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Our Mission

Utility Load Management Exchange's (ULME's) mission is to promote load control as a viable option for utility deployments in demand reduction, economic dispatch, and/or T&D reliability through a forum for utility staff members to share information on program design, marketing, vendor management, benefit-costs and technology deployments.

 

Background

ULME is a gathering of utility representatives interested in open and frank industry discussions, opportunities to share real-world lessons learned, and the change to discuss what works and what doesn't in a private setting.

Originally formed as the Advanced Load Control Alliance (ALCA), the group has been meeting twice a year since 2003, and adopted its current name, the Utility Load Management Exchange (ULME), in 2015 to reflect the need for utilities to to offer support to one another in managing their distributed energy resources. At that time, ULME determined the need to create a more structured form of governance which resulted in the an elected Steering Committee.

As of 2021, ULME remains an informally organized utilities-only group without member dues or revenue. ULME's meetings and web presence are supported through an agreement with PLMA (Peak Load Management Alliance).

ULME's Steering Committee is elected in staggered three‑year terms with one member of the committee being elected annually. The committee selects its Chair to follow for the coming year following each election. A new Steering Committee is elected annually at ULME's Fall Meeting, and then serves for a three-year term without term limits. 

ULME Meetings

ULME meets twice annually in a private setting, immediately following PLMA's Fall and Spring Conferences. ULME meetings include a hosted dinner, breakfast, and lunch, special presentations, and other activities. There is a small charge to attend the in-person meetings but live online meetings are complimentary.

Please feel free to offer suggestions of topics you'd like to see addressed at upcoming meetings by contacting Monica Hammond at [email protected].

Steering Committee Responsibilities

The Steering Committee will meet as needed to perform its duties via conference call monthly and at other times as deemed necessary. Steering Committee Members must remain an employee of an ULME participating organization, and expect to participate in a majority of the monthly calls and other in-person meetings with no travel reimbursement or stipend from ULME. The next election is anticipated in August 2024.

The general responsibilities of the Steering Committee include providing strategic leadership and vision with tactical support in the operation of the group consistent with the group's direction. In general that has and will continue to include:

  • aiding in meeting planning
  • meeting agenda development
  • utility representative recruitment
  • oversight of online utility representative activities and forums
  • development of logo and branding materials
  • actively participating in ULME activities through attendance and sponsorship, whenever possible.

Click Here For the November 8-9 Fall 2023 ULME Meeting Recap

Meet Your 2024 ULME Steering Committee

Mike Smith
Mike Smith, Chair
National Grid
(2022-2024)
Michelle Lynch
Michelle Lynch
Hoosier Energy
(2024-2026)
Aaron Kendall
Aaron Kendall
PG&E
(2023-2025)
Lee Hamilton
Lee Hamilton
Xcel Energy
(2023-2025)

Benefits of Participating

  • Twice annual private, hosted meetings
  • Participation is limited to staff representatives of utilities with vendor and trade ally participation by invitation only
  • Access to exclusive, password-secured community pages featuring:
    • Archive of past presentations
    • Blog, Forum, and Group messaging for industry-related discussions

Request your sign in credentials: email Monica Hammond
Begin participating now!

You may also contact Monica if you are already participating and need sign in assistance, or have other comments or questions.