Innovation at the Grid Edge with DOE's Ram Narayanamurthy

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Ram Narayanamurthy, Deputy Director of the Building Technologies Office at the Department of Energy (DOE), discusses his work on the Connected Communities program that focuses on advancing grid-interactive buildings and communities. The program aims to increase demand flexibility and optimize grid strength using technologies like AI to shift loads to times with abundant power while reducing costs. The emphasis is on improving energy efficiency and demand response, particularly amidst rapid load growth.

One key aspect of the program is working on customer resilience, not just grid benefits, by incorporating innovations like a 120-volt induction cooktop with a battery that can power a fridge for three days, providing valuable customer resilience in the event of power outages. Ram highlights the importance of collaborative efforts across various entities such as public utility commissions, grid operators, utilities, and customers to create more sustainable and resilient energy solutions for the future.