As utilities work to integrate more clean energy sources and enhance grid reliability and safety, microgrids have emerged as a vital solution. These localized power systems can operate independently from the main grid during outages—ensuring critical power delivery when it’s needed most. 

We’ll take a close look at real-world examples, including the Borrego Springs microgrid, and explore lessons learned in high fire-threat districts such as Ramona and Cameron Corners in California. You’ll hear how microgrids are already delivering as the “utility of the future”—leveraging energy storage and smart grid technologies to route and restore power, keep communities safe, and even save lives during emergencies. 

Whether you’re a utility professional, policymaker, or clean energy advocate, this webinar offers valuable insights into how microgrids are reshaping the future of energy. 

Panelist:

Karina Hershberg, Associate Principal, PAE
Karina has over 15 years of experience with systems modeling, data analysis and electrical engineering for high performance buildings and renewable energy systems. She brings a unique perspective to her dual roles in analysis and engineering at PAE. Through data-driven analytics and innovative design, Karina helps projects implement regenerative and resilient solutions. She leads the development of microgrid design, emissions analysis, and campus-scale solutions for the firm and is a regional leader for PAE’s Regenerative Design Group.

Ramakrishna (Ram) Dhanekula, Technology Strategy Architect, San Diego Gas & Electric
In his role at San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Ram leads transformative initiatives in grid modernization and clean energy integration. With a robust background in electrical engineering and corporate strategy, he has been instrumental in driving innovation across a range of high-impact projects including SDG&E’s Microgrid Incentive Program, Virtual Power Plant demonstration, Energy Marketplace, and customer engagement strategies in Wildfire Mitigation Programs. Ram brings over 15 years of cross-sector experience spanning energy, technology, and consulting, including research and strategic roles at Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and Amazon. He holds 31 U.S. patents and continues to push the boundaries of distributed energy resource integration to enhance grid flexibility, resilience, and decarbonization.

Moderator:

Joe Wachunas, Program Manager, New Buildings Institute
Joe’s work at NBI includes Microgrid Opportunities: Vehicles Enhancing Resilience and the Advanced Water Heating Initiative. He believes that electrifying everything, from transportation to homes, is the quickest path to an equitable, clean energy future. Previously he worked on electric school buses and vehicle-to-grid charging at Forth. Joe promotes individual action through Electrify Now, sits on the board of PACE Ghana, and contributes to CleanTechnica.

Supported by

Explore free courses on energy efficiency and electrification with The LEARN Program. LEARN’s interactive learning hub covers topics like building design & construction, HVAC and hot water systems, renewable energy, and more resources to help you electrify your own home. Start learning today at sandiegolearn.com.