Advanced Energy Perspectives

Now well into 2015, momentum is building around the country to create a 21st Century electricity system. Progress is being made on the regulatory front and with implementation, as various states move to modernize their grids, update their regulatory frameworks, and address the challenges and opportunities that come with wider deployment of distributed energy resources (DER), electric vehicles, renewable energy, and broadly speaking, a smarter grid. New York and California are two states that are leading the way. AEE, the AEE Institute, our member companies, and our state and regional partners are deeply involved.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) plan to regulate carbon emissions is just the latest challenge facing the U.S. electric power system. Technological innovation is disrupting old ways of doing business and accelerating grid modernization. Earlier this year, AEE released Advanced Energy Technologies for Greenhouse Gas Reduction, a report detailing the use, application, and benefits of 40 specific advanced energy technologies and services. This post is one in a series drawn from the technology profiles within that report.

In recent years, many transmission networks have been upgraded with new sensors and automated control equipment, which allow for more efficient centralized control. Distribution networks, however, are further behind in deploying these systems, which could improve system operations. Distribution automation technology includes a combination of line sensors, new control equipment, and intelligent software that constantly optimizes distribution system operations for reliability and efficiency.

This post is one in a series of feature stories on trends shaping advanced energy markets in the U.S. and around the world, drawn from Advanced Energy Now 2015 Market Report, which was prepared for AEE by Navigant Research. 

2014 was a dynamic year for the smart buildings market, with noticeable major technology advances and a global economic boost through supportive government policies and programs. In addition, many vendors expanded their products and services targeted towards small and medium-size buildings, with building owners seeing real benefits from aggregating energy efficiency across their portfolio of smaller-scale facilities.

Advanced energy is moving fast: AEE just released a report showing that the U.S. advanced energy economy grew five times as fast as the U.S. economy as a whole. Now, we see more big strides in solar and wind, as well as fast times for advanced vehicles. (Okay, maybe not quite as fast as a Ferrari.)

Last week, AEE hosted Energy Forward, our members and partners conference in Washington, D.C. The sessions were a great opportunity for AEE members to network, participate in wide-ranging and timely discussions, and engage on federal policy issues. The event included visits with key offices in the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as opportunities for our members to meet with federal policymakers and thought leaders.