Upon successful completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Articulate the core principles, benefits, and architecture of a modern Smart Grid system.
• Understand the function and implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and two-way communication networks.
• Analyze the role of IoT, sensors, and big data analytics in optimizing transmission and distribution (T&D) assets.
• Design and implement Demand Response (DR) programs to manage peak load and system stress.
• Evaluate the growing cybersecurity threats to smart grid infrastructure and develop mitigation strategies.
• Understand the technical challenges of integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar and storage.
• Assess the market and regulatory changes necessary to incentivize smart grid investment and innovation.
• Develop a strategic roadmap for a utility's digital transformation and grid modernization efforts.

• Utility Executives and Grid Modernization Leaders
• IT and Operational Technology (OT) Specialists
• Grid Planning and System Operations Engineers
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Officers
• Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Aggregators
• Energy Policy and Regulatory Advisors
• Product Managers for Smart Home/Grid Technologies

• **Scenarios:** Designing a cybersecurity defense strategy for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network against a sophisticated attack.
• **Case Studies:** Analyzing the successful implementation and regulatory hurdles of a major utility's Smart Grid rollout.
• **Group Activities:** Collaborative development of a Demand Response program designed to shave 10% off a utility's annual peak load.
• **Individual Exercises:** Analyzing smart meter data (conceptual) to identify patterns indicative of potential transformer failure or service theft.
• **Mini-Case Studies:** Rapid evaluation of a new IoT sensor technology for its application in predictive maintenance of overhead transmission lines.
• **Syndicate Discussions:** Debating the ethical trade-offs between data-driven grid optimization and consumer privacy.
• **System Diagram:** Drawing a conceptual architecture of a microgrid capable of islanding from the main grid.

Unit 1: Fundamentals of the Smart Grid

• Defining the Smart Grid and its distinction from the traditional grid.
• Key components: sensors, communication networks, control systems, and data analytics.
• Understanding two-way communication and bidirectional power flow (Prosumer).
• The role of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and Wide Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS).
• Smart Grid standards and interoperability requirements (e.g., IEC 61850).

Unit 2: Advanced Infrastructure and Data Management

• Implementation and benefits of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and smart meters.
• Leveraging IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of T&D assets and fault detection.
• Big data analytics and Machine Learning for predictive maintenance and outage prevention.
• Data architecture and governance for high-volume, real-time grid data.
• The challenge of data privacy and anonymization of smart meter data.

Unit 3: Decentralization and Grid Optimization

• Technical challenges of integrating high penetrations of intermittent solar and wind.
• The role of Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS).
• Strategies for voltage and frequency control in a distributed environment.
• Microgrids: design, operation, and their role in resilience.
• Non-Wires Alternatives (NWAs): using DERs to defer traditional infrastructure upgrades.

Unit 4: Demand Response and Market Design

• Types of Demand Response (DR) programs (e.g., direct load control, time-of-use rates).
• The economic value proposition of DR for utilities and consumers.
• Market mechanisms for enabling participation of DERs and storage.
• The concept of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and aggregation of small resources.
• Regulatory frameworks that incentivize flexibility and system efficiency.

Unit 5: Cybersecurity and Resilience

• Identifying unique cyber threats to the Smart Grid (OT systems, AMI networks).
• Developing a layered defense strategy (defense-in-depth) for critical infrastructure.
• Compliance with key cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST Cyber Framework).
• Physical security integration with digital control systems.
• Designing system resilience: self-healing grids and rapid fault isolation.