By Haley Obermeier, ACT Policy Intern

As technology rapidly evolves, convening experts and affected stakeholders in all facets of grid edge technology, integration, and application is key to ensuring an effective and equitable transition to our future grid. On October 3, in partnership with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the Alliance for the Climate Transition held the most recent installment of our Transition to the Future Grid in Massachusetts event series: “Power at the Grid Edge.” 

Throughout the day, participants gained valuable insights and heard overarching themes such as:

• Technology Upgrades Are Ready: New technology innovation is ready for immediate application across our energy grid. A broad range of options, from affordable, simple solutions to cutting-edge innovations, will help facilitate demand response and support utility customers.
• Customers Are Partners: Utility customers can be our greatest asset and crucial partners in successfully transitioning to the future grid and adopting new technologies.
• The Importance of Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Productive stakeholder engagement and collaboration is more vital now than ever in achieving our shared energy goals.

Attendees heard keynote addresses from Commissioner Staci Rubin of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MA DPU) and Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MA DOER). They also participated in two panel discussions, heard case studies from innovative grid tech companies, engaged in a visioning session, and took part in table conversations with experts from utilities, industry, academia, state and local government and non-profit organizations. 

‍The full run of show is outlined below:

Welcome: Joe Curtatone (ACT), Emily Reichert & Sarah Cullinan (MassCEC)

Keynotes: Staci Rubin (Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities), Elizabeth Mahony (Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER))

Panels & Sessions: Charles Dawson (MA DOER), Liz Mettetal (Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc.), Tilak Subrahmanian (Eversource), Larry Chretien (Green Energy Consumers Alliance), Corrin Moss (MassCEC), Mike Phillips (Sense), Matt Bloom (Landis+Gyr), John Franklin (National Grid), Carlos Nouel (EY), Ben Myers (BXP, Inc.), Jared Lebos (Noble Carbon), Matt Wapples (Kraken), Michael Rigney (Cala Systems), Mike DiRico (SPAN), Brian Seal (EPRI), James McRoy (Eaton), Chris Ewings (Stepwise).

The event would not have been possible without sponsorship from Eversource Energy, National Grid, and Eaton. 

It is always energizing to convene with great minds working to explore the future of grid edge flexibility, and we look forward to seeing many insights from the event turned into action!