We will learn about the role that VPPs can play in Alberta’s energy transition to reduce pressure on the grid by smartly controlling power consumption and generation. The speakers will focus on an Edmonton-area pilot project that includes 100 net-zero and highly energy efficient solar homes connected to a VPP management platform. The lessons learned during this pilot will facilitate the wider adoption of VPPs in Alberta.

PRESENTERS:

Ozair Khan – EPCOR

Ozair Khan is the Senior Engineer of Grid Transformation at EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. In this role, he works to support increasing electrification by conducting research and implementing projects and initiatives for EPCOR’s electrical distribution system in Edmonton.

Kelly Tallas – Solartility Energy Inc.

Kelly Tallas is the Co-Founder and CEO of Solartility Energy Inc., an Alberta-based electricity retailer driving the adoption of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and renewable energy aggregation in the province. With extensive experience in market development and energy innovation, Kelly pioneered the use of Bidirectional Interval Metering (BDIM) for small micro-generators in Alberta, laying the essential groundwork for effective VPP deployment and Time-of-Use (TOU) rate enablement. Passionate about addressing the climate crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Kelly has positioned Solartility at the forefront of Alberta’s sustainable energy transition. Kelly remains committed to advancing decentralized energy solutions to reduce electricity costs, enhance grid resilience, and significantly lower carbon emissions.

 Geoff Ferrell – sonnen, Inc.

Geoff Ferrell leads the sonnen Virtual Power Plant project team, designed to create and implement revenue-generating virtual power plant projects across the Western Hemisphere. Prior to sonnen, Ferrell championed significant technological innovations in home building and building science, as CTO of Mandalay Homes, playing a central role in contributing to the receipt of the US Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Housing Innovation Award 12 times. His background in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a proven record of excellence in energy management and revolutionary building design, has resulted in ground-breaking energy design around utility rates and VPPs for communities like Mandalay Homes’ Jasper Community in Arizona which includes 2,900 homes over 15-years. He has consulted with NREL, PNNL, City of Fort Collins, DOE, and EPA on clean and efficient energy design projects and is recognized for innovation and leadership in the energy management and home building industries with numerous awards from the DOE, EPA, GreenBuilder and Professional Builder Magazine.