Welcome to Grid Dialogues, the flagship podcast by Grid, where we explore the ideas, innovations, and strategies shaping the future of electric, water, and gas utilities. In every episode, we bring industry leaders and technology experts together to decode the biggest challenges and opportunities transforming modern utility operations.

In this episode, host Sudeep is joined by Pradeep Mishra, Founder of Aurion Systems and a seasoned technology leader specializing in Distributed Energy Resource (DER) interconnection and utility system integration. Pradeep works closely with distribution operators, CIOs, and energy retailers to solve complex integration challenges across AMI, DERMS, SCADA, and market platforms, enabling faster and standards-compliant DER deployments.

Together, they unpack the growing challenges utilities face as DER adoption accelerates and why integration remains a critical bottleneck.

Key topics discussed in this episode include:

Why DER interconnection continues to be a major hurdle for utilities despite rapid technology advancement
The problem of “missed handshakes” between utility systems and what it means for real-world operations
How misalignment between metering, grid operations, and customer systems slows down interconnection workflows
Hidden operational and financial costs of integration bottlenecks for utilities and consumers• Whether industry standards are truly simplifying system interoperability
The balance between technology limitations and process inefficiencies in utility workflows
How interoperability-focused platforms like Grid help unify data and streamline DER integration
The future of DER interconnection and the role of smarter system integration in building resilient, customer-trusted utilities

This conversation offers practical insights for utility leaders, technology teams, policymakers, and energy innovators working to modernize grid infrastructure and scale distributed energy programs efficiently.