Working Together
Workable solutions come from knowing what stakeholders need and what technical experts can do. CIEE works with both, gaining a deep understanding of stakeholders’ objectives, the obstacles they face in reaching them, and the possibilities for innovative solutions. That approach yields a problem-solving research program, and valuable, concrete results that are transferred quickly and effectively into wide use.
Technologies pave the way for renewables
The use of models and synchrophasors — devices that can be installed across the transmission grid to measure current, voltage, and other status-indicators in real time — was a lively topic of the California Energy Commission's symposium "Paving the Way for Renewables," held in Sacramento in October 2011.
The event, with CIEE researchers taking part, is summarized in "Clearing Up," a publication of Energy NewsData. Learn More »
CIEE’s electric grid research is funded largely by the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program. The commission sets the research strategy and heads a Policy Advisory Committee that provides high-level guidance on the research priorities and program. Members include senior officials from Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, the California Independent System Operator, the Bonneville Power Authority, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Utility Wind Interest Group.
This thorough process of involving all players grounds the research agenda in the real world of grid operation and challenges, and ensures a flow of innovative new technologies to make steady progress toward a new energy future.
