Raj Roychowdhury

Raj is a grid modernization and power systems strategy leader with over a decade of experience in bulk power system planning, interconnection, stability, and operational planning strategies.

Currently, he serves as Manager of Transmission Planning at Xcel Energy’s western footprint (Public Service Company of Colorado – PSCo), where he leads long-term transmission planning and regional reliability studies across Colorado and the broader Western Interconnection. His responsibilities include overseeing technically rigorous planning analyses, coordinating with transmission owners and regional entities, and supporting decision-making processes that align reliability requirements, policy objectives, and evolving resource portfolios. His team’s work informs major transmission investment decisions and supports regulatory review through transparent assumptions, defensible methodologies, and clear communication of system impacts.

Previously, he served as a Technical Leader at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), where he led consulting and applied research engagements for utilities across North America and internationally. His work focused on large-load and generator interconnection requirements, regional and interregional transmission studies, and the development of technical guidance on voltage control, system stability, and reactive power management. These efforts supported utility planning practices, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance in increasingly dynamic grid environments.

Prior to EPRI, he led the Transmission & Distribution Advanced Studies team for AES US Utilities, encompassing AES Ohio and AES Indiana, overseeing long-term planning, system stability analysis, electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies, and interconnection assessments. This work supported capital planning decisions, enhanced regional reliability, and informed regulatory filings and stakeholder processes. Earlier in his career, he worked at Ford Motor Company, contributing to the design of next-generation vehicle electrical systems, which strengthened his perspective on electrification and complex system integration.

Throughout his career, he has built and mentored high-performing technical teams, guided cross-functional collaboration, and contributed to industry leadership efforts through organizations such as PJM, MISO, WECC, NERC, NATF, and IEEE. He holds an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an M.S. and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in power system dynamics, stability, and control. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Ohio, Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas.