MSHS Pacific Power Group is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 PowerGen Technical Conference, also known as PowerGen University (PGU). This year, our team will lead course PGU103, titled:
“Dispatchable Standby Generation (DSG) for Demand Response and Emissions Retrofit”
What This Course Covers
Course PGU103 offers a comprehensive look at how utilities and facility owners can leverage emergency standby generators as reliable, dispatchable grid resources while achieving compliance with evolving emissions standards.
At the center of this presentation is Portland General Electric’s Dispatchable Standby Generation (DSG) program, a pioneering initiative that enables end users to provide grid support using their existing emergency generators. Operating under U.S. EPA rules that allow the controlled use of non–Tier IV emergency-rated engines, the DSG program has supported NERC/WECC reliability standards since its launch in 2000. By providing contingency reserves, the program helps stabilize the grid during localized outages, generation shortfalls, and frequency deviations.
A Practical Guide to Retrofitting Emergency Gensets
A major component of this session is a step-by-step technical overview of retrofitting diesel gensets with modern emissions reduction systems. Drawing from over 35 successful retrofit installations, the course walks participants through the full upgrade process, including:
- Initial site assessments and feasibility reviews
- Seismic and structural engineering considerations
- Integration of emissions abatement systems, including Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units
- Exhaust system engineering and commissioning
- Permitting, compliance, and OEM coordination
These retrofit projects are especially critical for mission-critical environments such as hospitals, data centers, and emergency response centers, facilities where reliability, safety, and uptime are non-negotiable. Click Here to Read the Case Study.
Real-World Examples: Portland General Electric’s DSG Program
The course highlights case studies from the DSG program, where participating customers contract with PGE to make their emergency generators available for grid support during peak demand. While U.S. EPA regulations allow limited dispatch of non–Tier IV emergency engines, Oregon DEQ’s 2023 emissions rules required comprehensive DPF retrofits for participating sites. These projects offer valuable insight into the intersection of engineering, regulation, and real-world operational needs.
Key Takeaways for Participants
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of:
- How DSG-style programs enhance grid reliability
- Which EPA and state regulatory frameworks affect emergency generator operation
- The full lifecycle of a genset retrofit project
- Engineering and permitting challenges to expect and how to mitigate them
- Best practices for completing retrofits with minimal operational disruption
Whether you’re responsible for utility planning, facility operations, engineering design, or regulatory management, this session delivers practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to your organization’s emergency power strategy.
Speakers:
Rick Elder, Senior Technical Sales Manager, MSHS Pacific Power Group
Rick has extensive experience in power generation, emissions-compliance retrofits, and complex system integrations. He has led major utility and data center projects and is known for delivering reliable, high-performance, and compliant power solutions.
Nikee Kendall, Construction Project Manager, Portland General Electric
Experienced professional with over 15 years at PGE, including 8 years specializing in project management and construction. Native Oregonian with a strong passion for transmission and distribution systems.
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Conference Room 301A – Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. San Antonio, Texas
For more details about the course, CLICK HERE
To assist with a 20% discount, use CODE: PG26SPKINV and CLICK HERE