Full Title: eLab Annual Report 2012-2013
Author(s): James Newcomb and Lena Hansen
Publisher(s): Rocky Mountain Institute
Publication Date: January 1, 2013
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
e-Lab—the Electricity Innovation Lab—is something new. Since its inception in June 2012, it has earned recognition and engagement from dozens of key organizations that are shaping the evolution of the U.S. electricity system. Together, we—e-Lab’s participants, supporters, and organizers—are helping to change the rules of the game for how distributed resources such as solar power and energy efficiency are developed and integrated into the electricity grid. These changes are critical steps towards a more resilient, affordable, secure, and sustainable electricity system. e-Lab provides a platform for diverse organizations to learn and work together in ways that overcome institutional gridlock and allow practical innovation. Already, our projects have helped to catalyze actions by key organizations with far-reaching impacts. e-Lab innovation workshops with the City of Fort Collins (Colo.) and the U.S. Navy have taken on some of the most challenging problems facing the industry: the future of the electric utility business model and the valuation and optimization of microgrids. These projects have delivered innovative solutions and next-stage ideas that no single institution could have conceived alone. e-Lab projects are gaining momentum and seeding new opportunities for leveraged impact in other organizations and jurisdictions. Together we are addressing some of the most important needs in the industry. An overwhelming majority of participants indicate confidence that e-Lab can make progress on real-world challenges facing our electricity future. Although e-Lab is still young, a wider industry audience’s desire for e-Lab research products and project insights is increasing rapidly. Key industry leaders, analysts, and advocates have acknowledged the unique role that e-Lab is playing by creating a safe zone for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation on issues that are potentially divisive and prone to conflict in regulatory and political environments. In just twelve months we’ve made an important start on this work, but there is much more yet to come as we further strengthen and extend e-Lab’s capabilities and engagement.