The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), GridWise Alliance, and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) hosted the Grid Innovation Expo on Capitol Hill in conjunction with the U.S. House Grid Innovation Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA).
“As our nation’s energy infrastructure continues to age, it’s imperative that we commit to a discussion about how to improve grid resiliency and stability and bring our system into the 21st century,” says Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09). “I was proud to participate in the Grid Innovation Expo. Thank you to GridWise Alliance, NEMA and EEI for showcasing the technologies and innovative solutions that they are utilizing to meet the demands of our ever changing energy landscape.
“A modern and innovative energy grid will benefit consumers, the economy, and enhance reliability and resiliency. As members of Congress, it is our obligation to continue to keep this dialogue open so that we can enable and foster advancements that will protect Americans from the challenges that lie ahead while maintaining accessibility and affordability.”
Companies at the Expo showcased a range of modern energy technologies, including energy storage, distributed energy management, advanced metering, and storm hardening. The Expo included exhibits from: ABB, American Electric Power, CenterPoint Energy, Florida Power & Light Co., G&W Electric, General Electric, Innovari, Itron, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, S&C Electric Company, Siemens, Southern California Edison, Tesla, Vermont Electric Power Company, Xcel Energy, and others.
“The technologies used to deliver electricity to customers were largely unchanged throughout the 20th century, but recent advancements by electrical manufacturers have the potential to improve the efficiency, reliability, and security of electricity delivery,” says NEMA President and CEO Kevin Cosgriff. “Policymakers and grid regulators should embrace these grid technologies to upgrade and better protect our infrastructure.”
“We are excited to provide Members of Congress and Staff the opportunity to see first-hand some of the grid modernization technologies that save money for businesses and consumers by reducing or avoiding power outages, empower consumers to better manage their electricity usage, and ensure the reliable and secure integration of resources, such as storage, microgrids, and electric vehicle,” says Steve Hauser, CEO of the GridWise Alliance. “We appreciate the opportunity to continue to cooperate with the Grid Innovation Caucus to help raise awareness regarding these technological and policy issues.”