Press Releases

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement this afternoon after joining Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA-09) to launch the Grid Innovation Caucus in the House of Representatives:

“I was thrilled to join my colleague, Congressman Jerry McNerney, as we launched the Grid Innovation Caucus this afternoon in the House of Representatives. As our energy needs increase and evolve, we must continue to promote innovative technologies that will provide additional options for consumers, businesses and the economy.”

“Future innovations in smart grid technology will ensure that all of our energy resources are distributed more efficiently to consumers during peak usage. This technology has the promise of providing substantial benefits, especially in rural areas, as it delivers a consistent and steady flow of all forms of energy.”

“By launching this caucus as a bipartisan initiative, Democrats and Republicans can work together to share ideas and look at all of our energy resources in an open and constructive manner. I'm proud to join Congressman McNerney as a founding co-chair of the caucus and look forward to welcoming more of our Members to this important cause.”

Congressman Jerry McNerney echoed her sentiment this afternoon:

“I am very excited to launch the Grid Innovation Caucus with my colleague Renee Ellmers. Right now we have a 20th century electric grid for a 21st century nation, and we can do better. Updating the grid will improve reliability and security, save energy, and create jobs.”

“As a former wind energy engineer and patent-holder, I know firsthand how important design and technology are to moving our energy efficiently and safely.  I’m excited about creating a forum to work with our colleagues in Congress, and with American businesses and academics to come up with the best way to improve our infrastructure.”

This afternoon, Congresswoman Ellmers joined Congressman Jerry McNerney to launch the bipartisan Grid Innovation Caucus here in the House of Representatives. The creation of this caucus will allow for members to explore new ways to modernize outdated utility grids using smart grid technology.  Smart grid technology improves the distribution of energy, while new technological adjustments to existing infrastructures are helping to reduce the number of outages that may occur due to extreme weather or archaic equipment. Additionally, the creation of smart grid infrastructures plays a vital role in rural areas, as they help to improve the reliability, resiliency and efficiency of energy distribution.

This caucus is incredibly important in North Carolina, as the Triangle is known for having the second-largest smart grid sector in the nation.  According to a report by the Center on Globalization Governance & Competitiveness, North Carolina is a “hot spot for smart grid firms,” and the home of a new, groundbreaking technology hub located in Research Triangle Park.

According to the Wake County Chamber of Commerce, more than 3,000 in the Triangle are employed through smart grid activities. The Triangle is also home to more than sixty companies who work in the smart grid sector – second only to San Francisco, California. This caucus will serve as an important way to explore new opportunities for these companies, encourage advanced research and development, and create additional jobs for our communities in North Carolina and across the nation.

Click here for more information on smart grid technology in the Raleigh Research Triangle.

Click here for more information on smart grid technology’s benefits from the Wake Chamber of Commerce.