Speakers

William Thai is a recognized leader in grid modernization with over 17 years of experience across the power, energy, and utility sectors. As Managing Partner of WT Partners, LLC, he advises utilities, technology providers, startups, and investors on next-generation Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI 2.0) and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) integration.

His work includes developing strategies for AMI 2.0, private LTE, Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and advanced grid sensor technologies; leading successful Department of Energy (DOE) funding applications representing more than $120 million in proposed investments; and designing distributed control architectures.

Most recently, William helped lead an innovative utility grid-edge field pilot deploying AMI 2.0 devices—taking the project from ideation through design, field deployment, and evaluation—while validating advanced analytics such as EV and PV detection at the grid edge.

Earlier in his utility career, he managed a DOE-funded Smart Grid Operations Center, led sustaining technical operations for an AMI Operations Center, and supported large-scale AMI meter deployments. His experience also includes commissioning substation power equipment, relay and protection systems, SCADA, and NERC-CIP-compliant revenue metering systems.

An active industry leader, William has held key roles on the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Next Generation AMI Subcommittee and co-authored EEI’s 2025 white paper on Next Generation AMI interoperability. He also participates in the Linux Foundation Energy Grid Edge Interoperability & Security Alliance (GEISA) and IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES), and has presented at Electrify Expo, Itron’s Grid Edge Innovation Exchange (GEIE), and the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies’ (AEIC) Grid Mod Pod.

William holds an MBA with a focus on Network and Communications Management, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).