Transmission Reconductoring and Capacity Expansion

February 26-27, 2025 | Plainfield, NJ :: Eastern Time

0225-reconductoring

Hosted by PSEG

“Conference delivered expert knowledge to attendees in a clear concise format relevant to expectations for a reasonable cost.” Project Manager/Engineer, Mott MacDonald

“An amazing conference to learn about the different struggles and lessons learned from coast to coast of different utilities around the country.” Director-Business Development, K&A Engineering

“I learn more every year about transmission project design, execution and decisions-making at this conference than any other event.” Director, Business Development NE US, CTC Global

The U.S. has seen a rise in billion-dollar disasters, from winter ice storms and spring floods to summer wildfires and fall hurricanes. These extreme weather events, combined with aging infrastructure, often lead to long-lasting power outages, high repair costs, and significant disruptions. These challenges hinder the transition to renewable energy.

To help utilities recover repair costs, regulatory frameworks are evolving, but building new transmission lines remains a slow and expensive process. As demand for grid reliability and capacity increases, utilities face operational, regulatory, and permitting hurdles, especially with transmission reconductoring projects. Selecting the right conductor type is crucial for balancing cost, efficiency, and performance.

Innovations are improving transmission capacity without requiring new rights-of-way, and grid modernization efforts require utilities to prioritize investments carefully. These decisions must consider available budgets, existing infrastructure, and regional weather risks.

Key agenda points for the 2025 Summit include:

• Importance of reconductoring
• Case studies on reconductoring, which can double or triple transmission capacity.
• Regulatory, environmental, and permitting challenges
• Design challenges and emerging technologies
• Strategies for grid hardening to enhance resilience against natural disasters
• Natural disaster impact

Join us to examine the viability of new technologies and featured case studies on how utilities are currently implementing them.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze various strategic approaches to transmission reconductoring and expansion.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of transmission expansion and reconductoring strategies in addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure.
• Compare innovative solutions for managing increasing energy demands.
• Assess the various regulatory and environmental challenges in transmission expansion and reconductoring.
• Examine the complexities of multi-jurisdictional regulations and compliance requirements.
• Compare best practices for effectively navigating permitting processes.
• Analyze the economic challenges associated with transmission expansion and reconductoring.
• Evaluate the financial implications of various design considerations.
• Gain insights from case studies to enhance decision-making and optimize project planning.
• Assess key considerations, such as load capacity and environmental conditions, in selecting the appropriate conductor.
• Dissect the economic and technical trade-offs associated with various conductor options.
• Evaluate actionable strategies for deploying grid-enhancing technologies in compliance with FERC Orders 2023 and 1920, as well as mandates like SB1006.
• Explore how to integrate proven Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) into existing systems to mitigate delays.
• Examine how the REFA tool streamlines the evaluation process for expansion and reconductoring projects.
• Evaluate key updates from the MISO Long Range Transmission Plan Tranche 2.
• Examine specific design modifications that exceed standard code requirements to address extreme weather.
• Evaluate the role of reconductoring and transmission upgrades in facilitating renewable energy integration.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 : Eastern Time

9:00 – 9:15 a.m. :: Keynote Address and Welcome

This opening talk will explore the strategic approaches and operational practices that drive PSEG’s success in transmission reconductoring and transmission expansion. The session will highlight how PSEG addresses the challenges of aging infrastructure while meeting increasing energy demands.

Lauren Thomas, Managing Director Transmission and Substation Construction and Maintenance, PSEG

9:15 – 10:00 a.m. :: Regulatory, Environmental and Permitting Challenges For Reconductoring Project Approvals

As the demand for enhanced grid reliability and capacity grows, transmission reconductoring projects face significant operational, regulatory, and permitting challenges. This session will discuss complexities of navigating multi-jurisdictional regulations, with a focus on compliance with evolving standards and strategies for efficiently securing necessary permits.

Brandi Bartolomeo, Manager, Major Permits and Field Services, PSEG

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. :: Networking Break

10:15 – 11:00 a.m. :: Economic Challenges & Costs of Transmission Reconductoring

Transmission reconductoring is essential for upgrading infrastructure to meet growing demand and improve reliability. The session will provide a comprehensive breakdown of costs, covering factors like material expenses, installation, and long-term maintenance. By examining current practices, attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the practical and financial implications of reconductoring, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions and optimize project outcomes.

Emman Ebosie, Sr. Director, Project Management Office, Projects & Construction, PSEG

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Deploying Proven Grid-Enhancing Technologies for Transmission Expansion

This session will focus on actionable strategies for deploying ready-to-implement Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to support FERC Orders 2023 and 1920, as well as mandates like SB1006. Attendees will explore practical approaches to integrate proven GETs—such as reconductoring and other emerging technologies—into current transmission planning and grid operations, avoiding delays tied to future-focused research. Emphasis will be placed on incorporating existing solutions to enhance grid reliability and capacity expansion today.

Jay Caspary, Principal, TransGrid Advisors, LLC (former US DOE Grid Deployment Office)

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. :: Group Luncheon

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. :: Data-Driven Approaches to Transmission Reconductoring with REFA Tool

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Transmission Reconductoring Projects using the REFA Tool

This session will examine the Reconductoring Economic and Financial Analysis (REFA) tool developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which is designed to help utility transmission planners better understand the financial, environmental, and economic benefits of reconductoring upgrades, using conventional and advanced conductors. The segment will explore how REFA assists stakeholders in assessing feasibility, performance, and environmental impacts, enabling informed decision-making throughout the reconductoring process. Attendees will learn about the tool’s capabilities that facilitate conductor selection, cost analysis, and socio-environmental impact evaluation.

Kristina S LaCommare, Program Manager, Energy Markets & Policy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. :: Panel: Integrating Renewable Energy into Transmission Planning

This session explores the critical role of reconductoring and transmission upgrades in integrating renewable energy into the grid. Experts will discuss advanced technologies, such as high-temperature conductors, that increase transmission capacity and support the influx of renewable power.

Davis Strobridge, Manager of Regulatory Strategy, ITC Holdings

Ted Kelly, Director, Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy, Environmental Defend Fund

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. :: Networking Break

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. :: Tour: Transmission Facility

Thursday, February 27, 2025 : Eastern Time 

9:00 – 9:15 a.m. :: Keynote Address

Setting the tone for further discussions, this address will outline a vision for the future of transmission systems and highlight the critical role of innovation in enhancing grid reliability and performance.

Ed Gray, Vice President, PSEG

9:15 – 10:00 a.m. :: Regulatory and Financial Hurdles for Reconductoring

This session will explore the key regulatory and financial obstacles facing transmission reconductoring projects. It will discuss how current state and federal policies impact reconductoring efforts and examine potential solutions.

Bruce Tsuchida, Principal, Brattle Group

10:00 – 10:45 a.m. :: MISO Long Range Transmission Plan Tranche 2: Key Updates and Implications for Reconductoring

This session will discuss key developments and regulatory updates impacting the MISO region, including transmission and resource planning activities.

• MISO Reliability Imperative
• Joint Target Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) study update
• MISO Long Range Transmission Plan Tranche 2.1 update
• FERC Order 1920 analysis at MISO
• Rise of short-timeframe load additions within the MISO region

Sumit Brar, Lead Resource Utilization, MISO

10:45 – 11:00 a.m. :: Networking Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Case Study: Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project Updates

This session will provide updates on the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, focusing on its reconductoring efforts to enhance grid reliability and accommodate increasing energy demands. Attendees will learn about the project’s current status, key milestones, and how the reconductoring initiatives will impact local communities and the overall energy landscape in Maryland.

Jason Kalawa, Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project Director, PSEG

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. :: Case Study: Incorporating Storm Planning and Extreme Weather Conditions into the Design of 300ft River Crossing Tower Foundations: Risk, Safety, and Mitigation

This session will explore the design of 300-foot river crossing structures commissioned by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) to address extreme weather conditions and support reconductoring initiatives. Attendees will learn about the innovative modifications incorporated into the design that exceed standard code requirements and tackle technical challenges associated with reconductoring. Insights will be shared on how these advanced solutions enhance the resilience of transmission infrastructure, ensuring it can accommodate increased capacity and withstand severe weather events.

Amit Urs, Lead of Engineer in the Electric Transmission Line Engineering Group, National Grid

Jagrut Jathal, Vice President, CDM Smith

Timothy Montgomery, Structural Engineer, CDM Smith

Brandi Bartolomeo, Manager, Major Permits and Field Services, PSEG

Sumit Brar, Lead Resource Utilization, MISO

Jay Caspary, Principal, TransGrid Advisors, LLC (former US DOE Grid Deployment Office)

Emman Ebosie, Sr. Director, Project Management Office, Projects & Construction, PSEG

Ed Gray, Vice President, PSEG

Jagrut Jathal, Vice President, CDM Smith

Jason Kalawa, Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project Director, PSEG

Ted Kelly, Director, Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy, Environmental Defend Fund

Kristina S. LaCommare, Program Manager, Energy Markets & Policy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Timothy Montgomery, Structural Engineer, CDM Smith

Davis Strobridge, Manager of Regulatory Strategy, ITC Holdings

Lauren Thomas, Managing Director Transmission and Substation Construction and Maintenance, PSEG

Bruce Tsuchida, Principal, Brattle Group

Amit Urs, Lead of Engineer in the Electric Transmission Line Engineering Group, National Grid

Please Note: Confirmed speakers do not need to register and are encouraged to participate in all sessions of the event. If you are a speaker and have any questions please contact our offices at 1.303.770.8800

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Transmission Reconductoring and Capacity Expansion

February 26-27, 2025 | Plainfield, NJ

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before January 24, 2025 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.9 CEUs for this conference

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must be in attendance for the entirety of the conference to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Group discussion, case study analysis, presentations, Q&A, scenario-based discussion.

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Conference CPE Credits: 10.0 conference
There is no prerequisite for this Conference.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend

• Utility Executives and Engineers
• Transmission Planners and Developers
• Regulatory and Compliance Professionals
• Environmental and Permitting Specialists
• Transmission and Infrastructure Project Managers
• Financial and Economic Analysts
• Renewable Energy Professionals
• Grid Resilience and Disaster Preparedness Experts
• Policy Makers and Government Representatives
• Technology and Innovation Leaders
• Consultants and Advisors in Energy and Infrastructure
• Utility Transmission and Substation Project Managers and Engineers

 

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Mark Waldrop
Marketing and Sponsorship Manager
EUCI
720-988-1260
[email protected]