NextGrid Alliance Reaches Milestone with Over 150 Member Utilities for Energy Innovation

NextGrid Alliance: Powering the Future of Energy

The NextGrid Alliance (NGA) has recently achieved a significant milestone, exceeding 150 member utility companies in its quest to redefine the energy landscape. Established as a pioneering network, the NGA unites utilities and startups to tackle the pressing challenges of the energy sector. Among its latest additions are key players like Georgia Power and ESB Group, joining industry stalwarts such as ConEd, NextEra, and Southern California Edison. With more than 1.3 billion customers served globally across over 5 million square miles, the coalition is poised to enhance innovation, cut energy costs, and meet the surging demand for electricity.

Steve Smith, chief strategy and regulation officer of National Grid and president of National Grid Partners, emphasized the urgency of modernizing the energy grid. "To support the rapid rise of AI data centers, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies, customers require a future-ready grid now," he noted. The NGA's members have made impressive strides in innovation, focusing on scalable energy production and optimizing the balance between supply and demand.

In light of escalating customer expectations for more connections and resilient service at lower costs, the NGA offers a platform for utilities to share successful technology deployments. Timothy Jarratt, executive of market development and strategy at Ausgrid, stated that all utilities face similar hurdles. Joining the NGA has provided valuable insights to navigate today's challenges while preparing for future demands.

The alliance hosts regular forums and working groups, encouraging dialogue between utilities and startups on solutions to the industry's toughest challenges. An exciting annual summit is planned for October 8-9, 2025, in Boston, where leaders will gather to share insights and developments. Guest speakers include notable figures from Duke Energy, the New York Power Authority, and Microsoft.

Among the innovations emerging from the NGA is Southern California Edison’s collaboration with the National Grid-backed startup Exodigo. This partnership aims to streamline transmission routing and mitigate complexities around substation capital risks. Utilizing advanced sensors and proprietary AI technology, Exodigo promises to enhance the mapping of underground infrastructure, facilitating faster and more accurate site assessments for utility projects.

As discussions within the NGA progress, another impactful utility, LineVision, emphasizes the importance of connecting innovative business solutions with proactive utility companies. The insights and collaborations fostered by the NGA are expected to refine how electric utilities deliver affordable, reliable power amidst the electrification of the global economy.

Having been established in 2018, National Grid Partners—the venture and innovation division of National Grid—has invested over $520 million in various startups dedicated to advancing the energy sector. Their latest commitment includes an additional $100 million to support AI startups that bolster energy security and foster a more intelligent and resilient grid.

The NextGrid Alliance represents a concerted effort to unify leading energy providers, tackle today's critical issues, and create the electric grid of the future. By connecting accomplished utility executives with dynamic startups, the NGA aims to reduce costs for consumers, enhance efficiency, and scale energy production to meet the needs of contemporary markets. To discover more about the NextGrid Alliance and its objectives, visit ngalliance.energy.