A New Focus on Power Reliability and Homeland Security
The expanding need for electric power grid reliability and security is being driven by a grid in need of major upgrade, the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack and the August 2003 blackout. The Power Reliability and Security Council is a new organization that has been formed to support the use of distributed generation as the best near-term solution to enhance the grid and offer power security.
Vienna, Virginia (PRWEB) September 20, 2004 --- Distributed Generation for Power Reliability and Security
The events of September 11, 2001 and the Northeast blackout of August 14, 2003 present a window of opportunity for distributed generation (DG) to assume a new role in ensuring the reliability and security of power supply. The 9/11 terrorist attacks upon the United States placed the vulnerability and exposure of our critical infrastructure in stark contrast. Previous to 9/11, concerns about risks of power interruption focused primarily on equipment failures, weather- and animal-related impacts, and vehicular impacts (e.g., cars hitting utility poles). Post 9/11, concerns are heightened with the scenario of deliberate, hostility inspired attacks on the electric power system. This has sharpened the focus on the long-term security of our power supply. DG is uniquely positioned to provide the power security and the "recovery" capability to applications supporting key community emergency management functions by systematic and strategic deployment in potentially impacted areas. At the same time, DG can support the grid a weak or constrained points.
The Power Reliability and Security Council was launched to provide a near-term solution and support the use of DG as a measure for enhancing both power reliability and security. PRASCs overall mission is to advance and advocate the integration of an enhanced electric power grid with distributed generation to meet the power reliability and security needs of our critical infrastructure. PRASC seeks to create a foundation of cooperation between the public, private and utility sectors to:
1) Enhance the security of continuous power supply to critical public facilities during emergencies;
2) Lower security risks to the operation of our electric power grid and the electricity-dependent segments of our critical infrastructure; and
3) Improve grid reliability and efficiency.
The next meeting of PRASC is scheduled for September 27, 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia. This meeting will be held in conjunction with the conference, "DG for Power Reliability and Security." A conference brochure can be found at www.prasc.org and more information on the conference can be found at www.euci.com
About the Organizers of PRASC
PRASC is organized by the Resource Dynamics Corporation (RDC) and Bingham McCutchen LLP. The Resource Dynamics Corporation was established in 1980 to create business solutions that empower clients to better compete in changing energy markets. The firm has completed over 400 engagements for clients across North America, and has established itself as a recognized authority on energy, technologies and markets and strategy implementation, with a special focus on DG. Bingham McCutchen is a national law firm with more than 850 lawyers in 11 offices here and abroad. The firm regularly represents energy industry stakeholders in all aspects of financing energy and infrastructure projects. The firms lawyers provide counsel for a wide range of energy and environmental regulatory issues impacting proposed transactions, and is active in the development and financing of DG projects and companies.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
N. Richard Friedman
Resource Dynamics Corporation
8605 Westwood Center Drive
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 356-1300 x203
www.prasc.org
www.rdcnet.com
www.distributed-generation.com
Roger D. Feldman
Bingham McCutchen LLP
1120 20th Street, N.W
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 778-3181
www.bingham.com
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