"Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and arguably one of the top five smart cities in the county."
Dan Smith is the vice president of electric service delivery at Austin Energy* and whether he likes it or not, he is a Legend. Dan is in charge of electric service reliability and he has done a number of roles at Austin Energy before growing into his current role. Alan Ross spoke with Dan recently and here are the highlights of that conversation, which we hope will enlighten and inspire you.
Transformer Technology: Austin is arguably one of the top five smart cities or leading cities. I think Austin is the fastest growing city in the country, as every time I go there, I see a new skyline. Can you tell me a little bit about when you started with Austin Energy and where you are now? Why do you have a love affair with Austin Energy and the city?
Dan Smith: I came to Austin Energy 16 years ago. At that time, I was working in the semiconductor industry in Austin, but I also had responsibilities in Germany and Japan. I got an opportunity to join Austin Energy as a substation relay engineering manager, but I didn't have a lot of utility experience other than just interfacing with them. But somebody thought that I had the leadership skills and the aptitude to come and learn it, and that really started a love affair on the utility side.
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*Editor’s Note: Shortly after this interview Dan Smith retired from Austin Energy, however his passion continues as he is now the Vice President of Transmission System Operations at the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), in Austin, TX.