Booga

This lecture explores three trends shaping the energy industry: the growth of renewable energy,
the rise of distributed energy resources (DER), and the increasing application of artificial
intelligence (AI) in energy systems. The discussion highlights both obstacles and opportunities
associated with these trends, including integration of renewable energy, development of new
transmission infrastructure, as well as the importance of leveraging emerging technologies such
as dynamic transmission optimization and AI-driven demand response and grid management.
The speaker will provide examples of her current projects throughout the discussion and student
questions are most welcome to further explore these evolving topics.

Biography:

Booga Gilbertson is an experienced senior executive and advisor with over three decades in energy and infrastructure. She previously served as COO at Puget Sound Energy, where she was responsible for all facets of electric and gas operations, implementing strategies to modernize and digitize infrastructure and operations, and renewable clean energy solutions.
Booga’s current focus includes advising companies and regulators on energy,
infrastructure, strategy, policy, and energy technology. She also serves as a boarddirector for a leading green hydrogen company, a renewable bio-energy company, and an AI climate risk company.  Booga holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington, a Master of Business Administration from City University and a Master of Science degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from Northwestern University. Her interests include hiking, skiing, kayaking, gardening, running, and weaving.