Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer

Innovation is powered by progress. One of the things I enjoy most about visiting with its members is hearing your questions about new technology. Whether I'm at the fair, a community event, or simply talking with members around LaGrange County, its conversations often turn to energy. Lately, many of those discussions have included two topics: rising gasoline prices and battery technology. Gas prices have always been difficult to predict. Global events, seasonal demand, and market conditions can all cause prices at the pump to change quickly. While none of Indiana Connection can control those factors, many families are looking for ways to make their energy costs more predictable. That's one reason some people are taking a closer look at electric vehicles. While they aren't the right choice for everyone, today's EV batteries are far more reliable than they were just a few years ago. Longer battery life, improved driving range, and faster charging continue to make the technology more practical for those who choose it. The exciting part is that battery technology isn't just changing transportation - it's changing the way electricity is delivered. As a member of LaGrange County REMC, your electricity is supplied by its wholesale power provider, Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA). WVPA is investing in battery energy storage systems that help strengthen the electric grid. These utility-scale batteries can store electricity when demand is lower and deliver it back to the grid when it's needed most. That means greater flexibility, improved reliability, and a stronger electric system for the future. In many ways, the same advances making batteries better for vehicles are also making them more valuable for electric cooperatives. Continued innovation is creating new opportunities to improve how electricity is generated, stored, and delivered to its members. That's one of the advantages of being part of a cooperative. Through partnerships like the one Indiana Connection has with WVPA, Indiana Connection is continually exploring new technologies that help Indiana Connection provide reliable, affordable electricity while preparing for tomorrow's energy needs. The future of energy will continue to evolve, and battery technology will play an important role. Whether it's helping power a vehicle, supporting the electric grid, or improving reliability during periods of high demand, these advancements benefit all of Indiana Connection. At LaGrange County REMC, Indiana Connection is committed to keeping the lights on today while investing in the technologies that will help serve its members for years to come.

Not sweating the summer. The battery systems actually surpassed our expectations... The end result was even more financial savings for Wabash and our member co-ops. - Jeff Hume Vice President, Strategic Electrification & Member Relations While many Hoosiers chilled in their air-conditioned homes in July, Wabash Valley Power Alliance engineers beamed brightly as new substation batteries thawed the soaring summer power demand. Wabash scored a unique opportunity last month to test eight new battery systems that are part of its new Substation Battery Program. After more than a year of program planning, site selection, and installation work, Wabash staff members watched closely as the batteries discharged onto the grid, providing relief as demand, and real-time energy prices, soared upward. "We had incredible timing with the heat wave early in July, as we had just finished getting several of our battery systems online and active," said Jeff Hume, vice president of strategic electrification and member relations at Wabash. "The battery systems actually surpassed our expectations and what we were hoping to get out of them. The end result was even more financial savings for Wabash and our member co-ops." Wabash partnered with member co-ops Noble REMC, Jay County REMC, Heartland REMC, and Hendricks Power on the first two phases of the program. Wabash will install 58 megawatts of battery storage across 11 sites; the first 8 systems were completed in time for the peaks in early July. "While our biggest challenge was equipment availability, it also highlighted our cooperative strength," said Doug Dickmeyer, manager of engineering and operations at Noble REMC. "We worked together and shared inventory, enabling us to complete the project on time. Then, seeing the immediate reduction in demand during the top five peaks just a week after completion made all the hard work worthwhile." The batteries are located near substations and can charge overnight when electric demand is low, then discharge in the afternoon when demand is highest. The battery containers include safety measures to prevent the batteries from overheating, and Wabash taught first responders about the new systems. Additional Wabash member co-ops are excited by the results. All 21 member co-ops expressed interest in participating in the program, which now includes a third phase with 100 MW of additional battery storage. Those projects will be installed throughout Indiana and Illinois by the end of 2027. "This new technology offers an incredible chance to more effectively use electricity that is already generated to better serve families and businesses in our communities," Hume said. "It didn't take long for our member co-ops to see the obvious advantages in strengthened reliability brought by these batteries. We're all very excited what is yet to come." Posted In: News