Critical Issue Forums

At the Center for Operational Excellence, we understand the evolving complexities that utility leaders face in managing expansive operational data and adapting to new technologies. Our Critical Issue Forums provide a platform where utility professionals can collaborate, exchange insights, and adopt best practices aimed at fostering a seamless transition to new energy sources.

Through strategic workshops, AEIC member projects, publications, and other resources that are interconnected with Integrated System Planning and Operations Data Strategy Framework, we strive to empower our industry to overcome operational challenges and harness opportunities. Our repository of resources emphasizes holistic approaches to data-driven decision-making, coordination, and impactful results that drive operational excellence.

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. Stay tuned - registration for our 2026 workshops opens soon.

Workshop Dates

  • January 28, 2026 - Virtual

  • February 11-12, 2026 - Austin, TX

  • April 15-16, 2026 - Pittsburgh, PA

  • June 24-25, 2026 - Denver, CO

  • September 18, 2026 - Virtual

  • November 12-13, 2026 - Chicago, IL

  • December 9, 2026 - Virtual

Data Center Connections Workshop: Powering the Data Revolution: Connecting Data Centers to the Grid
Jan
22
to Jan 23

Data Center Connections Workshop: Powering the Data Revolution: Connecting Data Centers to the Grid

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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