Grid modernization is not a single initiative—it is a transformation of how utilities plan, operate, and invest in infrastructure to meet the demands of growing load, distributed energy resources, and an increasingly volatile climate. This executive panel explores how emerging technologies are making that transformation practical and affordable. The conversation covers how intelligent substations equipped with advanced sensors and real-time analytics are enabling proactive monitoring and control. It examines protection schemes that deliver faster fault detection and dynamic responses, reducing downtime and strengthening system security. And it addresses the role of digitization—from predictive maintenance to data-driven decision-making—in improving grid performance, reducing operational costs, and enabling the seamless incorporation of renewable energy. Join this forward-looking discussion with senior utility leaders from PG&E, Southern Company, Orlando Utilities Commission, PHI, and Southern California Edison to explore how these technologies are accelerating the transition to a more resilient, sustainable, and affordable grid.

Session Takeaways:
- How intelligent substations and advanced sensor technology enable proactive monitoring, control, and enhanced grid stability
- How modern protection schemes improve fault detection speed, reduce downtime, and strengthen overall system security
- How digitization and data-driven decision-making reduce operational costs and improve the integration of renewable energy sources
- How utilities are approaching the practical tradeoffs of grid modernization investment in an era of rising demand and affordability pressure