Why does the electric grid matter, and what challenges is it facing today?
Explore how the power grid works in Illinois, why resilience is essential, and how grid disruptions impact communities. You’ll also learn about the tools and strategies available to improve grid performance, and how community voices can help shape a more reliable and equitable energy system from industry experts.
The Union of Concerned Scientists recently released “Keeping Everyone’s Lights On,” a report highlighting ways to strengthen the power grid to withstand extreme weather and serve communities equitably.
Speakers: Sam Gomberg, Associate Director, Transmission Policy; James Gignac, Midwest Policy Director; and Sital Sathia, Research Officer, all with the Climate & Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists; and Rachel Licker, Principal Climate Scientist, Connected Science, LLC.
The second webinar in this two-part series, Building a Resilient Illinois Energy Grid, will be Sept. 16. For more information about the series, contact Linda Derhak at lderhak2@illinois.edu.
About the Series
The Resilient Communities Webinar Series is provided by a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Rivers Network to build capacity for technical assistance and education aimed to help communities navigate energy- and environment-related funding opportunities, provide guidance on community inclusion, and lead community-specific strategic planning. This outreach should help communities secure and manage resources to address legacy pollution, invest in clean energy technologies, and more.
Find past webinars at go.illinois.edu/ThrivingCommunities.