Blockchain technology is gaining momentum in revolutionizing power systems amidst the global transition towards renewable energy sources and climate change mitigation. As power systems evolve from large-scale, centralized systems to networks of small-sized, distributed electricity systems, blockchain’s decentralized ledger capabilities offer efficient transaction management for small-scale power systems. With features like tamper-resistant data, privacy protection, smart contracts, and real-time settlement, blockchain facilitates secure and transparent energy transactions. Integrated with advancements in smart grids and microgrids, blockchain enables peer-to-peer energy transactions, better grid management, and real-time payments. Hence, the application of BCT in energy industry is being investigated rigorously. This tutorial offers a comprehensive introduction to blockchain technology, covering its fundamental principles, components, operational mechanisms, and potential applications within power systems. Additionally, the tutorial will include a live demonstration on how to use blockchain platforms such as Ethereum and Cosmos. Presenter(s): Disha L Dinesha, PhD Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Science

This tutorial covers the principles of load forecasting for distribution planning with a focus on the change in growth and characteristics of load introduced by electrification. The course begins with the planning process and load forecast as its first building block. It will cover the key requirements of a robust and defendable forecast via bottom-up and top-down approaches, will review several proven methods, and will discuss modern techniques for end-use growth to forecast electrification trends. Instructors will discuss the concepts related to magnitude, temporal (e.g., 8,760-hr forecasts), spatial, and weather normalization aspects of forecast. The course will study legacy methods the industry used for forecasting in past when it faced major load. The course drills down into different components of transportation and stationary electrification forecast including light, medium and heavy vehicles, transit, charging networks, and building electrification. Finally, approaches to address uncertainty in forecast and its implications will be discussed. Presenter(s): • Lee Willis (Author of Spatial Electric Load Forecasting, and Power Distribution Planning Reference Books (CRC)). Quanta Technology • Farnaz Farzan, Quanta Technology • Gerardo Sanchez: Quanta Technology

Grid-forming inverters and microgrids are helping to transform the electrical grid by enabling renewable energy integration and improving grid stability. Digital twins, or virtual models of these systems’ electrical and software components, are the key to optimize performance, monitor operations, and mitigate anomalies. Presenter(s): Jose Montoya Bedoya, Jose Montoya Bedoya