Sustain OC Gathers Industry Experts to Discuss the Future of Energy in California

Policy changes usher in the future of technology, today.

A sold-out crowd attended Thursday's event

Yesterday, key energy and technology industry players convened at the Cove at UC Irvine to discuss changes and the future of electricity rates for Californians. Renewable energy, efforts to alleviate peak grid demand and energy storage were hot topics at the event. The two-hour lunch and learn was hosted by Sustain OC.

"Our supply and demand for energy in California is becoming more complex as our energy sources change,” stated Scott Kitcher, Sustain OC CEO, a cleantech group with a mission of accelerating sustainability and economic growth through innovation, collaboration and education. "We need to find innovative solutions to deal with demand while keeping renewables a key part of the matrix.” 

The rate reform that the state of California has undertaken is resulting in technological advancements that will revolutionize the grid and the future of electricity generation.

Daniel Sullivan, founder and president, Sullivan Solar Power

Adam Gerza of Energy Toolbase kicked off the event discussing the history of policies related to solar power, specifically time-of-use rates impacting residential and commercial ratepayers throughout California. The transformation of electricity rates in recent years has resulted in complexities and confusion for ratepayers and for some in the industry who aren’t closely following new developments.

“The changes we’re seeing right now are the most radical I’ve seen in my 10 years of doing this,” said Gerza, “Yet what is a threat to solar is an economic opportunity with storage.”

Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, discussed energy storage solutions in the residential and commercial sectors. His company is the top developer of residential energy storage in Southern California and recently completed a net-zero operations battery project for IBEW Local 569.

“The rate reform that the state of California has undertaken is resulting in technological advancements that will revolutionize the grid and the future of electricity generation,” said Sullivan, “Pairing solar with energy storage offers savings on electric bills and more importantly, can protect our clients against future, volatile utility changes.”

Attendees of the event also heard presentations from Southern California Edison, Moulton Niguel Water District, SolarEdge, Kitu Systems, Ice Energy and CyboEnergy. The sold-out event drew key regional stakeholder representing big corporations, local municipalities, and agencies, hospitals, schools, hotels, and investors. 

For more information about Sustain OC, visit www.sustainoc.org. To learn more about Sullivan Solar Power’s grid independent systems, visit www.sullivansolarpower.com/thefuture.

Source: Sustain OC

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