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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisERCOT’s CTP initiative could materially change how large-load projects are studied, planned, and advanced. As John explains, queue position and application readiness are only part of the equation. Data center and industrial developers also need an early understanding of transmission constraints, upgrade pathways, load-ramp strategies, and realistic energization timelines. This is important work for anyone planning a large-load project in ERCOT.Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisERCOT’s CTP Initiative is Reshaping the Future of Large Load Interconnection ERCOT’s first Comprehensive Transmission Planning (CTP) workshop highlighted a major shift: moving from a collection of separate planning and interconnection processes toward a more integrated framework that links large load qualification, Batch studies, reliability assessments, transmission planning, and project execution. Key proposals include a single planning model, reduced study duplication, and direct integration of committed Batch load into long-range transmission planning. Why it matters: For data center developers, industrial customers, and other large loads, the decisions being made over the coming months could directly impact energization timelines, transmission upgrade requirements, MW allocation outcomes, financial security obligations, and the treatment of future load ramp expansions. What engineering teams should be doing now: Beyond queue position and application readiness, developers should focus on understanding transmission constraints, upgrade pathways, load ramp strategies, and evolving requirements around BYOG, PCLR, batteries, and project carry-forward provisions. Early technical and regulatory diligence will be critical as ERCOT refines the Batch 1+ and CTP frameworks. At E Source, we are helping clients navigate this evolving landscape by combining interconnection expertise, transmission planning insight, and early-stage risk assessments that help translate regulatory and planning changes into actionable development strategies. If you'd like to discuss the evolving large-load interconnection landscape and what it means for your project, reach out to me or Thomas Brooks, MBA on our Grid Engineering & Interconnection team. E Source #ERCOT #LargeLoad #Interconnection
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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisOne of the strengths of our E Source Grid Engineering & Interconnection practice is the experience behind our work. Mehrdad Rostami brings more than 30 years of engineering experience and leads our EMT study team supporting developers, utilities, and ISOs across North America. His philosophy says it well: “Be open, be clear, and share what you know.” That experience helps clients identify risks earlier and make better project decisions. Proud to have Mehrdad on the leadership team.Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisMehrdad Rostami brings more than 30 years of engineering experience across the utilities and industrial sectors to his role as Director – Power System Studies at E Source, where he leads a team of expert EMT study engineers serving clients across North America, including large-scale developers, ISOs, and utilities. Mehrdad's expertise runs deep: he holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, is a licensed professional engineer in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba, and has authored or co-authored more than 80 papers and presentations for engineering journals, conferences, and seminars. He's also an active voice in the field as a senior member of IEEE, having served as vice chair of the IEEE Smart Grid Bulletin for four years, and currently serving as vice chair of the IEEE Toronto section's Power & Energy chapter. "Be open, be clear, and share what you know. The greatest impact comes from helping others succeed, whether they are your colleagues or your customers."
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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisExcited to welcome the Aneden Consulting team to E Source Grid Engineering & Interconnection. Aneden brings strong interconnection and compliance expertise that further expands how we can support developers, utilities, IPPs, and large-load customers as grid complexity continues to increase. Great addition to our team and our capabilities.Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisAneden Consulting, an interconnection and compliance firm known for pairing deep technical expertise with a hands-on, client-first approach to navigating grid complexity, has joined E Source. This acquisition strengthens our ability to guide utilities, developers, and hyperscalers through interconnection due diligence and compliance work with the same responsiveness and clarity Aneden Consulting's clients have come to expect. As interconnection queues continue to grow nationwide amid surging power demand, Aneden Consulting's deep technical expertise has become increasingly valuable to utilities and developers alike. Founded in 2017, Aneden Consulting serves clients across the energy ecosystem, including ISOs, RTOs, utilities, independent power producers, and renewable energy developers. Aneden will be part of our growing Grid Engineering and Interconnection solution area. Press release available at https://lnkd.in/eyqbAZBs #pressrelease #utilitynews
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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisI'm excited to share that E Source is hiring for an Assistant Manager, Business Development, Grid Engineering & Interconnection. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building client relationships and helping utilities, developers, EPCs, IPPs, and large-load customers solve complex grid and interconnection challenges. If you have experience in sales of power systems, grid engineering, interconnection, technical consulting, or business development, I'd love to connect. Interested? • Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ev-ZKTg2 • Or send me a message to learn more. If someone in your network would be a great fit, I'd appreciate you sharing this opportunity. #Hiring #BusinessDevelopment #GridEngineering #Interconnection #PowerSystems #RenewableEnergy #Utilities #EnergyTransition #ESource
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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisInterconnection risk is one of the biggest variables affecting project schedules and economics today. Queue position is only part of the story. Upgrade exposure, deliverability, engineering readiness, and evolving ISO/RTO requirements all play a role in determining whether a project reaches commercial operation on time. E Source has put together a quick 2-minute assessment that helps developers think through some of these risks early in the development process. It's worth a look. https://lnkd.in/emnis36J How confident are you that your project is engineering-ready today? Speed to Power starts long before energization.
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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisAs ERCOT's interconnection process evolves, engineering readiness is becoming just as important as queue position. Securing a POI is only the beginning. High-quality models, GFM capability, AGS-ESR readiness, and thorough technical preparation are increasingly determining how efficiently projects move from interconnection studies to energization. Hari does a great job highlighting why developers should begin preparing well before studies are complete. How confident are you that your project is engineering-ready today? Speed to Power starts long before energization.Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisOver the past year, I've been working on ERCOT FIS network-side studies. The more I looked at the modeling side, the clearer one thing became: A thermal overload gets you an upgrade. A model that can't demonstrate GFM/AGS-ESR capabilities gets you a resubmittal. Interconnection used to be largely about queue position and timing. Today, technical readiness, including high-quality models, Grid Forming Model capability, and Advanced Grid Support readiness for energy storage resources, is becoming a key differentiator. Models that can't show compliance don't just delay studies. They delay energization. If you're working through ERCOT model quality or GFM/ AGS compliance, happy to connect. #ERCOT #EnergyStorage #BESS #GridFormingInverters #IBR #AdvancedGridSupport #PowerSystems #GenerationInterconnection #PUCT #PowerSystemStudies #DynamicStudies #TransientStability #VoltageStability #TransmissionPlanning
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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisCongratulations, Mehrdad Rostami, on this outstanding achievement! Your leadership and technical expertise continue to make an impact across our industry. Proud to have you on the E Source Grid Engineering & Interconnection team, and I wish you every success in your new role as Vice Chair of the IEEE Toronto Section Power & Energy Chapter.Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisI just want to share that, in addition to serving as E Source GE&I System Study Director, I have accepted the voluntary position of vice chair of the IEEE Toronto Section Power and Energy Chapter, working with Iman Firoozi as chair. “The IEEE Toronto Power & Energy Chapter" brings together engineers, researchers, utility professionals, industry leaders, and students to advance the science and practice of electric power and energy. As a forum for technical exchange and professional collaboration, the Chapter supports the development of reliable, resilient, sustainable, and economically efficient energy systems that meet the evolving needs of society and the power industry. The Chapter focuses on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the electric grid, including the 5Ds—Decarbonization, Deregulation, Decentralization, Democratization, and Digitalization—as well as electrification, grid modernization, smart grids, distributed energy resources (DERs), large load integration, power system stability, electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies, industrial applications (e.g., data centre), and utility planning and operations. Through technical seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events, the Chapter fosters the exchange of knowledge, practical experience, and innovative solutions among academia, utilities, technology providers, regulators, policymakers, and end users. I encourage all electrical engineers and engineering students to join IEEE and enjoy the many benefits of being part of one of the largest professional societies in the world. IEEE Toronto E Source Thomas Brooks, MBA #IEEE #ESOURCE #E_Source #IEEE_Toronto
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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisI'm attending Data Center World POWER! Join me in Dallas in September! https://lnkd.in/gGesK3YA
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Thomas Brooks, MBA shared thisAs AI data centers and other large-load projects continue to reshape the grid, the interconnection landscape is evolving just as rapidly—with important implications for developers, investors, and large-load customers. MISO's proposed Zero-Injection Generator Interconnection Agreement (ZGIA) is an important step toward providing a clearer path for co-located generation serving on-site load. While the tariff may simplify the process, successful projects will still depend on thoughtful interconnection strategy, high-quality modeling, and early engagement. As always, the projects that prepare early will be best positioned to manage risk and maintain schedule. #MISO #DataCenters #GridInterconnection #TransmissionThomas Brooks, MBA shared thisMISO ZGIA: The AI data center boom has just exposed a gap in MISO's rulebook, and a fix is finally on the table. ⚡ Today, MISO has no tariffed path for co-locating on-site generation with a large load. Developers are stuck negotiating one-off bilateral deals with their Transmission Owner, a process that is slow and hard to finance. Enter the Zero-Injection Generator Interconnection Agreement (ZGIA) — tariff redlines introduced at MISO's Planning Advisory Committee (April 22, 2026), with a FERC filing pending. Why it matters 👇 🔹 A defined path for "behind-the-POI" generation that serves co-located load without injecting to the grid — exactly what AI campuses need. 🔹 It stacks on MISO's toughest gate: the full PSCAD + PSSE + TSAT + MQT model package due at application (BPM-015, App. I). The co-location window is opening — but the bar for modeling is high. Planning a gen + load project in MISO? Let's talk. Are you looking for a trusted consultant to help your application move forward in NA ISOs? Please contact me or Thomas Brooks, MBA, our director of sales! #MISO #DataCenters #GridInterconnection #ZGIA #EnergyTransition #ESource #E_Source #EMT #PSCAD #ESource_GEI E Source
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Thomas Brooks, MBA reacted on thisThomas Brooks, MBA reacted on thisGod is so good and so faithful! 🙌🏾 I’m incredibly grateful to share that I have officially passed my Ph.D. comprehensive examinations in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University. 🎓 This journey has required faith, perseverance, sacrifice, and a whole lot of grace. There have been moments when the road felt heavy, but God has continued to remind me that He is faithful through every season. I’m grateful for every professor, mentor, family member, friend, and colleague who has encouraged me along the way. Now, it’s time for the next chapter: developing and defending my dissertation proposal and working toward doctoral candidacy. One milestone closer. God has been faithful. ❤️🙏🏾 #HowardUniversity #PhDJourney #HigherEducation #DoctoralJourney #HBCU #Grateful #Faith
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Thomas Brooks, MBA liked thisThomas Brooks, MBA liked thisHonored to receive the Auburn University Challenge Coin! This recognition means a lot because it reflects three values I strive to embody in my work and in how I show up every day: integrity, respect and excellence. For me, excellence isn’t just about the work you produce. It’s also about how you show up, the decisions you make, how you treat others and creating impact along the way. I’m grateful to be recognized for not only what I do, but how I choose to do it. War Eagle!
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Thomas Brooks, MBA liked thisThomas Brooks, MBA liked thisIt was a pleasure to join fellow industry leaders at Experience POWER for a thoughtful discussion about the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of our energy system. Energy demand continues to grow as communities expand, technologies advance, and electrification becomes an even larger part of everyday life. Meeting that demand while maintaining reliable service and keeping energy affordable will require thoughtful decisions, sustained investment, and close collaboration across our industry. At Pepco we're focused on investing in the infrastructure, technologies, and innovative solutions that help power our communities today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow. From initiatives like DC PLUG,which is helping strengthen grid resilience in the District, to advanced technologies that improve system visibility and storm response, we're working to deliver reliable service while building a grid that's ready for the future. A special thank you to POWER magazine for convening the conversation, to Darrell Proctor for moderating, and to Ed Gray and Brandon Martin for a thoughtful exchange of ideas. I always value opportunities to learn from others across the industry and continue working toward solutions that benefit the customers and communities we serve!
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Thomas Brooks, MBA liked thisThomas Brooks, MBA liked this“Affordability, reliability and sustainability all have to coexist.” During Climate Week NYC, Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler joined Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe to discuss how AI, emerging technologies and growing energy demand are reshaping the future of the energy system and the importance of balancing the priorities customers depend on most. That balance is reflected in The Exelon Promise: our commitment to helping customers manage rising energy costs, advocating for solutions that keep bills as low as possible and investing in the resilient, reliable grid our communities depend on. Watch the full conversation: http://spr.ly/6042BGg1F0
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Thomas Brooks, MBA liked thisThomas Brooks, MBA liked thisMore than a month into his time at Pitt Law, Cedric Matten is reflecting on the experiences, connections, and warm welcome that have already made Pittsburgh feel like home. Cedric joined Pitt Law’s LLM program in August as part of an exchange with the University of Augsburg in Germany. From meeting new friends to experiencing a new academic environment, he says his first weeks have already been filled with opportunities to learn and grow. We’re so glad to have Cedric as part of the Pitt Law community and look forward to all that’s ahead during his year in Pittsburgh! 💙💛
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Thomas Brooks, MBA liked thisThomas Brooks, MBA liked thisBirthday wishes to Brother Devin Torres, Western Regional Assistant Vice President! We celebrate Brother Torres for his leadership, service, and continued commitment to the advancement of Alpha Phi Alpha. We hope your birthday was filled with joy and that the year ahead brings continued success and blessings. Happy Belated Birthday, Brother Torres! #AlphaPhiAlpha #APA1906Network
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Thomas Brooks, MBA liked thisThomas Brooks, MBA liked thisFor the past eight years, we have honored an annual tradition: posting every day throughout October. This year, we’re aligning this practice to our brand. Welcome to ConsciouslySecure Awareness Month. For the next 31 days, we’ll explore security through the lens of Holistic Security and ConsciouslySecure™ moving beyond the traditional boundaries of security domains to consider what it truly means to experience, practice, and embody human-centered security. Security is not only something we implement. It is something we experience. It is something we practice. Ultimately, it is something we can learn to be. This month is an invitation to experience security differently. To broaden the frame through which we understand protection. To explore the relationship between our digital, physical, emotional, psychological, relational, operational, community, and even spiritual well-being, to consider what becomes possible when we approach security from a higher level of awareness and consciousness. Over the next month, I’ll share ideas, questions, and perspectives designed to help us think differently about what it means to be secure in our organizations, our communities, our leadership, and our own lives. Some of these ideas may feel familiar. Others may challenge the way you have understood security altogether. That is part of the journey. The world is changing. The risks we face are changing. And perhaps our understanding of security must evolve with them. It is an honor to walk this path with you. Welcome to ConsciouslySecure Awareness Month. Let’s begin. Oh, guess who I had dinner with yesterday! Thank you Zoe Braiterman for your light and being on this journey with us. ❤️✨
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Thomas Brooks, MBA liked thisThomas Brooks, MBA liked thisAnother great moment from Pitt's "Proving Possible" campaign launch this past weekend! Dean Kyaien Conner was joined by colleagues and University leaders whose work spans community engagement, health and belonging across Pitt. Partnerships like these are what make this work possible. 💙💛 📸 Pictured (L to R): Dan'Talisha Deans, MSW (MSW '12), Director of Development, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Dr. Nancy Gauvin, EdD., CCC-SLP, Associate Dean of Community Engagement and Global Health Initiatives, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Shatara Murphy, MBA, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Anchor Initiatives, Office of Engagement & Community Affairs Dean Kyaien Conner, PhD, LSW, MPH (Pitt Social Work) Dr. Jamilah Ducar, Vice Chancellor, Office of Engagement & Community Affairs #ProvingPossible #H2P #PittSocialWork #CL100
Experience & Education
Licenses & Certifications
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Certified Speaker, Trainer and Coach with The John Maxwell Team
The John Maxwell Company
Publications
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26.2 Ways to Do It Now: Life Lessons for Happiness and Success [ISBN: 978-0977462902]
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A Wealth of Family: An Adopted Son's International Quest for Heritage, Reunion and Enrichment [ISBN: 978-0977462933]
Honors & Awards
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National Award for Technical Sales and Marketing
Career Communications Group
Brooks won a national award from the Career Communications Group in the category of Technical Sales and Marketing for his work in Corporate America (BEYA).
https://goo.gl/yJCAG4
Organizations
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Trustee, University of Pittsburgh
Board of Trustees
- PresentThe Board of Trustees oversees the University’s affairs and promotes its charitable, scientific and educational purposes. Responsibilities include the approval of the University mission; the recruitment, appointment and evaluation of the chancellor; and stewardship of Pitt resources and assets.
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Black Alumni Collective (BAC) - Board Member
Board Member
-The Black Alumni Collective unifies and empowers Black alumni individuals and groups through civic engagement, economics, and advocacy.
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National President - University of Pittsburgh African American Alumni Council (AAAC)
National President
-The purpose and mission of the African American Alumni Council is to promote a spirit of community, loyalty and support among African American alumni, to strengthen their connection to the University of Pittsburgh, and to promote the recruitment, retention and graduation/advancement of African American students, faculty, staff and administrators at the University of Pittsburgh.
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