Deploying innovation makes Alabama Power’s Justin Harrison an unsung hero
Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama Power Engineering Supervisor Justin Harrison was surrounded by heroes on the football field.
As a professional engineer today, Harrison calls plays on the power grid. Both of his grandfathers were Birmingham area utility leaders, one at Southern Natural Gas, the other at South Central Bell.
“When you talk about being able to truly create new value and innovation from a grid perspective, that is what Justin and his team do every day,” said Arnab Ghosal, Grid Inform and Connectivity general manager. “What is probably more impressive is how he is able to do this from a culture standpoint. There is no better teammate at Alabama Power than Justin Harrison.”
Justin Harrison is an Alabama Power Unsung Hero from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Harrison’s team in Power Delivery Connectivity and Innovation is constantly evaluating and implementing new technology to improve the reliability, resiliency and security of the power grid. They deploy cutting-edge fiber optic communications to connect automated devices across the system to help keep customers’ lights on.
In his role as an engineering supervisor, Harrison makes sure his team is pointed in the right direction and has the resources they need to get the job done. He works to remove barriers that may hinder their progress.
“I never cease to be amazed by the things diverse, creative people can do when they’re given the right environment and tools to innovate,” said Harrison. “I’ve felt honored to be able to represent the company at industry conferences where we exchange ideas with other utilities from around the country and make sure our customers benefit from the latest advances in electric power distribution.”
Traveling to Australia as a college exchange student at the Queensland University of Technology spurred his love of travel and adventure. He’s climbed glaciers in Iceland and New Zealand, spent the night in a hotel made completely of ice in Norway and enjoys his grandparents’ cabin in rural Fayette County.
With more than 20 years of experience with Alabama Power, Harrison has served in various roles in the professional engineering arena, including as president of the Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Professional Engineers and board member of the Engineering Council of Birmingham.
Harrison has taught classes for Junior Achievement of Alabama and volunteered with the United Way of West Alabama and other community outreach organizations. He said he’s never too busy to help others in the office or the community.