Each of the efforts described below are designed to help change the industry in a unique way, through the development and delivery of content that can be leveraged by GridWise members and other stakeholders that reflects the Alliance’s strategic vision.
Grid Investments for Economic Recovery Initiative
Recognizing that the 2020 economic shutdown associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has created a similar economic crisis to what led Congress to enact ARRA in 2009, GridWise Alliance has developed a draft framework for federal stimulus spending. The 2020 framework is different from the ARRA grid modernization portfolio in light of the evolution of the grid over the last decade and new priorities for grid modernization investments. The importance of grid modernization to meet ambitious climate goals, build resilience, and secure the grid against malicious attacks has grown since the 2009, and therefore the scale of federal investments in a stimulus package must be larger.
Grid Infrastructure Advisory Council
The Grid Infrastructure Advisory Council (GIAC) consists of over three dozen leaders from the private and public sectors, drawn from all parts of the country and representing the electric utility industry, environmental groups, vendors, labor unions and other key stakeholders. The Council members will provide invaluable advice and assistance as GridWise Alliance seeks to define the need for investments in expansion and modernization of the transmission and distribution networks and in related initiatives to guard against future contingencies, revitalize the economy, create jobs and combat global warming.
Call to Action: Given the administration’s transportation and building electrification goals and the 2035 net-zero goal for the power sector, investments in the distribution system and adding grid enhancing technologies to existing transmission over the next five years is going to be critical to achieving those goals. Asymmetrical investments with billions for what gets plugged into the grid while nothing for upgrading the existing grid is not a recipe for success.
Grid Modernization Index (GMI)
The GMI has become widely recognized across the industry as a resource that benchmarks states on a wide range of grid modernization policies, practices and investments; providing insights into the progress and various approaches. The GMI takes a comprehensive view, tracking dozens of specific changes in each state and highlighting several of the most significant changes in the industry.
Technology Council
The member exclusive Technology Council expands the GridWise Alliance’s impact as the premier “thought leader” regarding key technology issues related to grid modernization. The Council meets monthly to:
Communicate “next generation” technology changes and benefits to stakeholders
Emphasize a “whole system” perspective (T&D both)
Communicate member’s technology “best practices” to stakeholders
Leverage DOE and EPRI RD&D efforts/Labs/Universities
Promote Unique and Collaborative Technology Demonstrations/Pilots
Defining Regional Demo Best Practices
Highlighting Substation Virtualization
Flattening the Grid
Policy Council
The member exclusive Policy Council provides a focal point for Alliance members to engage in ongoing policy efforts. The Council meets monthly, with additional virtual meetings around specific topics with the purpose to:
Raise awareness of timely legislative activities
Address/Discuss key policy issues
Finalize specific position statements
Guide GWA policy and regulatory engagement tactics