Fifteen more companies and academic institutions have joined GridWise Alliance, a coalition whose goal is to transform the electric power system. New members include BC Hydro, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Electricite de France, Elster Integrated Solutions, EnerNex Corp., Florida State University - Center for Advanced Power Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Institute of Electrical Power Engineering, Milsoft Utility Solutions, Open Systems International, Optimal Technologies Corp., Progress Energy, Solar Integrated Technologies, Tendril Networks and VELCO.

The alliance provides a forum where members representing a broad range of interests in the electricity sector can meet, exchange ideas and work cooperatively on a common set of issues. In addition, the alliance provides its members with opportunities to interact with senior U.S. policy makers on both the federal and state levels who, together with industry, will transform the nation's electric power system.