grid’s Bridget Powers Beggs on ‘right-sizing’ distribution systems and the economic, societal value of DERMS
- UConn Eversource Energy Center’s Dr. Diego Cerrai on AI for storm and damage prediction
- Evergy’s JJ Stutler on what utilities actually do with all of their private LTE data
- Alectra Utilities’ Vivek Somasundaram on building the control room of the future
- PPL’s Shelby Linton-Keddie on tackling rapid load growth
- Xcel Energy’s Marcus Johansson on building digital twins for the future grid
- Evergy’s Chad Carsten on communications networks for utility unity
- Duke Energy’s Jason Handley on utility policy impacts, grid edge investments, and more
- Liberty Utilities’ Sam McGarrah on improving utility asset management
- Southern California Edison’s Jerome Marr on long-term distribution planning and modern grid challenges
- AES’ Christian Lopez on the challenges of cultivating a skilled utility workforce
- National Grid’s Jesse Harvey on harnessing the next wave of smart meters: AMI 2.0
- Duke Energy’s John Pressley on how AI is reshaping utility work
This list will be updated as more sessions are previewed.
