The invitation-only event was held recently in Washington, DC and brought together regulators, power companies, municipalities and energy developers that are leading efforts to promote smart electricity markets, greater grid integration of renewable energy and flexible resources such as energy storage. In conjunction with the Summit, Aclara announced a commitment to deploy, in partnership with utilities and customers with distributed solar, 500,000 smart meters by 2025 to provide data and communications infrastructure to enable the optimal grid integration of solar.
“We have been working with utilities around the country to help them understand and manage their energy loads, and renewable energy provides both benefits to our country and challenges to load management” said Aclara’s Chief Financial Officer Kurt Bruenning, adding that Aclara applauds the White House efforts to bring more renewable energy to the grid. “Aclara’s technology can bridge that divide and help to develop infrastructure today for the energy mix of the future. Our meters, measurement technology, and communications software allow utilities to bring new advanced energy technology to American homes and businesses.”
A key finding in a new report by the White House Council of Economic Advisers, titled “Incorporating Renewables into the Grid: Expanding Opportunities for Smart Markets and Energy Storage,” noted that current and projected levels of variable renewable energy resources are opening up opportunities for technologies such as energy storage and demand response to ensure the reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity. The report also finds that wholesale market reforms are already helping to enable these technologies to participate in some markets. Ongoing cost reductions and advancements in communication infrastructure are expected to further enhance the potential for these technologies going forward.
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