Critical Issue Forums

Funded by the Department of Energy

Critical Issue Forums bring utility leaders together to address the evolving operational challenges of a changing energy system. Through workshops, member initiatives, and shared insights aligned with AEIC’s Integrated System Planning and Operations Data Strategy Framework, these gatherings help utilities exchange best practices and strengthen data-informed decision-making.

List of Workshops

Please note: The workshops listed below are only open to AEIC members and invited guests. To learn more about membership, click here.

2026 Load Forecasting Workshop Series

In 2026, our Critical Issue Forums will bring together utility professionals across all departments to explore the full landscape of modern load forecasting practices. Spanning the entire workflow, these sessions will highlight how different teams—using different tools, methods, and data—approach the shared challenge of forecasting load under evolving operational demands.

Across the series, participants will examine load forecasting through three key dimensions:

  • System granularity: From system-level market and revenue forecasts, to substation and bus-level transmission planning, down to feeder and device-level distribution forecasting.

  • Time horizon: Techniques and approaches for forecasting the next hour and next day (including ML, stochastic methods, and weather integration), the next month (historical plus discrete additions), and the next year (historic trends plus known large load additions).

  • Peak vs. 8760: How teams balance planning for extreme-temperature peak events versus developing and using full 8,760-hour annual load profiles.

Together, these workshops will provide a structured view into how utilities organize, execute, and continuously improve their forecasting responsibilities across the grid.

Data Center Connections to the Grid [Workshop]
Jan
22
to Jan 23

Data Center Connections to the Grid [Workshop]

It’s no secret that data centers put an immense strain on the grid. As they grow in size, importance, and complexity, ensuring their seamless connection to the grid requires careful planning. This workshop will explore the best practices for integrating data centers with electrical infrastructure. 

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Past Critical Issue Forums

Featured
Load Forecasting [Workshop]
Feb 11
Load Forecasting [Workshop]

How do different teams within a utility approach load forecasting under evolving operational demands? Join us for our 2026 Load Forecasting Workshop Series to find out.

Load Forecasting Across Transmission & Distribution [Virtual Workshop]
Jan 28
Load Forecasting Across Transmission & Distribution [Virtual Workshop]

How do different teams within a utility approach load forecasting under evolving operational demands? Find out in the first session of our 2026 Load Forecasting Workshop Series.

Grid Resilience & Asset Reliability [Virtual Workshop]
Dec 12
Grid Resilience & Asset Reliability [Virtual Workshop]

As extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and distributed energy resources stretch utility systems, this virtually hosted workshop examines future-forward thinking on grid resilience and asset reliability.

The NextGen Control Center: Reimagining Grid Operations [Workshop]
Oct 20
The NextGen Control Center: Reimagining Grid Operations [Workshop]

Alongside utility case studies, a curated vendor ecosystem will participate, building out a collaborative space for lessons learned, technical frameworks, and shared guidelines for navigating one of the most complex technology deployments in modern utility operations.

Safety, Risk & Workforce Training for Grid Operations [Virtual Workshop]
Oct 17
Safety, Risk & Workforce Training for Grid Operations [Virtual Workshop]

As the grid becomes more complex and the workforce evolves, new training methods are essential.

Data Governance for Grid Resilience & Reliability [Virtual Workshop]
Sep 19
Data Governance for Grid Resilience & Reliability [Virtual Workshop]

This virtual workshop will focus on the often overlooked yet foundational work of data governance.

Optimization & Data Engineering for Grid Modernization [Virtual Workshop]
Aug 22
Optimization & Data Engineering for Grid Modernization [Virtual Workshop]

This workshop will explore the growing application of data and process needs in grid operations—from accelerating fault detection to optimizing work management and planning.

Fleet Electrification Strategy [Workshop]
Jun 3
Fleet Electrification Strategy [Workshop]

This workshop will focus on the strategic planning needed to support fleet electrification efforts. Join us to explore the roadmap for fleet electrification and how your organization can lead in this critical transition.

Asset Health & Substation Modernization [Workshop]
Apr 22
Asset Health & Substation Modernization [Workshop]

Want to be a utility that stays ahead of the curve? Sign up now for our next workshop to learn how to modernize your substations and ensure asset health.

Data & Communication Strategies for Grid Performance [Workshop]
Feb 26
Data & Communication Strategies for Grid Performance [Workshop]

Want to discover how innovative data and communication strategies can empower your utility to drive better outcomes? Sign up now for our data and communication strategy workshop.

Data Center Connections to the Grid [Workshop]
Jan 22
Data Center Connections to the Grid [Workshop]

It’s no secret that data centers put an immense strain on the grid. As they grow in size, importance, and complexity, ensuring their seamless connection to the grid requires careful planning. This workshop will explore the best practices for integrating data centers with electrical infrastructure. 

Integrated System Planning (ISP) [Workshop]
Jun 4
Integrated System Planning (ISP) [Workshop]

We assembled the Integrated Systems Planning (ISP) workshop so attendees could share insights and best practices surrounding interconnection and load forecasting among multiple utilities.

Integration of Inverter-Based Resources & DERs [Workshop]
Feb 27
Integration of Inverter-Based Resources & DERs [Workshop]

Our inaugural Critical Issues Forum explored the dynamic world of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the electric utility industry.