Source: Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)
Julia Hamm, President and CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), today called for utilities and solar companies to work more closely together as both look for opportunities to modernize the electric grid through the utilization of renewable and “smart grid” technologies. Her remarks came during a panel as part of the annual GridWeek conference in Washington.
The term “smart grid” often encompasses a suite of technologies that give utilities access to more real-time data about customer energy usage, while giving customers more direct control over the timing and amount of power they take from the grid. These technologies would also make it easier for utilities to integrate more renewable energy into their energy portfolios, a move requested by many customers and required by state renewable energy standards.
“The solar industry can and should work in close collaboration with the utility industry to draw clear parallels between the smart grid and the ability to meet renewable energy standards,” said Hamm.
“Conversations in the U.S. frequently downplay the significant role the smart grid can have in helping meet clean energy goals.”
A selection of videos from GridWeek is available following the conference at http://www.gridweek.com/2010.
For more information, visit http://www.solarelectricpower.org/events/webinars.aspx
