The potential of the Smart Grid is enormous: improved energy efficiency, optimization of power supply and demand, and greater transparency into power consumption. Theoretically, at some point in the future, the Smart Grid will allow consumers to specify different sources of electricity based on costs or environmental attributes. After a handful of years of innovation, how does this vision align with today’s reality?

Speakers include:

• Mike Carlson, general manager, Smart Grid Solutions, GE Energy — Mike is responsible for setting and driving the vision to leverage GE Digital Energy’s software portfolio to integrate existing products and services into a comprehensive customer solution. Prior to his current position, Mike was CIO and Vice President for Xcel Energy, a Fortune 200 investor-owned utility with over 5MM customers. Mike has a MBA from Pepperdine University.
• Deepak Divan, professor and director Intelligent Power Infrastructure Consortium, Georgia Institute of Technology — Deepak is the director of the Intelligent Power Infrastructure Consortium (IPIC) a university-industry-utility consortium that provides a focal point for the academic teaching and research programs in advanced power technologies. IPIC seeks to accelerate the development and adoption of early-stage pre-competitive high-risk and high-impact technologies for power applications. Deepak holds 32 patents, has published approximately 200 technical papers, including over 12 prize papers. 
• Humayun Tai, principal and leader, Smart Grid service line, McKinsey & Co. — Humayun works with utility, technology, private equity and public policy clients on emerging energy technologies and smart grid topics ranging from technology roadmap development, technology assessment and integration and change management. Prior to McKinsey, Humayun worked at Deloitte Emerging Markets and the World Bank on energy and environmental issues in emerging economies.