Gore's, Pickens' Energy Challenges Need Smart Infrastructure

Smarter Power System, Diversity in Energy Sources Necessary to Meet Growing
U.S. Demand

WASHINGTON, July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Kurt Yeager, executive director of the
Galvin Electricity Initiative, is responding to Al Gore's and T. Boone
Pickens' proposals to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil with a call
to action that is unfortunately relegated to the back seat in their plans.
While increased use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and
geothermal energy should be everyone's goal, Yeager is calling for a stronger
electric power grid as an essential first step that will allow for the full
integration of renewables -- and meet our growing demand for energy in our
homes and industries and for transportation.
As Al Gore acknowledges, our current grid is based on 1950s technology and
thus obsolete. According to Yeager and the Initiative, the only way to embrace
renewable energy on a large scale is to make our grid "smarter" with
up-to-date digital controls and communications technology. This technology
allows the grid to anticipate the natural fluctuations in wind and solar power
and keep power supply in lock-step with consumer demand.
The Galvin Electricity Initiative, launched by former Motorola chief
Robert W. Galvin, has brought together the Nation's leading electricity
experts to reconstruct our electric power system into one that is more
affordable, reliable and fuel-efficient. The Initiative has created innovative
business and technological blueprints for the ultimate smart grid -- a Perfect
Power System that meets the needs of 21st century consumers and provides
reliable, secure electricity regardless of nature's wrath or security threats.
WHO: Kurt Yeager, executive director of the Galvin Electricity
Initiative, president emeritus of the Electric Power Research Institute and
chair of the World Energy Council Study on Energy and Climate Change
Mr. Yeager is available to discuss the challenges facing America's current
electric power system and the enormous potential to reduce carbon emissions by
generating more electricity from wind and solar energy sources -- in
combination with necessary electricity grid infrastructure improvements.
WHY: "Gore's and Pickens' energy visions for America both demonstrate the
kind of 'big thinking' that we need to achieve energy independence and abate
global warming, but we can't rely on renewables without also renewing our
aging grid infrastructure," said Yeager. "Our current power grid uses 1950s
technology, which makes it a barrier to renewable sources rather than an
efficient carrier of reliable and greener energy to power American homes and
businesses."
WHEN: Interviews are available by request.
To arrange an interview please contact Maria Enie at 202-331-4323 or
menie@vancomm.com.
For more information visit: http://www.galvinpower.org
SOURCE Galvin Electricity Initiative

Maria Enie for Galvin Electricity Initiative, +1-202-331-4323,
menie@vancomm.com