Grid Talk: Surging EVs and An Ongoing Fire Threat - San Diego Utility Responds

"The holy grail is really long-duration energy storage that can really provide backup power during extended power outages and help to synchronize the supply and demand across the seasons."

CAROLINE WINN, CEO, SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC

The wildfire season is in full swing and that has utility officials in the drought stricken Southwest preparing for an active summer. In this episode of Grid Talk, host Marty Rosenberg talks with Caroline Winn who is the CEO of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). They’ll discuss how the utility has prepared for a fire season that lasts all year long, including how it uses technology to limit the impact of forced outages.

“So having a more surgical approach has helped us ensure again that only the most endangered communities are turned off,” said Winn.

They’ll also talk about renewables and promising new hydrogen storage technology.

“The holy grail is really long-duration energy storage that can really provide backup power during extended power outages and help to synchronize the supply and demand across the seasons.”

Finally, the discussion turns to meeting the demand as more EVs hit the road.

“The challenge ahead of us is how do we manage the electrification of everything; the cars, the buildings and other facets of our economy.”

Caroline Winn has been with SDG&E since 1986 and became CEO in August 2020. Previously, she served as the chief operating officer of SDG&E, overseeing operations of the utility’s gas and electric infrastructure assets, and customer services. Winn also served as chief energy delivery officer, managing all energy delivery activities for SDG&E, including electric distribution operations and gas services, customer services, and external and state legislative affairs.

Ms. Winn has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from California State University Sacramento and is a registered professional engineer in the State of California.