I recently joined the North American SynchroPhasor Initiative (NASPI) community for its Working Group meeting where industry representatives, researchers, and vendors gathered to share lessons learned and discuss advances in a technology that is a core component of a modernized power grid. Synchrophasors, which use systems of phasor measurement units (PMUs) to measure electric power system values and time-synchronize it using GPS satellites, provide system operators with a near real-time snapshot of the grid’s operating status. OE partners with the Electric Power Research Institute to support NASPI in its work to the deployment and use of these invaluable devices and for the development of important applications such as wide-area monitoring, power system planning, and forensic analysis of grid disturbances. 

For the third year in a row, NASPI recognized the significant accomplishments and contributions of its members. I had the honor of participating in the awards ceremony and meeting individuals who are playing a vital role in helping to improve the reliability and resiliency of the nation’s grid. This year’s awardees are listed below. I am pleased to note that Phil Overholt here in the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability received an award for recognizing the potential of synchrophasor technology to improve grid operations and reliability, skillfully managing a strong R&D program and investments to accelerate its maturity and use. Phil’s award said “Synchrophasor technology would not exist today without Phil’s vision and guidance.” I also appreciate the recognition that I received.

On behalf of the Department of Energy, I want to again say congratulations and thank you to the award winners for their commitment, innovation, and hard work that are helping us – collectively – continue advancing our electricity delivery system! 

• Outstanding Utility -- Power Grid Corporation of India, Ltd.
• Volunteer of the Year -- Marianna Vaiman, V&R Energy Systems Research
• Volunteer of the Year -- Shaun Murphy, PJM
• Distinguished Service -- David Bertagnolli, ISO-New England
• Control Room Solutions Task Team Most Valuable Players -- Slava Maslennikov, Frankie Zhang & Xiaochuan Luo (ISO-New England) and Kai Sun & Bin Wang (University of Tennessee at Knoxville)
• Control Room Solutions Task Team Most Valuable Player -- Marianna Vaiman, V&R Energy
• Data & Network Management Task Team Most Valuable Player -- James Ritchie Carroll, Grid Protection Alliance
• Engineering Analysis Task Team Most Valuable Player -- Dr. Raymond de Callafon, University of California – San Diego
• Engineering Analysis Task Team Most Valuable Players -- Dr. Harold Kirkham (PNNL) & Dr. Mani Venkatasubramanian (Washington State University)
• Performance Requirements, Standards & Verification Task Team Most Valuable Player -- Ray M. Hayes, R. M. Hayes, LLC
• Outstanding Graduate Student (1) -- Ahad Esmaeilian, Texas A&M
• Outstanding Graduate Student (2) -- Deepak Ramasubramanian, Arizona State University
• Outstanding Graduate Student (3) -- Gefei “Derek” Kou, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• Synchrophasor Technology Champion – Phil Overholt, Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy
• Synchrophasor Technology Champion – Patricia Hoffman, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy