Power Shift: A DER Showcase
On Saturday, March 21, 8am-1pm at Catholic University, learn about community power + see the tech + hash out policies and next steps.
Supported by
What it is
Electricity demand is rising. Building expensive new gas power plants take years, costs billions and drives electric bills up. Communities have existing resources such as solar panels, batteries, and smart devices in homes and businesses across the country that can meet demand right now. When utilities tap existing resources instead of building new power plants, everyone saves money and families can earn extra income selling power back to the grid.
A companion event to the consumer-focused Healthy Homes Fair, this policy-focused event hosted by Electrify DC is designed to accelerate the shift towards Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) as a tool to increase energy-affordability, stabilize the grid and allow participation in the energy market.
Program
8:00 Registration + Coffee and pastries
9:00 Kickoff by Romita Biswas, Electrify DC + Keynote by Allison Clements, former Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
9:20 Smart Panels and Breakers Showcase by Stepwise - enabling affordable community power by avoiding costly panel upgrades
9:40 Appliance-integrated Batteries Showcase by Copperhome - from heat pumps to ovens
10:00 Bidirectional Charging Showcase by VGIC - EVs as batteries to power homes and grid
10:20 DER Aggregators Showcase by Elastic Energy - connecting consumers and communicating with utilities
10:40 Networking + More coffee
11:00 Panel discussion: Community-based power as a cheaper, faster and more efficient solution. Moderated by Washington Post’s energy reporter Nicolas Rivero. Panelists will include homeowners, renters and David Lapp, People’s Counsel for the State of Maryland
12:00 Lunch + Exclusive tour of Healthy Homes Fair Expo
12:45 Closing remarks + Healthy Homes Fair ribbon cutting with DC Public Service Commission Chair Emile Thompson
Where?
Catholic University of America, Edward J. Pryzbla Student Center
620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064
Purchase your tickets below
Who should attend
This event is designed for:
- Policymakers from the 24 jurisdictions of the DC-region representing 2.4 million households
- Regulators from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia
- Utilities across the DC region and beyond
- Home renovations professionals
- Early-adopters renters and homeowners interested in cutting-edge home energy tech
Why attend
Residents are no longer just consumers of electricity. Each home can now act as a flexible asset on the grid: unlocking capacity, shifting loads, and even generating power. With DERs like solar panels, batteries, and smart controls, homes can stabilize the grid while helping reduce rising electricity rates. Harnessing local DERs has never been more urgent. Learn:
- How cutting-edge home energy technologies can support energy affordability
- How DER aggregation can support grid stability and households’ resilience
- How other jurisdictions are approaching policy hurdles
Benefits of sponsoring
Whether you want to exhibit or want your brand everywhere, we have a package that meets your needs.
Educate the public
Showcase your products to the residents and policy-makers of the DC region.
Expand your network
Develop relationships with DER companies and decision makers.
Position yourself as a leader
Position your organization as a DER leader in front of professional associations, legislators from the entire DC region and nonprofits in the health and energy sectors.
Why we came up with the DER Showcase
Frequently Asked Questions