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Hands-On Experience That Makes A Difference
Ziad Alaywan, P.E.
Ziad Alaywan formed ZGlobal Inc. in early 2005 after working for almost a decade with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the control center responsible for ensuring a reliable power system for the state's 33 million residents. In 1996, prior to the formation of the CAISO, Ziad worked for the CAISO trustees and led the start-up effort of the new organization, focusing on the development and implementation of the bidding, scheduling, pricing and settlements systems. He was one of the first employees hired by the CAISO in May of 1997, where he was instrumental in the start-up of the pioneering organization with responsibilities included hiring staff, negotiating multi-million dollar contracts, and managing several hundred million dollar projects with multiple vendors and utilities in governmental and stakeholder environments. Ziad successfully implemented the CAISO markets and operating systems within one year, as was his charge.
Ziad worked his way up to Director of Market Operations and Managing Director of Engineering and Operations Market Operations at the CAISO. His achievements at the CAISO included leading the start-up of grid operations and the redesign of the new market structure following the 2000-2001 power crisis.
Previous to his work at the CAISO, Ziad was employed by Pacific Gas & Electric, the largest utility in California with over 23,000 MW of demand. Ziad held the posts of Plant Engineer, Senior Operations Engineer, Transmission Planner and Manager of Real-Time Grid Operation from 1988 to 1990, Ziad was lead engineer in implementing a new energy management system and a SCADA system for PG&E.
From 1990-1996, Ziad supervised the real-time operations of PG&E generation, transmission, and scheduling in the Energy Control Center located in San Francisco.
Ziad holds bachelors and masters degrees in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University. In 2002, he completed the Executive Management Program at the Haas School of Business, University of California at Berkeley. Ziad has written over 50 publications on a variety of subjects from electricity market design to implementation and operation of the electric grid. He has given numerous testimonies at FERC, the California State legislation, the California State Senate and the CFTC. Ziad is a certified Professional Engineer in the State of California and is a Senior IEEE member.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: ziad@zglobal.biz
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Armie Perez, P.E.
Over 40 years experience in grid, engineering, interconnection planning, and transmission planning. Experience includes: Conducting power flow, transient stability and sub-synchronous resonance studies for Edison’s five year Bulk Power program, provided full technical support to Bulk Power and Sub-Transmission Dispatchers, approved generator interconnection studies, manage staff, budget. Armie oversaw the California Independent System Operator’s Transmission Planning department as the Director and Vice President of Planning and Infrastructure Development.
- 2005 – 2008 California Independent System Operator, Vice President of Planning and Infrastructure Development responsible for the California Infrastructure
- 1997 – 2005 California Independent System Operator, Director of Grid Planning
- 1968 – 1997 Southern California Edison, various positions under Transmission and System Operation ending as Manager of Transmission Planning
Armie holds a bachelors degree in Physics/Mathematics from the Aurora University a masters degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California. Armie is a registered P.E and was the NERC and WECC Planning Committee Chair, and is a Life Senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
Armie is our expert in grid infrastructure planning, large scale projects, business relations and technical oversight.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: armie@zglobal.biz
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Christine Vangelatos
Christine joined ZGlobal as a Senior Associate after nine years with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). Christine was part of the California start up team responsible for the business requirements and testing of the market scheduling systems. Having held various market, engineering and management positions, Christine's most recent assignment was the Manager of Settlements where she managed the team responsible for designing the systems used for the CAISO Market Settlements. While at the CAISO, Christine also held positions as lead Market Operations Engineer and Manager of Market Quality. Prior to working at the CAISO, Christine was a Senior Operations Engineer at Pacific Gas & Electric from 1992-1997 in the System Operations Department. Christine has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo as well as a Masters degree in Computer Information Systems.
Christine is our expert on energy transactions, settlements, dispute resolutions, CAISO tariff and product development. She is invaluable to our clients providing solid technical leadership and direction to a team of systems engineers performing concept evaluation, gap analysis and optimization studies.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: christine@zglobal.biz
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Brian Rahman, P.E.
Brian Rahman joined ZGlobal as a Senior Associate after nine years at the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). He was a part of the CAISO start-up team, joining the organization in 1997. Brian was also the Manager of Market Operations from 2000-2005, where he served as the technical expert for design, implementation and testing of CAISO market systems and a Senior Market Design Engineer from 1997 to 2000, where he developed and supported market applications and software for CAISO real-time operators and market participants.
Prior to joining ZGlobal, Brian's most recent responsibility was Program Manager for the Market Redesign & Technology Upgrade (MRTU) program at the CAISO.
The MRTU program includes the wholesale replacement of the organizations market and settlements systems and modifications to approximately 15 supporting applications. Deployment of an open architecture technology to support future flexibility and corporate needs is also included in the program's $189 million budget. Brian led the MRTU team, which has 160 dedicated members, since July of 2005.
Previous to the CAISO, Brian worked at the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Company for six years. In 1991, he joined the corporation as a Power System Engineer. He then worked as a Hydro Generation Electrical Engineer from 1994-1996. Brian also spent a year providing electric planning and operations support as a Distribution Engineer and completed his tenure as a Lead Electrical Engineer where he planned, designed and developed work plans for PG&E hydro facilities.
A graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Brian is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of California and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Brian is our expert in the areas of project management, business case development, gap analysis, business processes, asset management and CAISO MRTU.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: brian@zglobal.biz
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Chuck Wu, P.E., Ph.D.
Chuck Wu joined ZGlobal after 25 years experience in transmission planning, generation siting, and system operations. As a Power System Planner, Chuck has led SCE's annual Expansion Plan Studies for the bulk system (230kV and above) for short and long term transmission expansion. He has also worked with SCE operational flexibility planning, and developed new programs to mitigate transmission bottlenecks. Assignments have included 2005 SCE Transmission Expansion Studies, Inland Empire Energy Center System Impact/Facility Study, SONGS Voltage Operating Nomogram development, and SONGS Long term Voltage Operation Mitigations. Chuck developed the Valley VAR Support Project, including securing CAISO approval and SCE internal technical and budget approval. In addition, Chuck supported project design and secured WECC subcommittee approval for final design and construction, developed and supported South of Lugo N-2 RAS Operation including system studies and RAS design, developed and supported new 500kV Rancho Vista Substation in LA basin and line reconfiguration project to provide additional transfer capability to meet local needs.
In addition, Chuck has worked at CAISO as a Manager of Operations Engineering (1997-2004). He worked as a System Operations Reliability Specialist Bulk Power (1994-1997) and Electrical Engineering Associate (1986-1994) for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and then as an Assistant Director in the University of Southern California Electric Power Laboratory (1980-1985).
Chuck has a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University, a Masters of Science degree from the University of Southern California, and a Ph.D. from the University of California.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: chuck@zglobal.biz
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Tom Breckon
Tom Breckon retired from Northern California Power Agency after completing a career of over 25 years. As the Agency's Manager of Information Systems, he was responsible for the development and automation of NCPA's front and back office business systems, wholesale power systems including power scheduling, dispatching and settlements, and SCADA. Tom's experience with the California ISO is from the customer side, having played a key role on the implementation of NCPA's unique load-following Metered Subsystem Aggregator contract with the CAISO. Tom led NCPA as a complex CAISO Scheduling Coordinator, aggregating a dozen municipal owners of over two dozen jointly-owned generating units and about 35 grid-level load meters.
Tom was heavily involved with the California ISO from the beginning. In 1997 he was an active participant in the Scheduling Coordinator User Group and was elected to lead the ISO/PX/SC Interface Team. In that capacity Tom successfully advocated that the new CAISO provide API's to allow automated interfaces with market participants. He contributed the first specification of the power scheduling API that was implemented at market startup, in continuous use for 10 years when finally replaced by newer technology as part of the CAISO's MRTU nodal market. Tom was part of the team that initiated the first technology working group at the CAISO for market participants, today called the System Interface Users Group, and he has been a continuously active participant in the CAISO's Settlements and Market Clearing working group for MRTU.
Tom's information technology experience ranges from project management to business process design, applications design, local and wide area networking, and database development. Tom's experience provides an invaluable resource for supporting ZGlobal's eGrid® suite of applications. In recent years, Tom's Department at NCPA developed significant power scheduling and settlements applications using SOA and Web based technologies. Tom led a project to utilize XML database technology to process the CAISO's very large and complex MRTU settlements files, which NCPA contributed as open source to all market participants free of charge.
Tom holds a BA in Math from UCLA, an MS in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a post-graduate certificate in Management Information Systems from American University.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: tom.breckon@zglobal.biz
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Taiyou Yong, Ph.D.
Taiyou has been serving in a senior consulting role to ZGlobal since January of 2009. He has published numerous research papers and acquired unparalleled market experience during his years of employment with the California Independent System Operator. Taiyou was instrumental during the development of the California Market Redesign and implementation. Taiyou’s expertise includes creation of various core electricity market applications, technology consulting, and market application design.
• 2005 – 2009 California Independent System Operator, Senior Consultant
• 2000 – 2005 ABB Inc, Senior Application Engineer
• 1996 – 2000 University of Wisconsin, Research Assistant
Taiyou holds a Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI, M.S., Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University – Beijing, China and B.S., Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University – Beijing, China
Telephone: 916.985.9461 – Taiyou@zglobal.biz
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Fan Zhang, Ph.D.
Fan has over 20 years experience in the de-regulated energy market, distribution system automation, and power system control. He joined ZGlobal after working for seven years at the California Independent System Operator analyzing and testing Market Applications. Fan brings a years of experience to ZGlobal which include:
• 2002 – 2009 California Independent System Operator, Contractor
• 2001 – 2002 Alstom ESCA, Team and Technical Lead
• 1994 – 2000 ABB Information Systems, Technical Lead and Software Developer
• 1983 – 1987 Fujian Power Control Center, System Operator
Fan holds a Ph.D., Power System Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, GA, M.S., Electrical Engineering, Manhattan College – NY, NY
Telephone: 916.985.9461 – Email: Fan@zglobal.biz
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Gary Brown, P.E.
Gary joined ZGlobal as Manager of Energy Development providing detailed and comprehensive skills application in Technology and Project Management, Account Management, Design Review, Quality Assurance and Control, and Business Development. His strengths include extensive experience and responsibilities as a consulting engineer and as a Project and Program Manager supporting and assisting clients in bridging technology and business in applications including SCADA, Information Technology, security, energy management, plant automation, power and communications projects for utilities, industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities.
Prior to joining ZGlobal Inc., Gary worked as Regional Manager at Brown and Caldwell, a national engineering and consulting firm, and as Lead Project Manager for new resource interconnections at the CAISO. He provided Quality Assurance, technical oversight, and direction for industrial, utility, and public sector organizations, as well as internal management and continuous improvement of technical resources, and business processes and procedures. Gary holds a B.S in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. In addition to being a registered Professional Engineer in the state of California, Gary has completed course work at the University of Wisconsin and California State University, Sacramento in power systems studies and Project Management certification.
Gary is our expert in the areas of the direct application of sound, cost-effective engineering principles and Project Management methodologies.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: gary@zglobal.biz
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Scott Fechner - Information Systems Analyst/Developer
Scott is a seasoned industry professional with over twenty years of software development experience in the telecommunications and aerospace industry. As a member of the ZGlobal team, Scott’s primary role is in support of the ZGlobal 7 day project IT efforts including Oracle database SQL development, maintaining and enhancing the ZGlobal Website, database reporting, carrying out data processing requirements for 7 day project including Plexos runs and Plexos model inputs. In addition Scott works in the development of WebQL data mining processes for the 7 day project as well as developing and maintaining automation tools for data collection. Scott is also involved in developing and overseeing the development of software as needed by ZGlobal business requirements and conducting technical research on system upgrades to determine feasibility, cost, and compatibility with ZGlobal's current systems.
• 1991 – 2009 Amdocs/DST/CableData - Senior Software Engineer
• 1995 – 2000 Internet Systems Group, Owner and Founder
• 1985 – 1991 Aerojet Solid Rocket Propulsion Co. - Systems Analyst/Programmer
Scott holds a B.A., Education, California State University – Sacramento, CA
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: scott@zglobal.biz
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Jenny Mueller
Prior to joining ZGlobal as a Transmission Engineer, Jenny Mueller was an Operations Engineer at the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). Jenny performed detailed technical analysis of the California transmission system using industry standard applications. Her primary responsibilities included developing operating limits and procedures that adhere to current reliability standards (WECC and MORC), providing real time engineering support and the development of automated computer programs to allow for comprehensive monitoring of transmission system performance. Jenny also conducted large generator interconnection and Local Capacity Requirement (LCR) studies. Jenny received her Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at California State University, Sacramento and she is EIT and NERC certified.
Jenny is our expert in the area of generation and transmission modeling, optimization, transmission interconnection studies, economic analysis, cost benefit analysis, renewable energy and large generation interconnection processes.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: jenny@zglobal.biz
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Melissa Vaa-Ponath
Prior to joining ZGlobal in 2005, Melissa worked for Martha Stewart Omnimedia and Williams-Sonoma Inc. in the eCommerce and Marketing divisions, the team that lead the start up, design and management of the direct commerce business. Melissa was part of the project team that successfully shaped the website and catalog channels for both corporations.
In addition to corporate retail, Melissa worked for the California Independent System Operators in the Market Operations group. At ZGlobal, Melissa's primary responsibilities are in business and product development. Melissa has successfully brought together Engineers and Traders, Lawyers, Regulators and Policy makers through the ZGlobal training programs. Melissa attended Chabot College and has participated in various project management courses through the American Management Association and is currently working towards her Project Management Certification.
As a member of the ZGlobal team, Melissa’s focus is on business development and customer relations, with emphasis on the training, QA/QC programs, project statistics, data management, people management and project management.
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: melissa@zglobal.biz
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Marco Salazar
Marco’s primary responsibilities include development of power flow and transient stability engineering studies, evaluations, performance and economical analysis of the WECC transmission system using GE PSLF and PLEXOS software. Marco draws upon a broad scope of work experience including power operations and electrical design. His leadership skills, work ethic, and “hands on” experience gained from his time with the U.S. Navy make him an extremely valuable member of the ZGlobal team.
• 2008-2009 LP Consulting Engineers, Electrical Technical Designer
• 2007-2008 Emard Electric, Electrical Estimating Assistant
• 1998-2007 US Navy, Electrician
Marco holds a B.S., Electrical Engineering, California State University – Sacramento, CA
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: Marco@zglobal.biz
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Wayne Dias
After interning at the California Independent System Operator for nearly two years, Wayne joined the ZGlobal team in January of 2010 where he specializes in power flow simulations and transient stability studies. Wayne’s strong communication skills and technical abilities make him ideally suited for the ZGlobal team.
Wayne holds a B.S., Electrical Engineering, California State University – Sacramento, CA
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: Wayne@zglobal.biz
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Sterling Ingwers
Sterling joined ZGlobal after three years of environmental consulting work with URS Corporation. Sterling performs economic asset evaluations for various transmission and power projects, and provides technical and engineering support to ZGlobal staff which includes: project management, land use development, project site assessments, interconnection requests, wetland delineation, biological assessments, engineering fatal flaw analysis, environmental assessments, regulatory compliance and wind & solar power integration.
• 2006-2009 URS Corporation, Environmental Scientist & Renewable Energy Planner
• 2005-2006 Information Center for the Environment, Student Statistical Analyst
Sterling holds a B.S. in Environmental Science, University of California – Davis, CA
Telephone: 916.985.9461 - Email: Sterling@zglobal.biz
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