Washington, DC - May 28, 2014 - National Grid has joined a host of other energy companies, including Duke Energy, BGE, ComEd, PECO, SDG&E and Southern California Edison, in an industry-led effort to provide people with better information about power outages. The initiative was announced today at “Energy Datapalooza” an event hosted by the White House, the Department of Energy and the General Services Administration to highlight the power of data in creating a clean, secure and reliable energy future.
“It is so exciting to be a part of Energy Datapalooza, because we have the opportunity to hear from many people and organizations, who, like National Grid, are dedicated to helping people live better lives through energy innovation,” said Cheri Warren, vice president, Asset Management for National Grid. “Putting customers in the driver’s seat is one of the most important ways we’re helping build the energy grid of tomorrow, and providing more consistent, valuable, real-time information is a big step toward that goal.”
The group of energy companies behind this effort has committed to publishing already-public power outage and restoration data in a structured, consistent format, giving first responders, local officials and other key stakeholders the best possible information to make decisions, especially during times of crisis. Google has already announced its intent to use this information in its Crisis Maps and other Crisis response products.
Also at Energy Datapalooza, National Grid announced its participation in the Green Button Initiative, an effort by 48 utilities and electricity suppliers to help customers save energy and shrink their bills by offering them a clearer picture of their energy usage. “Green Button” access offers electric customers a choice because they are able to get actionable information about how and when they consume energy.
About National Grid
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that connects consumers to energy sources through its networks. The company is at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society - to create new, sustainable energy solutions for the future and developing an energy system that underpins economic prosperity in the 21st century. National Grid holds a vital position at the center of the energy system and it ‘joins everything up’.
In the northeast US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles. In Great Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country.
National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.