Meet AWWEE's Smart Grid Panel

On Day One (May 19th) of AWWEE's conference, Laura Doll led a discussion about "The Smart Grid: Just How 'Smart' Is It?"

Laura invited Julie Fitch, Director of the Energy Division of the California Public Utilities Commission and Heather Sanders, Director of Smart Grid Technologies & Strategy for the California Independent System Operator, to join her in this important dialogue.

Laura R. Doll

Chair, Board of Directors

Electric Reliability Council of Texas

Laura joined the Electric Reliability Council of Texas as an independent board member in 2010. She was formerly vice president of governmental and public affairs for Santa Monica-based Woodside Natural Gas Inc. Prior to that, she served as the deputy executive director for policy at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Before joining the CPUC, Laura served as chief executive officer for the California Consumer Power and Conservation Authority (also known as the California Power Authority).

Laura began her professional career at Austin Energy, where she spent 14 years, ultimately in the position of chief administrative officer. Her career also includes time as director of customer service for Grande Communications; director at Navigant Consulting; and senior vice president at Planergy, Inc., all based in Austin.

Laura was appointed to the California ISO Board of Governors by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008 to a term ending December 2010.

Laura is a resident of Austin and holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and a bachelor of arts from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Laura's Panelists

JFitch

Julie Fitch is the Director of the Energy Division at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). She was previously the Policy and Planning Director for the CPUC, and also served for four years as the lead energy advisor to President Michael Peevey. In all of these roles, she has been heavily involved in the development of the CPUC's energy-related environmental policies, including climate change issues. Prior to her work at the CPUC, Julie designed energy efficiency and demand-side management programs for electric utility clients, and supported energy efficiency programs in developing countries. Julie holds a Master's degree in Russian and East European Studies from Harvard University and a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from George Washington University.

Heather Sanders is the Director of Smart Grid Technologies and Strategy at the California Independent System Operator responsible for demonstration, research and promotion of smart grid and other technologies supporting ISO reliability, market efficiency, and transmission utilization objectives. She graduated in 1992 from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a BS in Electrical Engineering. After working for 5 years in government communication systems and receiving a MBA from the University of Utah, she transitioned into consulting in the electricity industry as it was beginning deregulation. After 12 years working with clients to prepare for participation in the deregulated electricity markets, she became interested in renewable resources and came to the California ISO in 2009 to contribute to achieving the state's renewable resource integration goals.