A search on Google for the keywords smart grid returns millions of results. A list of organizations talking about or working on smart grid initiatives would likely yield similar results. Although meant humorously, this illustrates the proliferation of groups interested in redesigning and rebuilding the varied power infrastructure to support the future economy. Since building a smart infrastructure is clearly in the public’s interest, it’s important that all affected stakeholders – from utilities and legislators to consumers and regulators – participate in creating the vision, policies and framework for these critical and important investments.
One organization, the GridWise Alliance, was formed specifically to promote a broad collaborative effort for all interest groups shaping this agenda. Representing a consortium of more than 60 public organizations and private companies, GridWise Alliance members are aligned around a shared vision of a transformed and modern electric system that integrates infrastructure, processes, devices, information and market structure so that energy can be generated, distributed and consumed more reliably and cost-effectively.
From the time of its creation in 2003, the GridWise Alliance has focused on the federal legislative process to ensure that smart grid programs and policies were included in the priorities of the various federal agencies. The Alliance continues to focus on articulating to elected officials, public policy agencies and the private sector the urgent need to build a smarter 21st-century utility infrastructure. Last year, the Alliance provided significant input into the development of smart grid legislation, which was passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by the President at the end of 2007. The Alliance has evolved to become one of the “go-to” parties for members of Congress and their staffs as they prepare for new legislation aimed at transforming to a modern and intelligent electricity grid.
The Alliance continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in various ways. The chair of the Alliance, Guido Bartels, joins representatives from seven other Alliance member companies in recently being named to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Electricity Advisory Committee (EAC). This organization is being established to “enhance leadership in electricity delivery modernization and provide senior-level counsel to DOE on ways that the nation can meet the many barriers to moving forward, including the deployment of smart grid technologies.” Another major area of focus is the national GridWeek conference. This year’s GridWeek 2008 is focused on “delivering sustainable energy.” The Alliance expects more than 800 participants to discuss and debate topics such as Enabling Energy Efficiency, Smart Grid in a Carbon Economy and Securing the Smart Grid.
Going forward, the Alliance will expand its reach by continuing to broaden its membership and by working with other U.S. stakeholder organizations to provide a richer understanding of the value and impacts of a smart grid. The Alliance is already working with organizations such as the NARUC-FERC Smart Grid Collaborative, the National Council of State legislators (NCSl), the National Governors’ Association (NGA), the American Public Power Association (APPA) and others. Beyond U.S. borders, the Alliance will continue to strengthen its relations with other smart grid organizations like those in the European Union and Australia to ensure that we’re gaining insight and best practices from other markets.
Collaboration such as that exemplified by the Alliance is critical for making effective and impactful public policy. The future of our nation’s electricity infrastructure, economy and, ultimately, health and safety depends on the leadership of organizations such as the GridWise Alliance.