Keynote Session 2

  27 Nov 2025, 09:00 - 12:30   |     Power Hub (Plenary)

"Advancing Innovation for Resilience in a Dynamic Energy Landscape"

Synopsis

Now, more than ever, the resilience of our global energy system depends on our ability to meet ambitious decarbonization goals, mitigate the effects of extreme weather, and leverage emerging technologies like AI. Innovative approaches are redefining how we generate, store and deliver power, but how do we harness it for meaningful change?

In this keynote, Raj Beasla will highlight the innovations in continuous grid monitoring, operational mitigation and system resiliency that allows the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, to enhance electric reliability and adapt to the dynamic challenges facing our energy system. Participants will learn how PG&E, and the wider industry, are navigating these issues, while also planning for the next two decades of large-load integration and increased customer demand. The keynote will shed light on the opportunities awaiting transmission and distribution operators with actionable takeaways and a call to develop the next generation of engineers with the skills needed to bring this system to life.

At PG&E, Raj Beasla leads a team of engineers to scope, design and engineer projects for Asset Replacement, Wildfire Risk Reduction and Grid Modernization.


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Raj Beasla

Senior Director Transmission and Substation Engineering at Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Speaker

Raj Beasla is Sr. Director of Electric Transmission and Substation Engineering at Pacific Gas & Electric. His team is responsible for engineering, designing, and estimating projects worth $1.4 billion annually to build or replace transmission lines and substations. Over the last 42 years, he has held various roles in New Customer Service Planning, Customer Service, Maintenance & Construction, Substation, and Governmental Relations. Raj led enterprise-level vital initiatives, such as Safety Culture Assessment and Express Connections, to improve safety, performance, and customer satisfaction. Raj is leading the efforts to implement IEC 61850 standards to digitize PG&E's vast network of electrical substations. He grew up in New Delhi, India, and migrated to the United States in 1985. Raj graduated from Delhi Polytechnic in 1983, with a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Fresno State in 1989, and a master's in Business Administration in 2021. He remains an active community member, involved with the Red Cross Central Valley, the Sikh Institute Fresno, and the Lyles College of Engineering. He is an active member of IEEE PES, participates in various forums, and hosts events. He loves to travel around the world.