Comprehensive Grid Modernization Legislation Highlights the Need to Modernize Our Nation's Electric Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The GridWise Alliance commends Senator Cantwell for having released "The Grid Modernization Act of 2015."

The electric grid plays a critical role in all aspects of our daily lives, yet it resembles the same system that was in place nearly 100 years ago. We face a critical and pressing need to bring our electric system into the twenty-first century to meet the changing demands of our digital economy. 

This bill provides a comprehensive approach toward modernizing our electric infrastructure.

"The Grid Modernization Act of 2015 will play a key role in facilitating the transformation to the future electric grid.  It will help integrate a range of distributed energy resources, including storage, microgrids, and electric vehicles, into the grid," said Scott Prochazka, President and CEO of CenterPoint Energy and Board Chairman of the GridWise Alliance.  "This bill also will drive increased security and reliability of the entire electric system."  In addition, it will empower consumers to better manage their energy usage.  

"This bill serves as an important step towards much needed grid modernization and will enable better management of precious resources. Senator Cantwell's leadership continues to drive energy policy forward, creating greater opportunities for a sustainable future," said Sharelynn Moore, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Public Affairs, Itron and GridWise Alliance Board Member.

"This legislation will establish a national policy that sets a clear and ambitious 'vision' to achieve this future grid," said Ladeene Freimuth, Policy Director of the GridWise Alliance.  "It also will provide metrics to track the progress toward achieving this goal.  In addition, the bill will provide states the tools and assistance they will need as the electric system evolves to help them develop associated policy and regulatory changes." 

The GridWise Alliance looks forward to working with all Members to continue to help advance these important goals.

About The GridWise Alliance:
The GridWise Alliance (GWA) represents the broad and diverse stakeholders that design, build and operate the electric grid, including electric utilities, information and communications technology equipment and service providers, national laboratories, academic institutions, Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs), and more.  Since 2003, the Alliance has been at the forefront of educating legislators and regulators about the critical need to modernize our nation's electricity system.

For more information about the GridWise Alliance, please visit: http://www.gridwise.org.

Media Contact

Bryan Nicholson
GridWise Alliance
202.530.9740
[email protected]

SOURCE GridWise Alliance

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