Programmable alternating current (AC) load having regenerative and dissipative modes

A programmable alternating current (AC) load in communication with an equipment under test (EUT) is disclosed, where the EUT generates an equipment under test voltage. The programmable AC load includes an active load profiler (ALP) for creating current modulation load profiles that are sent to the EUT. The ALP includes a voltage source inverter, a control module in operative communication with the voltage source inverter of the ALP, and a grid-connected inverter having an AC side and a direct current (DC) side. The AC side of the voltage source inverter is in communication with the EUT for receiving the equipment under test voltage. The control module sends a control duty signal to the voltage source inverter indicating a switching frequency and a duty cycle of the current modulation load profiles.