Smart Grid Live Online Forum
Smart Substations Evolution
Integrating AI Intelligence, Grid Resilience
Live Online Event Hosted By Electricity Today T&D Magazine.
This Electricity Today Magazine Live Online Forum will cover practical transformer testing methods used to identify insulation issues, moisture, and developing faults in the field. You will also learn how renewable energy integration is affecting high-voltage asset reliability and how predictive monitoring can help prevent equipment failures. The forum will conclude with insights into the growing role of fiber optic communications in grid modernization and utility operations.
Designed for utility engineers, operators and industry professionals, this free event features a series of 45 minute, non commercial technical presentations. Attendees will gain practical insights into renewable integration, intelligent monitoring, automation strategies and the innovations shaping the next generation of resilient and sustainable power grids.
After you register, even if you cannot attend live, you will receive access to the recording link and presentation PDF for convenient on demand learning.
Agenda
45 minutes presentation includes 10 minutes of Q&A.
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
intellirent
Transformer Testing that Finds Problem
This session focuses on practical transformer testing techniques that help identify real problems in the field. Learn how to interpret results, recognize abnormal patterns, and apply common tests to detect insulation issues, moisture, and developing faults.
1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
Dynamic Ratings
Protecting High-Voltage Assets in Renewable-Dominated Power Systems
As wind and solar generation reshape grid dynamics, utilities face growing challenges in equipment reliability and power quality. This webinar explores how renewable integration impacts transformers and other high-voltage assets, and how online monitoring and predictive maintenance strategies can improve reliability, reduce failures, and support long-term grid performance.
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
AFL
Fiber Optics in the Grid, Today and Tomorrow
Fiber optic communications technology is widely utilized by electric utilities and is only becoming more important with increased focus on grid modernization. We will discuss the current status of fiber optics in the grid and the emerging use cases.
3:15 pm - 4:00 pm
Doble Engineering
Power Transformer Digital Twins: Managing Risk and Reliability in the Future Grid
This webinar explains what makes a digital twin useful for critical power assets. It focuses on purpose, data quality, algorithm integrity, validation, uncertainty, and risks such as model drift and cybersecurity issues. Attendees will learn how to judge whether twin outputs are reliable enough for asset-management decisions.
Presenters
David Stelmach
Director of Business and Technical Development
intellirent
David Stelmach is the Director of Business and Technical Development at intellirent, where he applies extensive expertise in electrical diagnostics and testing, particularly in transformers, circuit breakers, generators, relays, and reclosers. Before joining intellirent in 2025, David spent 16 years with OMICRON, serving in multiple technical and sales leadership roles, including North America National Sales Manager, overseeing all aspects of sales and teams across the U.S. and Canada. He began his career at Doble Engineering as a Client Service Engineer, gaining hands-on field experience in electrical diagnostics. David is actively involved in the IEEE Transformer Committee, NETA, and serves on the planning board of the Northeast Power and Energy Conference (NEPEC). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Western New England University.
Mark Tostrud
Senior Technical Officer & Principal Engineer
Dynamic Ratings
Mark tostrud is the technology officer for dynamic ratings, INC. Located in sussex, Wisconsin. He joined dynamic ratings in the fall of 2006 and has been instrumental in Helping dynamic ratings customers incorporate online monitoring into their condition Based maintenance programs. Mark’s goal is to improve the understanding of the Technologies and analytics the monitors offer so customers can get the most out of their Monitoring systems, improve their system performance and make better asset Management decisions. Prior to his present position, mark was a construction & maintenance supervisor at we Energies. During his 19 years at we energies, mark lead the implementation of many Of condition based monitoring programs for substation equipment. Mark is a past officer Of the doble oil committee, and was an active member on various doble committees And subcommittees including the transformers, insulating materials, dga of ltcs and Others. Mark is a registered professional engineer in the state of wisconsin.
Nathanael Winslow
Product Line Manager for ADSS Cable
AFL
Nathanael Winslow is an Product Line Manager for ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) Cable at AFL, specializing in fiber optic cable systems for electric utilities. He is actively involved in the utility and fiber technology sectors, frequently contributing to smart grid modernization and sharing his technical expertise.
Matthew Kennedy
Senior Director of Product Management
Doble Engineering
Matthew Kennedy serves as the Senior Director of Product Management at Doble Engineering, where he spearheads overall product life cycle management. His responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of products, including Utility IoT, high voltage apparatus test systems, utility protection test systems, and online monitors. Throughout his tenure at Doble, Matthew has played pivotal roles in the innovation and development of several key products such as the M-Series, DTA, dobleARMS™, and The Doble DATABASE™. His profound interest in diagnostic technology has driven him to author diagnostic analysis sections for international standards. Moreover, he has contributed numerous papers, journal articles, and magazine pieces to the power industry, showcasing his expertise and thought leadership. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he specialized in signal and digital signal processing. His advanced studies continued with the US Navy's Nuclear Power School. In addition, he has earned professional certifications from Cornell University in Product Design and Development and from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Chief Product Officer. He is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the United States National Committee (USNC), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
