See Distributed Energy Coalition Press Release

The reliability and security of the Nation’s energy infrastructure approaches a crisis situation.  Fossil fuels, globally traded commodities, face ever increasing global demand.  Economic development outpaces the expansion of electricity supply in some areas of the country while other regions face constraints on the ability to deliver power where and when it’s needed.  Black-outs in the Great Lakes and Northeast, hurricanes Katrina and Rita striking the Gulf Coast , and the possibility of terrorist attacks on central station power plants and the transmission and distribution network underscore the vulnerabilities of our grid. 

Congress recognized that the development and deployment of Distributed Energy (DE) systems represent a key element of a sensible response to this national crisis.  Now what is needed is a sustained commitment from policymakers to follow through on the promise that DE offers to deliver local solutions.  The breakfast briefing will discuss the challenges, the opportunities and the need for Congressional action. 

Agenda

8:30-8:45 a.m. :  Welcome and Overview:  Congressmen Lee Terry (R-NE) and Mike Doyle (D-PA),
Co-Chairs, Distributed Energy Caucus   

8:45-9:30 a.m. :   What is at Stake?

Moderator:  Richard Brent, Solar Turbines

                   
• An Antiquated and Over Stressed Grid Coupled with Vulnerable Energy                                
Infrastructure Create Challenges - John Jimison, U.S. Combined Heat and Power Association
Presentation

• Innovation and Local Solutions Offer Opportunities - Thomas Rosfjord, UTC Power
Presentation

•  What It Takes To Get Us There - Catherine Van Way, Cummins Inc.  

Presentation

This breakfast briefing is free and open to the public.  For additional information, contact Diane DeVaul , Northeast-Midwest Institute, 202-464-4009 or Theresa Murzyn , Environmental and Energy Study Institute, 202-662-1884 , tmurzyn@eesi.org.

Caterpillar, Cummins Inc., and Waukesha are providing the Continental breakfast.