Location –The meeting took place in the Innsbrook Auditorium at Dominion Energy.

Attendees – 91 (Faculty – 15, Industry – 42, Students – 34)

10:00 am – Safety Moment led by Becca Rye and Welcome Statement led by Kyle Hannah, both of Dominion Energy

CAPER Overview & Workshop Objectives led by Dr. Robert Cox of UNC Charlotte and CAPER Director

Panel Session – Advancing Understanding of Data Center–Grid Dynamic Interactions led by Drew Clarke of Duke Energy

Chetan Mishra and Jamie De La Ree, both of Dominion Energy presented “Diagnosing Data Center Oscillations in Dominion Energy”.

The panel session closed with Dominion Energy highlighting key data center insights during the session, featuring Sujay Kaloti on Data Center Modeling and Narges Ghiasi on Data Center Response to Recent Large Load Events. 

CAPER Research Projects – Overview

Research teams provided two separate sessions on the following projects, a high-level overview that was open to all attendees and a deeper dive on research findings was presented to CAPER industry, faculty and student members.

PD-06: “A Machine Learning Based Automated Load Model Parameterization Tool” – Presented by Lead PI, Dr. Ning Lu of NC State University.

PD-07: “Data Center Load Characterization for Grid Analysis and Planning”  – Presented by Lead PI, Dr. Dingrui Li of Clemson University

PD-08: “Bad Data Detection and Investigation of Measurement Schemes to Improve Real-Time Power Flow Performance in Distribution Circuits with Solar Generation” – Presented by Lead PI Dr. Valentina Cecchi of UNC Charlotte

PG-05: “Dynamic Modeling and Stability Assessment of Large Data Center Loads for Utility Transmission Planning” -Presented by Dr. Hantao Cui of Clemson University

 CAPER – Sponsored Senior Design Project 

Project Title: “Design and Implementation of Anti-Islanding Protection in the Electric Grid”. 

Participating teams from UNC Charlotte, Clemson University and NC State University provided updates on the 2026 Fall semester deliverables, which were to develop protection schemes for two separate scenarios:

• A distribution-connected solar photovoltaic site
• A transmission-connected customer-owned generator

Day 1 was followed with a Reception and CAPER Project Poster Session (Closed Session – Open to CAPER Members only).

Thursday, November 5^th, 2026

8:00 am – 9:00 am – IAB Members (Closed Session – Open to CAPER Industry Members Only) led by Becca Rye of Dominion Energy, CAPER IAB Chair and Gokhan Cakir of Duke Energy, CAPER IAB Vice-Chair

9:00 am – Highlights from Day 1 and Objectives for Day 2 led by Drew Clarke of Duke Energy and CAPER Steering Committee Chair

Panel Session – Interconnection Timeline and Requirements– led by Dr. Ning Lu of NC State University and CAPER Co- Director

Mamadou Diong of Dominion Energy discussed “Connecting Emerging Large Loads and DERs: Advancing Grid Interoperability through Interconnection and Reliable DER Integration”

Dean Qaemi of Duke Energy spoke on “Large Load Interconnection”

Tobias Stenzhorn of Hitachi Energy provided insight on “HVDC Technology – A Solution for Transmission Industry Challenges”

Panel Session – The Value of CAPER Membership: Collaborative Research & Industry Impact– led by Dr. Robert Cox of UNC Charlotte and CAPER Director

Industry, faculty and student members discussed the unique benefits CAPER provides and identified the following key drivers across each group.

Industry Perspective:
– Direct Influence on Applied Research
– Access to Pre-Competitive R&D & IP
– Direct Pipeline for High-Caliber Talent
– Peer Collaboration

Faculty Perspective:
– Industry-Backed Funding & Real Data
– Cross-University Collaboration
– Validation of Relevant Research
– Student Placement & Program Growth

Student Perspective:
– Real-World Project Experience
– Networking & Job Placement
– Presentation & Professional Skills
– Industry Mentorship

 Site Tours – The workshop featured scheduled site tours at various times throughout the workshop, with dedicated sessions for members and non-members.

Closing and Next Meeting – The meeting adjourned after announcing the next Meeting will be hosted by Clemson University in Charleston, SC on April 8^th – 9^th, 2026.