Women in Demand Response Becomes Focus for Peak Load Management Alliance

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 8, 2014) - The Peak Load Management Alliance (PLMA) announces that Elody Samuelson of Consumers Energy in Michigan, Heather Manypenny of New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, and Robin Maslowski of Navigant are co-leading the PLMA's Women in Demand Response Interest Group. 

Women play an important role in demand response leadership and delivery. This interest group will help promote that role by encouraging greater visibility, support, and recognition of women in the industry. The group is in the process of defining its mission, objectives, and future opportunities. As part of this process, the Group founders are fielding a member survey which is fundamental for aligning the interest group's actions with service to the PLMA membership.

The first in a series of PLMA's Women in Demand Response Interest Group Discussions will take place via the web on September 9, 2014 at 12:30 ET. Robin Maslowski of Navigant will facilitate the discussion, and she welcomes suggestions on content from those who register to participate. 

Elody Samuelson has implemented direct load control and dynamic pricing programs in the residential sector across 10% of the United States and is currently supporting Consumers Energy as a program manager for direct load control. Heather Manypenny, Power Resources Executive at New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, has been employed in the electric industry for 23 years. Her current responsibilities include power and renewable attribute procurement, interaction/compliance with ISO-NE and load management/demand response/dynamic pricing leadership. Robin Maslowski, an Associate Director with Navigant Consulting, provides expertise in the areas of demand response and smart grid, including cost-benefit assessment, strategic planning, program evaluation, and potential assessment.

"As demand response and energy professionals, we owe it to the future of our industry to develop and utilize our talent fully," Samuelson states. "With women representing 23.3% of the utility workforce according to Catalyst.org, the opportunity speaks for itself to provide a forum to engage and support our future leaders."

"PLMA continues to support the growth and development of demand response and dynamic load management," says Paul Tyno, PLMA Chairman. "This newest PLMA Interest Group, following the successful launch of our Grid Interactive Water Heater group last year, further demonstrates the leadership role PLMA serves in the industry as we continue to address needs in innovative ways."

PLMA Interest Group membership is restricted to representatives from PLMA member organizations, but any organization is welcome to join PLMA. Learn more at www.peakload.org/group/WomeninDR.