The power grid is getting more complex – so it’s only fitting that utility control rooms try to keep up.
Vivek Somasundaram, manager, grid modernization technology at Alectra Utilities, will speak on building the utility “control room of the future” at DTECH (formerly known as DISTRIBUTECH) convening from March 24-27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
Somasundaram will participate in the session, A municipal utility’s plan to build a control room of the future, taking place March 26 from 11 AM – 11:50 AM.
Distribution systems will face several key challenges over the next 10 years due to the electrification of heating and transportation, and the creation of new market structures. Alectra, a utility serving municipalities in Ontario, Canada, faces the added challenge of amalgamating five different service territories and a diverse set of systems across those territories.
The control room of the future must address several key challenges to manage the increasing complexity of modern energy systems. These challenges include the need for comprehensive system visibility in real-time and, soon, managing multi-directional power flows, and operating the grid dynamically close to its limits. Additionally, establishing and operating local markets for non-wires alternatives, enabling distributed energy resources to participate in multiple markets, and engaging in the dynamic management of elements beyond voltage and current, such as capacity, are critical objectives.
As control rooms are expected to last 10-15 years, a future-proofed design is critical. Alectra is systematically tackling the following key issues to ensure its control room meets the evolving demands of the energy landscape:
- Establishing situational awareness in real-time
- Evaluating risk in operating markets
- Operational challenges and complexities
- Acceptable level of autonomous control
- Loci of control
Through these initiatives, Alectra is addressing current operational challenges and laying a robust foundation for the future. By integrating advanced technologies and innovative strategies, it is aiming to create a control room that is resilient, adaptable, and capable of meeting the demands of an ever-evolving energy landscape.
During this session, the speakers will present the project plan and the stakeholder engagement required internally to get sign-off from the various teams on requirements and prepare for vendor selection and contract discussions.
Vivek is manager of grid modernization technology at Alectra Utilities. As a Technology leader, he has led and managed cross-functional teams to develop strategic and critical grid modernization software and technologies. Vivek has developed expertise in the areas of Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) software, emerging technologies, and other mission-critical software to drive modernization across multiple utilities.
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.
