The Evolution of the Electric Grid: What it is, Where it’s Going, and the Role of Engineers

Teresa Mogensen
Senior Vice President, Transmission President, Xcel Energy Transco

Do you ever stop to think about the electric grid and how electricity is there at the flip of a switch right when you need it? Not many people do, but you really should. The electric utility grid is one of the largest and most complex machines ever created, operating 24/7/365, providing the critical underpinnings of our nation’s economy, security, and lifestyle. Its creation and ongoing technical evolution is a marvel of engineering, but as a vehicle for implementing energy policy it’s also a topic of controversial debate. Learn the latest about the grid and the associated energy policy issues, the contributions of engineers, and the ongoing need for engineering talent to move the grid into the future.

Teresa Mogensen is senior vice president, Transmission at Xcel Energy and is responsible for all aspects of Xcel Energy’s current and future electric transmission system and T&D substations across 10 states. She is president of the Xcel Energy transcos, several transmission-only subsidiary companies engaged in competitive transmission growth opportunities. Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. with regional headquarters in Denver, Colo.; Eau Claire, Wis.; and Amarillo, Texas, has one of the fastest growing investor-owned utility transmission systems with around 20,000 miles of lines and 1,200 substations.

Mogensen earned both a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Marquette University. She is a registered professional engineer and prior certified NERC system operator.

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