ICC, University of Illinois request partners in consumer-driven Utility of the Future study
For a project that has already united the University of Illinois and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), stakeholders are being sought to aid working groups that will study and discuss the future of Illinois’ energy system and economy.
The NextGrid: Illinois’ Utility of the Future Study is a consumer-focused movement, divided into seven working groups. Those groups will meet regularly to share collected info and come to a consensus on the issues currently facing the industry, as well as those things necessary for it to evolve. The work undertaken on the ground by these groups will then be condensed into a report by the university that will lay out an assessment of both opportunities and challenges of grid modernization.
“We are seeking a diverse and representative group of stakeholders from the energy community to join these working groups,” ICC Chairman Brien J. Sheahan said. “We’ve been quite intentional about keeping the working groups manageable in size to encourage productivity. It is critical for all stakeholders and interested parties to have a voice in the process. While it is not possible for everyone to serve on a working group, we are also soliciting feedback in multiple formats through the NextGrid website.”
As for the working groups, they have been divided as follows: metering, communications and data, reliability, resiliency and security, customer and community participation, regulatory and environmental policy issues, and ratemaking. They will operate knowing that the ideas they reach will eventually go on to educate policymakers.
