AEIC (Association of Edison Illuminating Companies)

We're grateful to have such a tight-knit, driven community of member companies and partners who share our goal of creating a more modern grid for the benefit of all. We hope you all have a wonderful long weekend and a happy Thanksgiving!

Congratulations to AEIC member company FirstEnergy! 🎉 They recently received a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) towards projects improving reliability for over 53,000 customers in Maryland and West Virginia. As part of the projects, FirstEnergy subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison will install new smart devices meant to reduce outages experienced by customers, many which include critical facilities like schools and hospitals. Learn more in T&D World:

How can we break down silos between transmission, distribution, storage, and other sectors of the utility industry? It all comes down to communication. Learn more in this episode of All Things DER with Allison Bates Wannop.

Exciting news for Arizona's energy future! ⚡️ AEIC member company Salt River Project (SRP) is teaming up with Flatland Storage to enhance Arizona's power grid. Their ambitious Flatland Energy Storage Project will introduce a 200-MW/800-MWh battery energy storage system near Coolidge, Arizona. Scheduled for operation in 2025, this facility will store excess energy when demand is low and supply power for up to 45,000 homes during peak periods. This project is a significant step in SRP's mission to decarbonize its energy portfolio and boost renewable energy delivery, building on their successful collaboration at Brittlebush Solar Park. Learn more about the project in Solar Power World:

We’re doing some myth-busting on this week’s Grid Mod Pod episode. 👊 Stet Sanborn, AIA CPHC and Katrina Kelly-Pitou, PhD of SmithGroup answer the question: do boilers have a higher COP (coefficent of performance) than heat pumps? Watch this clip to find out, and check out the full episode now: https://buff.ly/4eaBPIi

We love seeing AEIC member companies like Ameren Illinois give back, especially when it's to such a paw-esome cause! 🐶 Three of their lineworkers recently donated some leftover wire spools to the Peoria Illinois animal shelter. The spools will be used in a sensory garden for the shelter’s dogs, giving them a quiet, safe place to play as they wait for adoption. Check out the spools in action!

Gas-fired generation built for data centers could act as a temporary solution to achieve net negative carbon emissions, according to Clair Moeller of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. In an article for Utility Dive, Moeller emphasized the need for collaboration between the electric and gas industries, as well as on-site gas storage solutions, to support data centers' growth and facilitate a transition to sustainable energy. The surprising growth in data centers necessitates a rapid build-out, which current regulatory structures aren't designed to accommodate, prompting Moeller to call for states to collaborate and find common ground despite differing goals. Check out the full article to learn more:

For the first time, we have not one, but TWO guests on the Grid Mod Pod! This week, Elizabeth Cook, PhD speaks with Stet Sanborn, AIA CPHC and Katrina Kelly-Pitou, PhD from SmithGroup on all things thermal energy, from its role in offsetting demand to the ways it intersects with climate action. Tune in now to discover: 🌐Why decentralized energy systems are becoming increasingly important in modern energy discussions. ♻️How innovative pilot projects can allow for testing of new technologies, significantly impact communities, and drive sustainability efforts. 🌍How federal support and funding plays a key role in advancing climate initiatives. 🔥Why understanding the efficiency of heat pumps can lead to better energy solutions. Watch the full episode here:

Exciting news from AEIC member company NRG Energy Inc.! 🌟 They’ve joined forces with Renew Home to revolutionize residential energy solutions in Texas. Together, they’re set to roll out hundreds of thousands of VPP (virtual power plant)-enabled smart thermostats by 2035 and develop a powerful 1 GW AI-driven VPP using Google Cloud technology. This initiative aims to bolster the grid's resilience and help households reduce energy costs. Eligible customers can look forward to receiving Vivint and Nest smart thermostats with professional installation at no cost, with future plans to incorporate batteries and electric vehicles. Launching in spring 2025, their VPP program promises an advanced energy experience powered by Google Cloud's cutting-edge predictive capabilities. Learn more:

ICYMI: Zach Pollock from Xcel Energy joined us on the Grid Mod Pod this week for a deep dive into all things integrated system planning. Check out a sneak peek, and watch the full episode here: https://buff.ly/4eaBPIi