Affordability, Grid Modernization, Wildfire Tech
GridFWD 2026 convened hundreds of energy industry leaders and stakeholders at The Cliff Lodge in Snowbird, Utah, on September 29–30.
Centered on the theme “Reprioritizing Affordability for Modernizing the Grid,” the sold-out conference featured plenaries, workshops, and pitch competitions addressing load growth, capital efficiency, and emerging technologies.
As part of the event, SEPA hosted a workshop, “Coordinated and Cost-Effective Wildfire Solutions: A Technology Framework for Utilities” – led by Senior Director Jared Leader and opened by Utah Office of Consumer Services Director Michele Beck. The workshop focused on cost-effective wildfire mitigation, alongside experts from PNNL, NERC, PacifiCorp, APS, AEP, and leading technology providers.
Image: Utility Perspectives: From Strategy to Favorable Outcomes, from left, APS Supervisor of Fire Science and Meteorology Cindy Kobold, PacifiCorp Director of Wildfire Mitigation Program Delivery Megan Buckner, AEP Director of Wildfire Risk and Analytics Marcus Johannsen, and moderator and SEPA Senior Director Jared Leader, discussed utility approaches to wildfire risk, technology, operations, and regulatory engagement.
See photos at our Facebook gallery.
