WASHINGTON - The GridWiseâ„¢ Architecture Council (GWAC), a team of cross-industry experts focused on developing a more reliable, intelligent, electric grid system, announced the successful conclusion of its "Constitutional Convention" held in Philadelphia.

More than 110 delegates attended the convention designed to establish consensus on fundamental principles and obtain buy-in from a broad base of stakeholders in the application of the future electric power system.

Major support for the constitution was announced in speeches from noted electricity community stakeholders, including Nora Mead Brownell, commissioner of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Joe Desmond, chairman of the California Energy Commission; Tom Welch, vice president, PJM Interconnections, and Rik Drummond, GWAC chair. Further support from key smart grid initiatives included the U.S. Department of Energy, EPRI IntelliGrid, GridWise Alliance, GridApp, and NRECA MultiSpeak.

"I am extremely pleased with the event's turnout and the clearly palpable dedication to strengthening the nation's electric power grid," Drummond, said. "The constitution's statements of principle accurately reflect this support to enhance interoperation of information systems across the electric system. I am encouraged by the consensus and willingness of all participants to work together for the betterment of our nation's power grid."

Convention delegates attended breakout sessions dedicated to each of the four areas identified as critical components to a well-rounded agreement: technologies, public policies, constitution governance, and business and industry models. Each breakout session developed a list of actions and commitments for continued support of the constitution.

The event included a signing ceremony of the GridWise Constitution, a document designed to guide future information technology advancement over the next 10-30 years to realize a self-sustaining, interoperable electric supply system.

Publication date: 01/02/2006