Zachary G. Smith
Vice President, System and Resource Planning
New York Independent System Operator
Zach Smith is responsible for the oversight and implementation of system planning and strategic initiatives for the New York State transmission system. These include ensuring a reliable electric grid for the future, identifying economic opportunities for transmission investment beneficial to ratepayers, and implementation of system upgrades to enable public policies. Mr. Smith also oversees the interconnection process through which renewable resources and other new generation technologies reliably connect to the New York State electric grid.
Since joining the NYISO in 2004, Mr. Smith has spearheaded numerous renewable integration and transmission planning initiatives through key positions of increasing responsibility, and he actively represents the NYISO on interregional coordination committees including as Chair of the Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative (EIPC).
He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.