NEMA Hosts Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Expo on Capitol Hill
Press Release Summary:
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Edison Electric Institute and GridWise Alliance has hosted Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Expo on Capitol Hill May 21st chaired by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and Rep. Bob Latta. The companies at the expo showcased range of technologies such as electric vehicles, distributed energy management, cybersecurity, advanced metering, and storm hardening. The participants in the expo urge Congress to invest in modern, cleaner power grid.
Original Press Release:
Electric Companies Demonstrate Innovative Infrastructure Projects on Capitol Hill
Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Expo Participants Urge Congress to Invest in Modern, Cleaner Power Grid
ROSSLYN, Va., May 22, 2019—The Edison Electric Institute, GridWise Alliance, and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) hosted the Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Expo on Capitol Hill May 21st in conjunction with the U.S. Congressional Grid Innovation Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH).
“Innovation will be central to the long-term resilience of our nation’s energy infrastructure,” said Congressman Jerry McNerney. “Today’s expo brings together leading industry companies to highlight new technologies and innovative partnerships that are forging the path for a modern, cleaner power grid. As co-chair of the Congressional Grid Innovation Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues on how we can invest in a stronger, more resilient grid that can withstand our current and future challenges.”
“This event is an exciting opportunity to see up close the innovation that’s going on across the country towards a more reliable, efficient, and secure energy future. The private sector is rapidly innovating, and it’s helping our country find ways to update our grid and make us less vulnerable to cyberattacks. Congress needs to be a partner and support this innovation.”
“The underlying electrical technologies used to deliver power to customers were largely unchanged throughout the 20th century, and from an electrical-only point of view, they remain fundamentally in place. But now and in the years ahead, technological advancements of a different kind will change the grid system in a variety of new and exciting ways,” said NEMA President and CEO Kevin Cosgriff. “Our increasingly digital 21st-century infrastructure is laden with sensors, produces nearly unimaginable amounts of important data, and communicates via wired and wireless networks in fractions of seconds. This convergence of electricity and information technology is ushering in a more reliable, resilient, and aware power system. Policymakers and grid regulators are key to enabling these modern, innovative grid technologies, and the sooner they act the better for citizens and society.”
“EEI’s member companies are transitioning to cleaner energy resources, reducing carbon emissions, modernizing the energy grid, and building smarter energy infrastructure, all while delivering innovative customer solutions in a rapidly changing world,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “The bipartisan Grid Innovation Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Bob Latta and Jerry McNerney, continues to advance an important dialogue that supports innovative smart grid technology, as well as policies that recognize the value of the energy grid.”
“The GridWise Alliance is pleased to co-sponsor this Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Expo with EEI and NEMA, in conjunction with the Grid Innovation Caucus, to help raise awareness regarding the role of these ‘smart,’ modern technologies in enhancing the security, reliability, resilience of critical infrastructure – in the energy sector, and also in the transportation, water, and telecommunications sectors,” said Steve Hauser, CEO of the GridWise Alliance. “These technologies also enable consumers to have more choices about, and be able to better manage their energy usage,” he continued. “We are excited to provide Members of Congress and staff the opportunity to see first-hand some innovative grid modernization technologies, capabilities, and partnerships, such as storage, electric vehicles, microgrids, smart meters, and much more, that will enhance infrastructure development, rebuilding, and upgrades.”
Companies at the Expo showcased a wide range of modern energy technologies, including electric vehicles, distributed energy management, cybersecurity, advanced metering, and storm hardening. The Expo included exhibits from ABB, CenterPoint Energy, Duke Energy, Eaton, Hitachi, Itron, Landis+Gyr, Qubitekk, National Grid, Pepco, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Siemens, and Southern California Edison.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents nearly 325 electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and systems. Our combined industries account for 360,000 American jobs in more than 7,000 facilities covering every state. These industries produce $106 billion in shipments and $36 billion in exports of electrical equipment and medical imaging technologies per year.
Press contacts:
Tracy Cullen, NEMA at press@nema.org
Kristin Rudman, EEI at krudman@eei.org
Bryan Nicholson, GridWise Alliance at bnicholson@gridwise.org
