Smart grid: US associations consolidate to drive grid modernization

Metering International

January 29, 2020

The Association for Demand Response & Smart Grid (ADS) has announced this week that it has incorporated the Microgrid Alliance into the organization in a move that consolidates industry expertise.

ADS, which was founded in 2004, as a voice for the demand response and smart grid community, said it welcomed the joining of forces as it sees microgrids as being “an important component under the smart grid umbrella”.

Microgrids go mainstream

Dan Delurey, CEO of ADS, said: “ADS has always taken a broad view of the electricity space as it is modernizing.

“We started as a demand response organization, and remain the leader on that front. We then evolved to add a smart grid perspective, recognizing that the future of the industry is one of integrating a variety of resources and options in a way that planning and operation of the grid can be optimized.

He added: “We see microgrids as an important option going forward and are pleased to be joining with the MGA.”

The Microgrid Alliance, which was started in early 2014, said it saw the tie-up as an opportunity to expand their efforts to educate and collaborate.

Chairman of MGA Terry Mohn will become chair of the new microgrids committee within AGS.

Mr Delurey said ADS, which has a membership base including ComEd, Nest Labs, and Landis+Gyr, plans to merge the two groups together as they ramp up for the 12th annual National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid and will include examples of microgrids on the agenda for the next event in late May in Washington, DC.

http://www.metering.com/smart-grid-us-associations-consolidate-to-drive-grid-modernization/