Bringing Intelligence to the Electric Grid

OTBC is a viewing site for the MIT Enterprise Forum streaming presentation.

The demands of cost, reliability, efficiency, safety, conservation, and decentralization are challenging the nation’s electrical grid, which has changed very little since its development more than a century ago. 

Smart Grid refers to the modernization of the electric delivery system to reduce system losses, improve reliability, optimize consumption, and reduce carbon emissions.  With integrated energy and IT infrastructure, the Smart Grid will expand alternative and decentralized energy sources while lowering customer costs.  Learn how energy, utility, and technology organizations in the Smart Grid ecosystem are advancing innovation and accelerating economic development.

Keynote:  Charlie Vartania, Director, Market Development, A123 Systems

Charlie Vartanian is director of market development at A123 Systems. A123 is a manufacturer of advanced Lithium-ion batteries and systems. Charlie focuses on grid application development and market access advocacy to expand the use of advanced storage technologies for grid benefit.

Previously, he was distributed energy resource development manager at Southern California Edison where he supported and participated in joint research studies with external entities working on advanced grid concepts. Other prior engagements include SCE Transmission Planning, SCE Field Engineering, California Energy Commission staff, Enron Energy Services, and the U.S. Navy. Charlie received his MSEE from USC, and his BSEE from Cal Poly Pomona. Charlie is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, and is a member of IEEE.

Tom Noonan, President and CEO, JouleX

Tom Noonan assumed the role of president and CEO at JouleX in 2010 and also remains a partner at TechOperators, an early-stage investing firm he co-founded in 2008. He is the former chair, president, and CEO of Internet Security Systems, which was acquired by IBM for $1.5 billion.

Prior to ISS, Noonan held senior positions at Dun and Bradstreet Software, where he was vice president, Worldwide Marketing.  Noonan holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech, and a business degree from Harvard. He is active in numerous professional societies and serves on the boards of Woodruff Arts Center, Georgia Tech Foundation, Georgia Tech’s College of Computing, the Carter Center’s Board of Counselors, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and Young President’s Organization.

Allan Schurr, VP, Strategy and Development, Global Energy and Utilities, IBM

Allan Schurr is responsible for IBM’s energy and utilities strategy worldwide. Schurr leads IBM’s work with partners, policy makers, and IBM services and technologies focused on solutions in customer management, advanced metering infrastructure, work & asset management, and distributed energy.

Schurr is a frequent industry speaker and a 25-year veteran of the energy industry previously holding management positions at Itron, Silicon Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Company, and at PG&E Energy Services. Schurr received his bachelors in mechanical engineering from University of California, Davis, and his masters from St. Mary’s College. He is a registered engineer in the State of California.

After the program, we'll have beverages and food for some networking time.
 

What: Bringing Intelligence to the Electric Grid
Where: OTBC at our new location, 8305 SW Creekside Place, Suite C, Beaverton
When: Oct. 13, 4pm to 5pm (followed by networking with food & beverages)
Cost: $15