With funding from DOE and help from three national labs, CRN has developed an important modeling and simulation tool as reported by Electric Co-op Today. Utilities can test smart grid scenarios in software before they try them in person. CRN is introducing the tool at this week's NRECA TechAdvantage conference in New Orleans.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory contributed visual components, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory helped with reference data and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is refining algorithms. Congratulations to all parties on this valuable contribution. – Jesse Berst

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Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com, the industry's oldest and largest smart grid site. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the U.S. and abroad, he also serves on advisory committees for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Institute for Electric Efficiency. He often provides strategic consulting to large corporations and venture-backed startups. He is a member of the advisory boards of GridGlo and Calico Energy Services.