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GridPoint

As consumer demand for distributed generation and plug-in hybrids grows, so too will strains on the power grid. Add this challenge the growing number and types of green power generation sources and you start to get a serious problem in energy supply and demand management. While we’re continually surprised at the growing number of green technologies available for power generation, we’re even more surprised at the virtual lack of utility involvement in helping to manage this capacity. Fortunately, GridPoint has stepped in to help utilities manage two-way energy transfers, smoothing the way for a seamless transition to a distributed grid and a balanced power load.

GridPoint’s SmartGrid Platform operates in much the same way as an Internet service provider. The GridPoint Energy Manager acts like a modem, transmitting information about the distributed load from homes and businesses to a centrally located GridPoint Operations Center. Energy control applications for both utilities and consumers provide real-time information, helping utilities smooth out surges and outages in the grid. These scalable systems are able to incorporate emerging technologies like advanced distributed storage and plug-in hybrids.

The D.C.-based company recently announced a partnership with Duke Energy to begin testing of a utility-scale smart charging system for PHEVs, a major milestone in smart grid construction. GridPoint also raised $15 million at the end of March, bringing its total funding to roughly $102 million since 2003. As part of the deal, GridPoint named former CIA director James Woolsey and CERA head Daniel Yergin to its board. As if that wasn’t enough, the World Economic Forum named GridPoint a Technology Pioneer at its annual Davos meeting in January 2008.