Rewiring the Grid: Achieving Maximum Capacity with Next Generation of Advanced Conductors

#aluminum #carbon #conductors #technology #transmission
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The Joint Northern Virginia/Washington PES Chapter is pleased to host Usama Ahmed and Jimmy Ianni of TS Conductor Corp., to speak on the topic of Aluminum Encapsulated Carbon Core (AECC) conductors, an advanced technology in high voltage transmission designed to enhance performance, efficiency, and reliability of overhead power lines.  We invite you all to join us online on June 17, 2026, from 12:00pm to 1:30pm EST. Registration required. The event is free to attend.

 


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  • Starts 28 May 2026 09:00 PM UTC
  • Ends 17 June 2026 03:00 PM UTC
  • No Admission Charge

  Speakers

Usama of TS Conductor Corp.

Topic:

Rewiring the Grid: Achieving Maximum Capacity with Next Generation of Advanced Conductors

Aluminum Encapsulated Carbon Core (AECC) represents the next generation of advanced conductor technology designed to enhance the performance, efficiency, and reliability of overhead power lines. By combining a pre-tensioned carbon core with an aluminum encapsulation, AECC conductors achieve standard handling and installation compatibility while maintaining operational reliability by effectively protecting the composite core. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of AECC’s structure and distinguishing features, including its pre-tensioned carbon core, aluminum encapsulation, and key differences from conventional ACSR and ACSS conductors, with emphasis on how these attributes translate to real-world operational benefits. -->

 

Biography:

Usama Ahmed is TS Conductor's Senior Vice President of Technology, leading the company's R&D, Engineering, and Quality functions. With 13+ years of overhead transmission line engineering, composite insulator system design, and international standards leadership, Usama brings deep technical expertise directly applicable to next-generation conductor development and utility adoption. Prior to TS Conductor, he served as CTO of T&D Solutions at SHEMAR, where he led development of composite insulated cross-arm systems and advanced insulating materials. Earlier, he spent seven years at NESPAK as a Senior Transmission Line Engineer and Transmission Line Standards & Materials Engineer, supporting engineering services for government and private sector clients.

Usama is one of the most credentialed overhead line and composite insulator engineers in North America, actively shaping the IEEE and IEC standards that utilities are required to follow. He serves as Convenor of IEC TC 36 WG 25 (developing IEC TS 63594 on composite insulated cross-arms), is a Canadian NC member on IEC MT 18 and TC 11, and participates in CIGRE working groups B2.78 (HTLS conductors in new overhead line design) and B2.80 (electrical field simulation on insulator strings). He is also a member of the IEEE Overhead Lines Study Committee and the Insulator Performance & Applications Working Group and serves as NEMA's voting representative for the High Voltage Insulator Section. Usama is the author of 14 peer-reviewed and conference publications spanning composite cross-arm design, EHV line compaction, voltage uprating, and conductor optimization.

Address:Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Jimmy of TS Conductor Corp.

Topic:

Rewiring the Grid: Achieving Maximum Capacity with Next Generation of Advanced Conductors

The discussion highlights AECC’s ability to achieve two to three times the ampacity of traditional conductors without necessitating structural modifications to existing towers or rights-of-way. In addition, the presentation offers a technical comparison between AECC and first-generation advanced conductors evaluating performance across critical factors including sag behavior, thermal ratings, installation compatibility, and long-term durability. Economic considerations are also addressed, demonstrating how reconductoring with AECC can reduce capital expenditures, accelerate deployment timelines, and avoid the high costs associated with new line construction. Finally, the presentation will examine real-world implementation through utility use cases, project examples, and field performance data from deployments across the United States.

Biography:

Jimmy Ianni is a utility industry sales and business development leader with over a decade of experience working directly with investor-owned utilities, public power agencies, and cooperative systems across the United States. His career spans the full spectrum of electrical utility infrastructure — from distribution and service operations to high-voltage transmission — with deep engagement across major accounts including AEP, LADWP, FirstEnergy, Dominion, Eversource, Avangrid, and National Grid. Jimmy has held roles navigating complex utility procurement environments, multi-year contract structures, and the technical and operational requirements that define how utilities evaluate, approve, and adopt new technologies.

Today, Jimmy serves as Director of Sales at TS Conductor Corp., where he leads commercial development across a 15-state Northeast territory focused on grid modernization through next-generation AECC (Aluminum Encapsulated Carbon Core) conductor technology. He works at the intersection of transmission planning, regulatory strategy, and utility engineering — engaging IOUs and EPCs on reconductoring and new line build opportunities driven by FERC Order 1920, PJM RTEP, and state-level capital programs. Jimmy brings years of direct utility engagement to the challenges utilities face in expanding transmission capacity, reducing infrastructure costs, and integrating renewable energy at scale.

Address:Cleveland, Ohio, United States