We are an industry-leading, privately held engineering and construction firm that provides innovative utility infrastructure solutions. 

We are an industry-leading, privately held engineering and construction firm that provides innovative utility infrastructure solutions. 

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Energy Industry Thought Leaders and Influencers Gather at HMI’s Grid Modernization & Communications Convergence Forum

June 25, 2019
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HMI’s Grid Modernization & Communications Convergence Forum was held on Monday, June 24, 2019 at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. The event’s robust blend of content and speakers attracted a wide variety of accomplished leaders from the power and communications industries for an in-depth examination of the country’s evolving energy grid. Participants were welcomed with remarks from T. Roderick Henkels, Chairman, President & CEO of Henkels & McCoy Group, parent company of HMI; and Carmine Battafarano, President of HMI.

Keynote speaker, Lee Mazzocchi, Senior Vice President of Grid Solutions for Duke Energy, discussed ways in which megatrends, such as concentrated growth and distributed technologies, are driving improvements to optimize the grid for customer satisfaction. In his keynote presentation, Dave Bonenberger, Vice President at PPL Utilities, addressed grid modernization from a utility company perspective, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to work together to achieve the most beneficial integrated outcomes. In an “Analysis of Technological Gaps in Generation, Transmission and Electrical Distribution,” keynote presenter, Dr. Mauricio Subieto, Regional CTO of the Energy Segment at Nokia, focused on the need to identify and address existing technology shortcomings while developing a more responsive and resilient modern grid.                      

An engaging panel discussion moderated by Jonathan S. Adelstein, President & CEO of WIA, proved to be a highlight of the event. Panelists included Morné Erasmus, Director of Smart Cities at CommScope, James J. Hoecker, Senior Counsel at Husch Blackwell, Nicole L. LeVine, Vice President of Electric Operations for PECO, and Joseph A. Woomer, Vice President of Grid & Technical Solutions of the Power Delivery Group at Dominion Energy Virginia. Multiple topics were discussed by panelists and event participants, including the mutually dependent nature of power and communication infrastructure, regulatory challenges of the energy ecosystem, and opportunities to best leverage smart grid investments.

Hosted by HMI and sponsored by CommScope, Graybar, and Nokia, the forum was designed to promote dialogue and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of modernizing the grid. Feedback from participants indicates the event successfully met its goal. HMI President Carmine Battafarano commented, “The forum’s collaborative structure and diversity of expertise inspired a meaningful exchange of ideas. Those who attended walked away with insights on creating the grid of the future and the challenges and opportunities utilities are facing with grid modernization today.”

HMI is a full-service engineering, construction, and consulting organization providing solutions to the power, communications, and oil & gas pipeline industries. With a genesis in construction and a skilled team of multidiscipline engineers and project management professionals, the privately-held firm brings a deep understanding of infrastructure to every project. Learn more at www.hmiservices.com