POWERGRAMS

37 "The electric system for literally every one of Alabama Power's 1.5 million customers can be observed within the company's switching diagram," Clark said. "This system gives the operator a sense of how the power is flowing and if they need to switch to get the lights back on. "The smart grid has presented new challenges to electrical engineers, with the operation of the electrical system and the development of the smart grid concept," Clark said. "Every device is smart now, and we have to know how to integrate those devices into the system. Today's switching and switching diagrams are all electronic." Achievements at the midcentury mark In 1985, Clark helped automate the distribution system, one of the major projects of his career. It's no surprise to Clark's co-workers, such as Mobile Distribution Control Center Manager Eric Boykin, that Clark's contributions appear in "Developed for the Service of Alabama: The Centennial History of the Alabama Power Company, 1906-2006," by Leah Rawls Atkins. Clark's efforts to automate the distribution system are outlined on page 501. Clark is a sought-aer industry expert and has spoken at many engineering conferences. He has worked with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) since 1966. On Jan. 1, 2016, Clark was elevated to the role of IEEE fellow, following peer nominations for his contributions to distribution automation for the electric industry. Though most IEEE fellows have earned doctorate degrees, Clark said, with a grin, "The rest of my education is 50 years of work experience." He works primarily with the Mobile Distribution Control Center (DCC) operators. Throughout the years, he has mentored many employees and taught them how to use IDMS. Boykin has worked closely with Clark for six years. "Larry is a subject-maer expert, definitely, when it comes to the IDMS program," Boykin said. "His group is the liaison to different DCCs. Any time there is a new change or rollout, Larry is there to help and talk to operators about their concerns. "He's very thorough and very sharp," Boykin said. "Any time I've needed to know something, I feel comfortable talking to Larry because he either knows the answer or he will find out. It's always critical in the DCC to learn why something happened the way it did." A time to work, a time to play When Clark's retirement day finally arrives, he plans to spend most of his time with his wife, Brenda, who is retired. His son and daughter- in-law have four children in the Birmingham area, and his daughter and son-in-law have two children who aend school in Praville. "We're in prey close contact with our family," Clark said. "With six grandchildren, our free time is with the kids at holidays and vacations." Whatever his future holds, Clark is already sure of one thing. "I will work just as hard at being retired as I have at my job," he said.

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