The evolution of power grid operations reflects the transformation of energy systems from centralized, predictable infrastructures to dynamic, intelligent networks. Historically, grids relied on large, centralized generation plants and one-way power flow, with manual monitoring and reactive maintenance. While robust for their time, these systems faced limitations in flexibility, visibility, and integration of emerging energy sources. Today’s grids are increasingly decentralized, integrating distributed energy resources such as solar, wind, and energy storage. Advanced monitoring systems, automation, and real-time analytics enable two-way power flows, predictive maintenance, and optimized market operations. However, challenges remain, including grid stability under variable renewable generation, cybersecurity, and interoperability across legacy and modern systems. Looking ahead, the future grid is envisioned as an intelligent, adaptive, and resilient ecosystem. Artificial intelligence, digital twins, and grid-forming technologies will enable high renewable penetration, self-healing microgrids, and seamless integration of electrified transport and industrial loads. Consumers will increasingly participate as “prosumers,” trading energy peer-to-peer, while markets evolve to support flexibility and sustainability. This talk will explore the technological, operational, and market transitions in power grid operations, highlighting how lessons from the past inform present practices and future strategies for a reliable, decarbonized, and intelligent energy system.
Dr. Kwok W. Cheung received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. He joined GE (formerly ESCA) as a power system engineer, developing online dynamic security assessment and energy management solutions in 1991. From 1995 to 2008, he held various technical lead and management positions responsible for the design and implementation of many leading energy and transmission markets worldwide, including Transpower (New Zealand), Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), ISO New England, PJM, ERCOT, and Midcontinent ISO. In 2008, he became the R&D Director of Market Management Systems, managing a worldwide engineering group to research, develop, and maintain market management products and related smart grid solutions. From 2015 to 2024, he has been the Director and CTO of Global Market Management Solutions (MMS) of GE Grid Software Solutions, responsible for managing the overall worldwide business and product solutions for MMS. He is currently the Founder and CEO of KC-Exousia Consulting, providing independent consulting services to utilities and governments around the world in grid modernization, control, and electricity market design and implementation.
Dr. Cheung’s current research interests include grid integration of renewable, advanced storage, and distributed energy resources, system control theory, electricity market design, optimization-based market applications, power system stability, AI/ML and its applications to energy forecasting, and data analytics for grid operations. Dr. Cheung has authored and co-authored over 120 technical papers published in international journals and conference proceedings. Dr. Cheung is a registered Professional Engineer of the State of Washington, a Senior Fellow of GE, a Fellow of the IEEE, and a Member of the National Academy of Engineering in the United States.