Energy-Related Updates From the Administration | |
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Executive Action on Energy
The Department of Energy cut 1,800 employees with probationary status as part of the Trump Administration’s push to decrease the federal workforce. The cuts were felt across the agency, including the Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Under pressure from lawmakers and PMA customers, DOE brought back some of the workers who had been let go from the PMAs and NNSA. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), already short-staffed before the layoffs, brought back 30 of the 130 workers fired, but approximately 240 had already resigned by taking advantage of the “Fork in the Road” buyout, and 90 job offers were rescinded because of the federal hiring freeze.
On February 18, President Donald Trump signed an executive order entitled “Ensuring Accountability for all Agencies” bringing independent regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under “Presidential supervision and control.” The order requires these agencies to submit proposed regulatory actions to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. How this order will affect FERC, which in addition to major rules decides more than 1,000 individual cases a year, is unclear. For a discussion of the history of FERC and Congressional intent in establishing the agency as an independent entity, see this article in the Yale Law Journal on the historic statutory separation of powers at FERC.
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Join GridWise Alliance to Receive Exclusive Benefits | | |
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We noticed that you are not a current member of the GridWise Alliance. We invite you to become a member and unlock exclusive benefits, including:
- Access to the latest policy updates
- Monthly webinars on cutting-edge tech and policy trends
- Opportunities to engage in strategic discussions and exchange best practices
Be part of a dynamic community driving innovation for a secure, reliable, and resilient grid. Stay ahead in grid modernization—don’t miss out!
Learn more and join today. Questions? Contact us at info@gridwise.org.
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Join the Next GridWise Forum Webinar | |
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Meeting the Challenges of Load Growth:
Site, Design, Build, Power and Operate
Friday | March 21 | 1 PM ET
AI-driven technologies are poised for significant future economic growth. However, meeting the necessary load growth for AI data centers presents a major challenge to utilities, requiring new innovation. This panel discussion will delve into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with AI data centers. Key topics include the strain on utilities to meet escalating load growth, operational hurdles in maintaining efficiency and security, the complexities of designing, owning and operating AI data centers, and the significant policy impacts shaping the industry. Join industry experts as they explore these critical issues and share insights on navigating the future of AI data centers.
Moderator:
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Nicole S. Jefferson, Dell Technologies, VP, Head of US Government Affairs
Panelists:
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Robert Wright, Dominion Energy, Vice President – Strategic Partnerships
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Phil Fischer, Black and Veatch, Data Center/ Mission Critical Solutions
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Kyle Trotter, MISO Senior Manager of Resource Utilization
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Announcing Additions to the GridWise 2025 Board of Directors | | |
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We are pleased to welcome two new members to our 2025 Board of Directors:
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Gina Garner: VP, Commercial Operations, Landis + Gyr
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Paul Hughes: Executive Director, Digital Policy, GE Vernova
Garner and Hughes will join a distinguished group of leaders from across the energy sector, helping to guide our efforts in modernizing the electric grid. Their expertise and commitment to innovation will support our mission to drive grid transformation and ensure a secure, sustainable, resilient, and reliable energy future. Welcome!
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For a full list of our leadership and to learn more about the Board of Directors, visit the Leadership page on our website | |
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Explore the Newly Launched Grid Map:
An Interactive Technology Portfolio
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GridMap™ is a valuable resource for industry professionals, regulators, and the public, showcasing the collective vision of GridWise Alliance members. It helps users understand how modern grid technologies contribute to a more resilient, efficient, and flexible energy system. Whether you're an expert or a first-time visitor, the platform simplifies complex concepts and highlights key technologies, their applications, and their real-world impact.
As the modern grid evolves, so will GridMap™. We will collaborate with members to develop compelling content, including case studies, diagrams, and product links, providing an opportunity to showcase grid modernization innovations.
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Hot Takes & Hot Sauce: gridCONNEXT® 2024 Videos Are Here! | | |
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Missed gridCONNEXT® 2024 or looking to revisit key insights and highlights? The recorded sessions from are now available!
This month, we're looking back at The Hot Seat where Lee Krevat of Krevat Energy Innovations and Maria Robinson, former Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, engaged in a lively conversation that mixed policy, innovation, and a little heat—literally! They tackled grid modernization and regulatory challenges, while partaking in a "friendly" hot sauce showdown that kept the conversation (and their taste buds) hot.
Ready to revisit all the gridCONNEXT® 2024 sessions? Click the link below.
Watch gridCONNEXT 2024® Sessions
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Take Our Survey: Share Your Insights on AI for Utilities | |
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The GridWise Alliance is in the process of putting together a paper articulating how member utilities and technology providers are utilizing AI across the enterprise to guide public policy and R&D at federal and state levels. We’d like to hear from you about how you’re planning to implement AI in utility applications.
Whether you are a utility, equipment manufacturer or vendor, a grid operator, or a consultant helping utility clients with AI, we welcome your input. Responses can be attributed to your company or submitted anonymously. Click the button below to start the survey.
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Thank you for contributing! Reach out to Glenn McDonell with any questions. | |
Welcome to our New GridWise Alliance Members! | |
The expertise of each of these new members will be invaluable in advancing grid modernization! Learn more about GridWise Alliance membership below. | |
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About GridWise Alliance:
The GridWise Alliance leads a diverse membership of electricity industry stakeholders focused on accelerating innovation that delivers a more secure, reliable, resilient, and affordable grid to support decarbonization of the U.S. economy. For more information about the GridWise Alliance, visit: www.gridwise.org.
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