National Engineers Week: MeeNa Sazanowicz
At Avangrid, we’re accelerating transformation for our customers and communities by pioneering a brighter energy future. By balancing decades of experience with a relentless pursuit for forward-thinking innovation, we’re creating a smarter, stronger grid, growing our energy generation system, and pursuing new solutions every day. In honor of National Engineer’s Week, we are highlighting the brilliant minds behind the innovations we’re making. Meet MeeNa Sazanowicz, Lines Principal Engineer – HV2 Unit.
How do you see engineers playing an important role in the future of energy?
The future of the electric grid is certainly not going to be stagnant in terms of upgrading existing or building new facilities to safely and reliably transmit electricity to consumers. We can see that in the de-carbonization initiatives, push for greener energy sources, and need to rebuild existing, aged infrastructure throughout the Country. The transmission system in particular will need to be upgraded to ensure that these new interconnections and higher demand (EVs and heating via electric heat pumps) can be met. Engineers will play an important role in designing, constructing, and commissioning new assets to meet these needs. Some examples of initiatives and projects that are or will be coming into fruition are the NY CLCPA initiative as well as the ISO-NE 2050 Planning Study and Projects that this creates.
How do you see technology and innovation impacting the future of engineering and society as a whole?
As demand for electricity increases utilities are being asked to transmit more power with existing transmission assets. Where utilization of existing assets or portions of existing assets will allow, new conductor technologies and construction techniques are being studied and tested. Some of these include high-temperature low sag (HTLS) conductors, high-stress solid dielectric cables, and reconductoring underground transmission lines using the existing infrastructure (i.e. using the steel pipe of an existing pipe-type cable system to install solid dielectric cables).
How do you stay current on emerging technologies and trends in the field of engineering to ensure you are creating solutions for the future?
Being involved in external company committees and conferences where these new technologies and pilot projects are discussed is imperative to keep up to date with what is happening in the industry. These conferences not only showcase new innovations but also allow for networking with other utility engineers and professional engineers/consultants who have experience in a breadth of different areas. I find with engineering it is not always knowing what to do, but knowing who to consult with to find the best solution.
What aspects of your work as an engineer do you find most rewarding and why?
I find the most rewarding part of being an engineer is finding solutions as a team to be able to execute a project that solves a need. Every day is a learning experience that keeps you engaged and on your toes.
