It’s hard to believe it’s mid-September, and our Grid Modernization Index (GMI) survey is in full swing! GridWise has produced six GMI reports assessing states’ progress in grid modernization. This year, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy Foundation, we’re conducting a more comprehensive, three-step data collection to provide deeper insights into state and utility readiness to accommodate the drivers impacting the electric grid in a reliable and affordable manner.

Earlier this month, GridWise hosted a webinar with Assistant Secretary for Electricity Gene Rodrigues, highlighting this year’s GMI as a baseline for grid conditions as billions from DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) are distributed. Utility members, we need your input! You can access the survey here and watch the webinar here.

With September here, we’re deep into planning the 2024 gridCONNEXT® in D.C., December 10–11. Registration is open, and seats are filling fast! We’ve lined up great panels on this year’s theme, “Grid Evolution: From Pilot to Scale.” Creative opportunities for sponsorships are available, like hosting receptions or branding lanyards and conference materials. For more information on sponsoring, contact Jane Zaretskie.

Finally, GridWise Alliance welcomes our new Executive Director, Jane Zaretskie who brings over 15 years of association management experience. Jane has led national strategic initiatives in program management, stakeholder relations, and multi-channel marketing. She previously served as VP of Marketing and Member Services at the American Chiropractic Association, and as Director of Chapters and Membership at the Federal Bar Association, where she pioneered the establishment of 17 new chapters. Jane is a recipient of the Association Forum’s Forty Under 40 Award and ASAE’s Gold Circle Award, and currently serves on ASAE’s Ethics Committee.

Please join in giving Jane a warm welcome!

Sincerely,

Karen Wayland