Events

Breakfast & networking: 7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Presentations & panel discussion: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

To become smart grid leaders, Ontario needs to effect a transformation in a risk-averse environment. To do so, the province needs not only to advance its electricity infrastructure but also embrace a long-term and global vision.

This breakfast panel brings together diverse energy-sector stakeholders, including utilities, key industry players, government authorities, regulatory bodies and innovators.

Does an opportunity exist for Ontario utilities that implement intelligent operations to leverage that expertise into other markets? Can synergy between innovation and the electricity sector be created to support these practices? How much are we open to change? Join us for a look at global opportunities, key technologies, best practices, and policy mechanisms.

Panelists:

John Mulrooney, Director, Smart Grid Technologies John is a professional electrical engineer. He also holds the position of Director, Smart Grid Technologies, reporting to the EVP Asset Management & COO. John has responsibility for all aspects of PowerStream’s smart grid strategy and plan as well as the evaluation of new technologies being considered by the company. John sits on many of the provincial committees responsible for smart grid vision, policy and standards in Ontario.

Alex Bettencourt, Managing Director, SmartGrid Canada Alex has over 10 years of extensive experience in the utility industry, gained through his tenure at a large global management consulting firm and as Managing Director of his own utility-focused consulting company, Elletrica. He has specialized in transmission and distribution operations, with a focus on control-room operations and massive business transformation projects. Alex is currently engaged in one of the world’s leading smart grid projects and is designing the new Smart Grid Control Centre.

Brian Warshay, LEED AP, Research Associate, Lux Research Brian is a member of Lux Research’s Smart Grid and Grid Storage Intelligence service. Brian conducts primary and secondary research on numerous emerging technology and service companies in the smart grid and energy storage sector, and provides advice to clients who seek to expand into or enter this market. Brian is spearheading Lux Research’s new data product which tracks grid-scale energy storage installations around the world to provide clients with up-to-date information on this emerging market.

Jon Norman, Director, Transmission and Distribution Policy, Ontario Ministry of Energy Jon is a professional engineer with over 10 years of experience in consulting and government. His career spans the energy and environmental sectors as well as management consulting. Jon is currently Director of Transmission and Distribution Policy with the Ontario Ministry of Energy, where he is responsible for policy development related to electricity grid expansion, smart networks and Ontario’s new feed-in tariff program.

Part of the MaRS Market Insights Series