[September 14, 2010]

Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative Continues Rapid Growth as Leading Utilities, Vendors, and Consumer Groups Sign On

The Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC), an independent non-profit group working to foster mutual understanding between industry and consumers regarding the creation of a next-generation energy infrastructure, today announced several new members as the group continues its strong momentum among constituent groups throughout the smart grid ecosystem.

Formed earlier this year, the SGCC has already emerged as a key player shaping the future of the nation's energy infrastructure, the focal point of industry and consumer collaboration, and an important industry spokesperson around the introduction of the smart grid. Member organizations gain access to an information clearinghouse of best practices and timely developments, including proprietary research, as well as a forum to meet and work with the full spectrum of stakeholders-utilities, vendors, and consumers.

The latest SGCC members include:

CNT Energy, a non-profit division of the Center for Neighborhood Technology dedicated to helping consumers and communities obtain the information and services they need to reduce their energy consumption and costs. Said Anne Evens, Director, "Our goals align closely with the SGCC, and we're excited to join forces to share information and best practices to ensure effective consumer advocacy around the smart grid. Our membership literally gives us a seat at the table for the most important conversations about the rollout of the smart grid, and will help us make sure that the new energy infrastructure works as well for consumers as it does for utilities and vendors."

Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a non-profit, non-partisan group created in 1983 by the Illinois General Assembly with a mission to represent the interests of residential utility consumers across the state. Said David Kolata, Executive Director, "Over the past quarter-century, we've helped the consumers of Illinois gain lower rates and better service from public utilities. As a member of the SGCC, we'll make sure their voice is heard in the implementation of a next-generation energy infrastructure, while putting the laest research and information to work for them to make sure that the smart grid lives up to its full potential in their lives and communities."

Duke Energy (News - Alert), one of the nation's largest electric power holding companies, serves approximately 4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Said Don Denton, Duke Energy's GM for Smart Grid Strategy and Planning, "Affordable, reliable and clean energy are crucial for our nation, our economy, and our citizens. The SGCC brings together a group of leaders across all the key constituencies to work toward solutions that will move us quickly toward a more modern, digital grid that creates benefits for everyone."

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a science-based environmental organization committed to designing and transforming markets to bring lasting solutions to the most serious environmental problems. "A well-designed, 'green' smart grid will supercharge the clean, low-carbon energy revolution," said Derek Walker, director of EDF's California Climate Initiative. "By joining the SGCC, we can promote the wide array of benefits possible from truly smart grids, including protecting air quality and public health, conserving water and land by minimizing the need for new power plants and lines, maximizing the penetration of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles, and contributing to the fight against dangerous climate change."

OG&E, serves 780,000 customers across 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Said Craig Johnston, Vice-President of Corporate Strategy and Marketing, "At OG&E we believe strongly in the need to update our energy grid and integrate alternative sources of power into the mix. With our Positive Energy (News - Alert)® Smart Grid program we are seeing success in early deployments. By teaming with this national group of companies, utilities and consumer groups, we want to lend our voice and learn from others in the SGCC to help our customers realize the full benefits of the smart grid."

OPOWER, a provider of customer engagement software proven to reduce energy usage. Said Matt McCaffree, Director of Government Affairs, "Customer engagement is key to the success of any efficiency program, regardless of the system architecture. But the smartgrid enables two-way conversations with consumers and we have seen that, effectively employed, it can provide a crucial foundation for better comprehension of energy use and new opportunities for utilities and customers alike. The SGCC provides an important link between consumers, vendors and utilities with a focus on communication, which is critical for the success of the smart grid."

Said Jesse Berst, Acting Executive Director, SGCC, "Whether you are concerned with our environment (renewables), our economy (global competitiveness), our energy security (electric transportation) or all three, the smart grid is the key to progress. We must update and upgrade electric power to bring it into the digital age. We are gratified that such well-known organizations have put their shoulders to the wheel to help us all move forward."

About the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC)

The SGCC is an independent non-profit organization (501c3) that was organized to accelerate the industry's understanding of consumer needs by bringing together utilities, vendors and consumer advocacy groups. Together the members work to increase consumer understanding and acceptance of the smart grid through research, creation of messaging tools and other contributions that further consumer adoption of the smart grid. The founding members of the SGCC include consumer electronics and technology companies, retailers, consumer advocacy groups, and utilities dedicated to maximizing the value of the grid for consumers. For more information about the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative, visit www.smartgridcc.org.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]