Grid Forward, a member-based non-profit organization promoting grid modernization, announced the winners of the 2026 Grid Innovator of the Year Awards during its Annual Member Meeting on June 30. This year’s honorees, Southwest Power Pool, Amperon, and SMUD CEO Paul Lau, were recognized for their leadership and impactful contributions in driving electric grid innovation. Read the entire announcement here >
Grid Innovator Award Winner, Grid Operator: SPP
SPP has shown extraordinary leadership this year in advancing market design and enabling the next generation of grid flexibility. Through initiatives like the CPP, CHILLS and HILLS tariff frameworks, SPP has established a clear and forward-looking approach to integrating new generation and large, flexible loads while supporting reliability and economic growth across its footprint.
Grid Innovator Award Winner, Solution Providers: Amperon
Amperon was honored for helping utilities, retailers, grid operators, and energy market participants plan with greater confidence through its standout AI-powered forecasting platform. By turning complex grid, weather, and market signals into clearer demand, renewables, and price forecasts, Amperon equips the industry to navigate an increasingly dynamic and volatile energy landscape.
Grid Innovator Award Winner, Individual Lifetime Achievement: Paul Lau
Paul Lau is this year’s individual recipient in recognition of his nearly 45-year career at SMUD, where he championed grid modernization, clean energy innovation, and a culture of forward-thinking leadership. As CEO, he led the development of SMUD’s nation-leading 2030 Zero Carbon Plan, proving that ambitious decarbonization can go hand-in-hand with affordability and reliability.
