Across our diverse array of utilities there is a broad spectrum of approaches to managing transformation and innovation. The rapid changes and challenges facing utilities create an environment where predicting and managing the evolution of energy assets in the system has become a practical and economic imperative to serve our broader mission of affordability and reliability in communities.
In addition to adopting technology for a singular purpose, utilities are considering how technology can connect with other utility systems, how people across the utility will use it, and how it opens up opportunities for engaging with the community. Of course, innovative use of technology is impacting how utilities can send signals and incentives to customers for energy use, affecting costs and pricing.
APPA’s purpose is to help community-owned utilities deliver superior services. That includes helping you stay ahead of the curve and overcome barriers to deploying advanced technologies. We’re pleased to have a partnership this year with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory focused on helping public power speed up adoption of advanced grid technologies. We’ve long supported research and development in public power through the DEED program, which has provided millions of dollars in funding to support hundreds of public power projects big and small and funds student scholarships. Our APPA Academy offers in-depth examples, events, and trainings that highlight how utilities are approaching technology projects, and venues for you to connect with industry partners that have the platforms and expertise to help move you ahead. Several groups on APPA Engage, our online community platform, including an Energy Innovation group, help keep the knowledge exchange going between members year-round.
This issue of Public Power magazine also explores how utilities are approaching specific technology efforts, including managing virtual power plants and deploying battery storage, and how they are moving to more dynamic rate designs to support technology adoption. Your customers are also adjusting to change, and so educational materials such as the simple explainer graphic on time-of-use rates or other templates on our promoting public power webpage are there for you to reuse as you see fit.
We are always looking for you to share your stories of projects that will help your utility adapt and advance into the future. And, please let us know how else APPA can help you prepare and keep up with the ever-changing and innovative technology in our field.
