2026 Event Schedule

As electric grids around the world face unprecedented pressures from the rapid adoption of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), aging infrastructure, and mounting supply chain constraints, the importance of resilient, operationally optimized networks has never been clearer. This global panel brings together energy leaders from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia to explore real-world strategies for keeping the lights on while transitioning toward a decarbonized and decentralized energy future.

This 2-hour session will examine how each region is innovating to enhance visibility and performance of low-voltage and distribution networks in the face of economic and environmental pressures. U.S. utilities will speak to the compounding impacts of aging infrastructure and supply chain disruptions on grid modernization and resiliency. Australian networks will share insights from managing extreme solar DER saturation in remote areas and discuss the federal initiative to deploy one million household batteries aimed at cutting energy costs and firming renewable energy supply. From the U.K., panelists will outline how market-based flexibility and regulatory mandates are transforming the role of the distribution network operator.

Despite vastly different regulatory, geographic and demographic profiles, each region is navigating similar challenges: transformer aging, electrification-driven load growth, rising customer expectations and limited equipment availability. This session will highlight how the global application of best practices can unlock significant efficiency gains, improve reliability and accelerate progress toward decarbonization when tailored to national contexts.

Session Chair: Matt Schnugg, Chief Product Officer — Digital Grid, Schneider Electric
Moderator: Richard McIndoe, Chairman, Edge Zero

Panelists: (To Be Announced - Featuring utility and regulatory leaders from Australia, U.K. and U.S.)

Reception to Follow

Sponsored by Schneider Electric