Sonoma State University
September 20, 2012

PG&E's Smart Grid, a Foundation for a Sustainable Electric System

Suna Taymaz

Ms. Suna Taymaz & Mr. Dan Pearson
Managers, Smart Grid & Technology Integration, PG&E

Cerent Engineering Science Complex, Salazar Hall 2009A
4:00 PM

Abstract – Utilities across the world are deploying "Smart Grids" that will fundamentally change the way that we create, control and consume electricity. Such changes will improve the safety, reliability, and resiliency of the electric grid system, create a cleaner "green" environment, and integrate new and renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power onto the grid. This presentation will discuss Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Smart Grid vision, strategy and long term roadmap to modernize the electric grid. We will discuss the environmental and societal benefits to implementing the Smart Grid as well as some of the unique challenges faced in undertaking one of the largest overhauls of the electric system in the U.S. in over 70 years.

Ms. Suna Taymaz joined Pacific Gas & Electric's Smart Grid and Technology Integration group in 2011. She is responsible for helping to formulate the Smart Grid vision, strategy & roadmap by working across various PG&E lines of business including the Transmission & Distribution, Customer Care, Energy Procurement & Information Technology departments. Prior to joining PG&E, Suna worked at Deloitte for 12 years & has a broad consulting background focused on business & technology policy & strategy, program design & development, & working with stage government & regulated industries to implement new technology initiatives.

Mr. Dan Pearson joined Pacific Gas & Electric in 1981 out of Oregon State University with a BS Electrical Engineering. Dan is a registered professional engineer in California & a member of IEEE. Dan has held many positions at PG&E from supervising all distribution planning engineer work to being PG&E’s General Rate Case witness on all distribution capital investment funds amounting to over a billion dollars & is considered as one of PG&E’s business & technical experts.