On September 24, Women+Power hosted “Inverter-Based Resources and Grid Reliability: Navigating the Future of Electricity,” an engaging panel discussion bringing together leaders and experts from Alberta’s electricity sector. The event explored the growing role of inverter-based resources (IBRs), such as battery storage, and the implications for grid reliability, operational planning, and energy transition strategies.

The panel featured Astrid Schneider (AltaLink), Tracy Spratt (ENMAX), and Mike Schoenenberger (Enfinite), collectively contributing over 50 years of experience in Alberta’s electricity sector. Bre Fox (AESO) moderated the discussion, guiding participants through the technical, operational, and leadership perspectives critical to the evolving grid.

Key Takeaways from the Panel:

• Leadership and Team Development: Panelists emphasized developing people and empowering teams. Tracy Spratt shared that leadership is driven by a desire “to have more influence on change and a greater capacity to support my team members,” while Mike Schoenenberger noted that leadership allows him “to bring new people in and help them grow into what they can be.” Astrid Schneider highlighted that effective leadership involves removing obstacles so employees can succeed.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Inclusive teams strengthen innovation and performance. Mike Schoenenberger encouraged women seeking leadership roles to connect with leaders supporting their growth, reinforcing the importance of equity and inclusion across the sector.
• Technical Insights on IBRs: Panelists explored how inverter-based resources are reshaping grid reliability. As Alberta shifts from conventional generation to IBRs, new approaches to maintaining grid stability are essential to ensure reliable electricity delivery.
• Collaboration is Essential: Successful integration of IBRs requires close coordination among regulators, system operators, and industry experts, along with ongoing training to equip teams for emerging technologies and operational realities.

Moderator Spotlight: Bre Fox

Bre Fox is a seasoned industry leader with over 20 years of experience in Alberta’s power sector. She is a passionate advocate for leveraging a full range of technologies to support the energy transition. Throughout her career, Bre has built a strong reputation of excellence in leadership, project execution and strategic business planning, all of which she brings to her current role.  She plays a key role in enabling development for both generation and load across Alberta while ensuring the reliability and resilience of the provincial grid.

As a founding board member of Women + Power she is also committed to advancing diversity and inclusion within the energy industry.  Driven by innovation and collaboration, Bre continues to shape the future of Alberta’s energy landscape with a clear focus on sustainable growth and long-term impact.

Reflecting on the panel, Bre shared:

“It was wonderful to connect with industry leaders on IBRs and grid reliability. This served as a positive reminder that, as the energy landscape continues to evolve, there isn’t a single ‘silver bullet’ solution. By staying authentic and fostering collaboration among great minds, the industry can truly thrive.”

About the AESO

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta’s interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta’s competitive wholesale electricity market.

The AESO is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity by fostering a culture of belonging and respect where different ideas, experiences, and backgrounds are valued to drive innovation. We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and connect with the diverse communities we serve across Alberta. From the beginning, we have taken a grassroots approach to build strong foundations and frameworks that guide this work.

AESO Stats and Anecdotes:

• They have an internal council committed to enabling culture transformation. 
• They have four employee resource groups: Amp It Up, Powered Up Parents, Energizing Pride, and Balancing the Load.
• Their first employee resource group Amp It Up, is geared to empower women and their advocates in amplifying the learning and career journey for women in our industry. 
• In total, AESO leadership is currently 60% Men and 40% Women. 

Looking ahead:

The discussion highlighted the exciting opportunities and challenges that come with Alberta’s energy transition. Women+Power thanks all panelists, moderator, and participants for sharing their expertise and insights. As the sector continues to evolve, fostering collaboration, leadership, and innovation will remain essential—empowering women and all professionals to shape a resilient and sustainable energy future.