672a620e40b9b9003328515a 2023 Brt Underground Distribution 027 High

Overcoming Challenges: Rebuilding and Upgrading Underground Distribution Systems in Urban Centers

Rebuilding underground distribution systems in urban areas presents a unique set of challenges, requiring careful planning, innovative solutions, and coordination across various stakeholders. This webinar will dive into the complexities of these projects, including aging infrastructure, space constraints, utility congestion, and the need to minimize disruption to city life.

December 5, 2024
2:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM PT / 7:00 PM GMT 

Duration: 1 hour
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Summary

Participants will learn from industry leaders about the latest strategies in overcoming these obstacles, including advanced design and monitoring techniques, regulatory and funding considerations, and best practices for stakeholder engagement. Through real-world case studies, attendees will gain insights into project management tactics, risk mitigation, and the innovative technologies driving the successful execution of these large-scale projects. Whether you’re a project manager, engineer, or city planner, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of urban underground system rebuilds. 

Speakers

Frank Morrissey 
Managing Director - Underground & Submarine Cables \ Transmission & Distribution 
Burns & McDonnell 
  
Frank Morrissey is the Managing Director of Underground & Submarine Cables at Burns & McDonnell, where he collaborates with Electric Utilities and Developers to enhance grid resiliency, address aging infrastructure, navigate regulatory and permitting challenges, and achieve decarbonization through the successful interconnection of offshore wind, battery storage, and solar projects. With Burns & McDonnell’s comprehensive engineering and construction capabilities, Frank and his team provide customized solutions that empower clients to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable power. As part of an employee-owned firm, Frank and his team are dedicated to making each project a success by driving innovation and overcoming key challenges in the evolving energy landscape. 

Scott McDougald 
General Manager for Network Underground Services  
Georgia Power
 
 
Scott McDougald is the General Manager for Network Underground Services at Georgia Power and Alabama Power, where he leads the construction and maintenance of the distribution network system across the state of Georgia. With over 25 years of experience at Georgia Power, Scott has held several key leadership roles, including Distribution Manager in Athens and Distribution Control Center Manager in McDonough, overseeing outage restoration efforts and operations for over 1.25 million customers in the Metro Atlanta area. His career highlights include managing large teams, engineering and operational oversight, and ensuring reliable power delivery through effective system management and storm restoration efforts across Georgia. 

Adam Rehfeld 
Distribution Projects Manager 
Burns & McDonnell
 
 
With 18 years of experience in the energy sector, Adam Rehfeld specializes in managing large engineering portfolios, including grid resiliency, storm hardening, and distribution automation for major investor-owned utilities (IOUs). He excels at coordinating diverse stakeholders to successfully implement comprehensive work portfolios. Adam is dedicated to leveraging technology and driving process improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and stakeholder visibility in all projects. 

Russell Profaizer 
Managing Director, Field Operations 
Duquesne Light Company
 
 
Russell Profaizer is the Managing Director of Field Operations at Duquesne Light Company (DLC), where he leads the utility's field operations to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of power across the region. Russell has 17 years of utility industry experience. He has proven himself a transformative leader with a robust background overseeing critical safety and training initiatives, leading collective bargaining, grant funding opportunities, and grid modernization efforts. With his experience, he has brought multiple business units and external stakeholders together to lead and operationalize innovative technologies while aligning key benefits with community and labor union stakeholders. Previously, he held key roles at DLC, including Director of Advanced Grid Systems and Grid Modernization. 

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