Are inadequate communications systems putting your grid at risk of a major power outage?

February 04, 2026
29CD
Grid Modernization (Sponsored by Sensus, a Xylem Brand) , Reliability and Resilience (Sponsored by GE Vernova) , Communication Networks (Sponsored by Ericsson)

Analysis of recent major blackouts across Spain/Portugal, Latin America, United States and Czech Republic reveals a critical mismatch between accelerating grid dynamics and communication system capabilities.

Comparison between these modern blackouts and an Italian blackout in 2003 reveals a 300-fold acceleration in grid failure dynamics in the last two decades that fundamentally changes protection coordination requirements. Compressing entire cascade sequences into 5-second windows, modern blackouts now exceed human reaction capabilities.

In this session, Marco Pangos, Director of Business Development at Ubiik and Senior Life Member at IEEE, shares the results of his comprehensive research paper. Using recent blackout case studies to guide new requirements for protection coordination communications, Marco shares this information with the aim of assisting utilities to prevent cascade failures and their billion-dollar economic impacts.

Session Sponsored by Ubiiik

Speakers
Marco Pangos
Marco Pangos, Director Business Development - Southern Europe, Caribbean & Latin - Ubiik