Trudie has two decades of experience in developing algorithms around optimization and control methodologies for distributed energy resources (DERs). Upon completion of her doctorate at Stanford on the forefront of these technologies, she went on to help build out innovative products with Growing Energy Labs, SolarCity, SunPower and the Electric Power Research Institute. Across these experiences she gained additional domain expertise in product management and architecture, software development and energy markets. Her experience now translates and connects the domains of algorithm creation, product development and market design, helping reimagine a distributed energy system that is built up of microgrids and virtual power plants (VPPs) which empower edge resources to play more proactive roles at the distribution level of our networks.
Commercial and Industrial (C&I) facilities have evolved from not just being the workhorses of our civilization but sprawling industrial parks that need to tackle more than they were initially conceptualized for. They are now critical, complex and heterogeneous microcosms of our bigger infrastructures, petri dishes of what is to come for our energy grids and utilities. The energy technology and platform Heila brings to these C&I sites turn them into intelligent and active participants, with additional value to contribute to the larger electrical grid, as well as help direct us towards a more sustainable planet.