WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In less than two weeks, hundreds of energy-industry thought leaders will gather in Washington, D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at the sixth annual GridWeek to discuss, debate, and strategize how to achieve Smart Grid value from complexity, Oct. 2-4, 2012.

Major drivers, including the falling price of natural gas, the lack of clear U.S. energy policy, and the privacy challenges of a digital world, are just a few of the complexities that 100+ speakers will discuss at GridWeek. Additionally, participants will share best practices for turning intra-utility challenges into value -- such as big data and analytics, cyber security, integrating renewable power into the grid, and engaging consumers.

Uncovering value today:

"When GridWeek started six years ago, we were just defining 'what Smart Grid could be'; four years ago, we were discussing 'what we're going to do'; and today, we're at the point where we can discuss 'what value we're now realizing,'" said Lee Krevat, San Diego Gas & Electric's director of smart grid. "GridWeek gathers the right individuals to engage in these conversations that will keep the industry moving forward towards a better energy future for all."

An agenda planned by the industry, for the industry:

In an agenda created by 11 organizations representing utilities, government and industry -- including EEI, NRECA, APPA, NARUC, GWAC, EPRI, EDF, UTC, NEMA, NIST, and the DOE -- GridWeek covers Smart Grid's most critical issues:

• Big Drivers: Such as Smart Grid's role in policy and regulation, the military, transportation and renewables, and meeting air and quality requirements.
• Utility Business: Including new revenue streams, business and regulatory challenges, cyber security and risk management, and extracting value from big data and analytics.
• A Showcase of Lessons from the Field: Including automated demand response in action, consumer engagement via social media, standards as a value multiplier, and the value of dynamic transmission.
• See agenda.

More information on GridWeek: www.GridWeek.com.

About Clasma Events: www.Clasma.com.

SOURCE Clasma Events