WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Smart Grid Federation, an international collaborative effort among national and regional smart grid associations, today announced the election of its new officers for 2013 – 2014.  Paddy Turnbull, Growth Strategy Leader for GE Digital Energy, representing Smart Grid Ireland, was elected Chair.  Per-Olof Granstrom, Secretary General of the European Distribution System Operators (EDSO) for Smart Grids, was elected Vice Chair; and Rob Wilhite, Global Director/Sr. Vice President of DNV KEMA, representing the GridWise Alliance (U.S.) was elected Secretary-Treasurer.

"The Global Smart Grid Federation (GSGF) has made significant strides since its founding in 2010," said newly elected Chair, Paddy Turnbull.  "Our current membership represents the depth and breadth of the global smart grid ecosystem.  As a result, GSGF has emerged as a strong international voice for industry on strategic smart grid issues, capable of clearly articulating the case for grid modernization around the globe.  I am honored to have been selected to lead the GSGF for the next two years and I look forward to working with the members as we continue to work to transform the world's electricity systems."

"The Smart Grids development is crucial to achieving a sustainable, competitive and efficient energy society," said Per-Olof Granstrom, GSGF Vice Chair. "With cooperation and global knowledge sharing, the GSGF members can make a real difference and a strong contribution, accelerating the development of the smart energy networks for the future."

About The Global Smart Grid Federation:
GSGF was established to accelerate the deployment of smart grid around the world by directly linking international associations thereby facilitating the sharing of best practices; consumer engagement; innovation and capacity building.  GSGF currently has twelve smart grid organizations as members including the Danish Intelligent Energy Alliance, EDSO for Smart Grids (EU), GridWise Alliance (U.S.), India Smart Grid Forum, Israel Smart Energy Association, Japan Smart Community Alliance, Korea Smart Grid Association, Norwegian Smartgrid Centre, Smart Grid Australia, Smart Grid Canada, Smart Grid Great Britain, and Smart Grid Ireland.  Collectively, the GSGF member organizations represent smart grid interests in more than 27 countries.

For more information about the Global Smart Grid Federation, please visit: www.globalsmartgridfederation.org.

Media Contact:
Melissa Dentch
Global Smart Grid Federation
202.530.9740
mdentch@gridwise.org

SOURCE Global Smart Grid Federation