IEEE, FERC align efforts to improve electric energy systems
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) Power & Energy Society recently entered into a formal agreement with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to address energy infrastructure and the challenges presented by energy supply, demand and technology.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOE) was signed by IEEE President and CEO Barry Shoop and David Ortiz, deputy director for the FERC Office of Electric Reliability, in November.
“Technology changes, including the growth in renewable generating resources, distributed energy resources, electric vehicles, and energy storage, among others, coupled with the increased availability of natural gas, and new environmental requirements provide new opportunities for improving the efficiency and reliability of the bulk power system,” the MOE said.
The MOU outlines objectives for the two organizations to support the improvement of electric energy systems, including sharing technical needs and addressing infrastructure planning and operation. It also aims to identify emerging technological requirements and the needs for addressing them. Sharing information on advancements in technology and the policy and standards for planning, operations and maintenance of electric energy systems is another objective.
“With electric power technologies advancing at such a tremendous pace, the MOU will help to ensure that the best technical knowledge will help the commission as it seeks to ensure reliability and just and reasonable rates for the bulk electric system,” Ortiz said.
IEEE said the signing of the MOU with FERC is an important step toward solving the country’s sustainable energy future in a reliable, safe and cost-effective way.
“Our membership’s deep knowledge in advancing grid modernization needs is very important to address electrical power system challenges and opportunities,” said Damir Novosel, president of the IEEE Power & Energy Society, a leading provider of scientific and engineering information on electric power and energy.
