New Yorkers have experienced firsthand how an electricity disruption can have a domino effect – a series of failures that affect transportation, communications, and security. A smarter grid adds resiliency to electrical power systems and makes them better prepared to address emergencies, such as severe storms, earthquakes, heat waves, and terrorist attacks. In addition, the smart grid is one way to address an aging energy infrastructure that needs to be upgraded or replaced. It has the capacity to increase energy efficiency by enhancing awareness among consumers about the connection between electricity and the environment. Thus, the smart grid not only provides a unique opportunity to propel the energy industry into a new era of reliability, availability, and efficiency, but it can also have a positive impact on the economy and the environment. On Thursday, November 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., energy experts will convene at the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) in New York to discuss current regulations affecting progress in this field.
James Gallagher, Executive Director of the New York State Smart Grid Consortium (NYSSGC), will speak at the event, drawing upon over 35 years of energy policy and industry experience. He will discuss what pressures are causing changes in New York and nationally concerning the integration of smart grid technologies. As Executive Director of the NYSSGC, Mr. Gallagher oversees the Consortium and its members as they work toward broad statewide implementation of a safe, secure, and reliable smart grid to modernize New York’s energy infrastructure. Prior to joining the NYSSGC, he served as Senior Manager for Strategic Planning at the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), where he was responsible for establishing the long-term strategic direction for the NYISO, which operates New York’s electric transmission system and wholesale power markets. Before joining the NYISO in 2011, Mr. Gallagher served as Director of Energy Policy for the City of New York and was the lead energy advisor to the Office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Mr. Gallagher will be joined by Dr. Annegret Groebel, Director of International Relations/Postal Regulation at the Bundesnetzagentur. Dr. Groebel has been with the German Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Post since 1997 (renamed in 2005 to Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway). She is also actively involved in the work of the European Regulators Group (ERG) and of the newly created Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC). In her talk, Dr. Groebel will share her expertise on the European regulatory framework for electronic communications and implementation as well as the regulatory framework for the internal energy market. She will address the impact of regulation on the industry, focusing in particular on Germany’s role within this evolving energy picture. In addition, she will highlight how Germany compares to other countries in the E.U. with regards to regulation. Lastly, Dr. Groebel will elaborate on the extent to which international discussion exists between regulators.
Erwin Rezelman, President and CEO of Urban Integrated, Inc., a provider of smart city data intelligence solutions, will also speak. He will describe the impact of regulation on the commercial side, touching upon various obstacles that the commercial sector faces as well as ways to overcome these roadblocks. He will also focus on the differences in regulation and integration at the state and national levels, comparing the U.S. and Germany to highlight such distinctions. Mr. Rezelman has over 25 years of international experience, having worked in the U.S., South America, Asia, and Europe. He spent 15 years with SAP in various executive leadership positions. His last role was as President of SAP Labs in Latin America and member of the SAP Senior Leadership Team. In 2012, Mr. Rezelman moved to the U.S. for AGT International, a global public safety and security company, to consolidate the development organization across Europe and the U.S. and later as COO to launch his new start-up in business intelligence.
Dr. Kurt Becker, Vice Dean for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at the NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering and Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, will moderate the discussion. Dr. Becker is an international expert in the areas of experimental atomic physics and plasma science and technology. He holds seven U.S. patents on the generation and maintenance of stable atmospheric-pressure plasmas and their application aZnd was involved in their commercialization. Prior to joining NYU-Poly in 2007, Dr. Becker served as Associate Director of the Center for Environmental Systems at Stevens Institute of Technology (2003–2007) and as Professor (1997-2007) and Head of the Physics Department (2000-2007).
This discussion will take place on Thursday, November 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the German Center for Research and Innovation (871 United Nations Plaza, First Avenue, btw. 48th & 49th Streets). To RSVP by November 10, click here.
This event is co-sponsored by the German Center for Research and Innovation, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the German American Chambers of Commerce.
The German Center for Research and Innovation provides information and support for the realization of cooperative and collaborative projects between North America and Germany. With the goal of enhancing communication on the critical challenges of the 21st century, GCRI hosts a wide range of events from lectures and exhibitions to workshops and science dinners. Opened in February 2010, GCRI was created as a cornerstone of the German government’s initiative to internationalize science and research and isone of sixcenters worldwide.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Audet
E-Mail: Audet(at)GermanInnovation.org
Fon: (212) 339 8680, ext. 302
