Living in the 'And'
Sandra Johnson is the SVP of Transmission and oversees Xcel Energy’s transmission systems across eight states, responsible for engineering, design, asset management, capital project execution, construction, 24/7 grid operations, and maintenance activities for transmission lines and substations. She’s developed a strong understanding of transmission business operations, long-term growth strategies and regulatory compliance and served in multiple leadership positions for Xcel Energy – Colorado’s transmission operations and led the Wildfire Mitigation team.
Walking into Xcel Energy’s new T3 headquarters in the RiNo district of Denver feels different from a typical utility office. T3 stands for Timber, Transit, and Technology. The building is constructed from reclaimed timber and is flooded with natural light. This is (actually) a far cry from the sequestered executive suites of the past. This move is more than just a change of address. It is the physical manifestation of a cultural evolution. Xcel Energy – Colorado President Robert Kenney explains that the space is designed to drive an ethos of openness and collaboration.
We spent a day with the Xcel Energy – Colorado leadership team discussing how this culture translates into daily operations. Colorado is a leader in energy policy, and the company is managing a massive transition while staying focused on the needs of its customers. The challenge is what the team calls living in the “and.” It is the work of providing safe, reliable, and clean energy while also maintaining the lowest share of wallet for customers in the country.
In the pages that follow, you will hear from Robert Kenney, Lon Huber, Sandra Johnson, and Jack Ihle. They discuss the specific technologies and strategies moving Xcel Energy forward. This includes using artificial intelligence for wildfire mitigation and advanced conductors to maximize the existing grid.