Modern Grid Solutions
Vision
To become the go-to source for advice on the design of a Modern Grid thereby moving it from a special “Smart Grid” to more of a business-as-usual practice of deriving enhanced value from the grid.
Mission
To enable the Modern Grid through the delivery of differentiated business and technology services to the
electrical industry.
Vision
At Modern Grid Solutions (MGS), we provide expert advice on modern grid design by seamlessly bridging the gap between the specialized ‘Smart Grid’ and everyday grid practices. We help our clients realize a truly transformed energy network and create value for all their stakeholders.
Who we serve
Our client roster reads like a who’s who of the energy world. From venerable utilities to forward-thinking startups, we’ve partnered with visionaries who understand that the grid isn’t just about wires and electrons—it’s about empowering communities, businesses, and the planet.
Energy thought leaders
Our expertise is highly valued by
- Utilities
- RTO/ISOs
- Utility solution suppliers
- Wholesale market operators and participants,
- High-tech companies
- US-DOE labs
- Smart cities
What we do
Imagine the modern grid as a complex puzzle. Each piece represents a challenge: regulatory complexities, technological disruptions, market dynamics, and environmental imperatives. At MGS, we’re bridge builders, meticulously connecting these puzzle pieces to solve challenges. We span the gaps between planning and execution, theory and practice, and vision and reality.
Connect the dots
| Business Expertise Areas | Technical Expertise Areas |
|---|---|
| Energy agnostic (electric/gas/H) modernization | Operations – EMS, ADMS, GMS, and DERMS |
| Vision/strategy/roadmap and operating model | Digital strategy & implementation plans |
| Business, technical & enterprise architecture | DER & renewable integration & dispatch |
| Process & organizational design | Energy markets – design & deployment |
| Renewables & NWA dispatch | T&D Automation & smart grid solutions |
| Strategic stakeholder & change management | Solution & vendor selection |
| Business model design & analysis | Solutions design & implementation |
| Electricity market entry & go-to-market | Requirements gathering and vetting |
| Competitive landscape analysis | Adjacency analysis & technology management |
Business Expertise Areas
- Energy agnostic (electric/gas/H) modernization
- Vision/strategy/roadmap and operating model
- Business, technical & enterprise architecture
- Process & organizational design
- Renewables & NWA dispatch
- Strategic stakeholder & change management
- Business model design & analysis
- Electricity market entry & go-to-market
- Competitive landscape analysis
Technical Expertise Areas
- Operations – EMS, ADMS, GMS, and DERMS
- Digital strategy & implementation plans
- DER & renewable integration & dispatch
- Energy markets – design & deployment
- T&D Automation & smart grid solutions
- Solution & vendor selection
- Solutions design & implementation
- Requirements gathering and vetting
- Adjacency analysis & technology management
Why We Do It
Our awesome clients!
Throughout our 12-year journey, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional array of clients. Our success stories are not mere transactions but rather partnerships—testaments to our unwavering commitment and the transformative change we’ve achieved together. Their trust in our expertise speaks volumes about the value we bring to the table.
How we do it
Our passion isn’t just about kilowatts and gigawatts; it’s about making a dent in the universe—one well-executed project at a time. Our team of energy veterans has collaborated closely for years, fostering strong relationships that allow us to rapidly form tailored teams to meet our client’s needs. Our people stand out for several compelling reasons.
Our obsessive passion and unmatched expertise
- Adaptability: We flexibly assume different positions based on our client’s needs. Our specific expertise caters to utilities, policymakers, suppliers, and corporate clients alike.
- Global Reach: Borders don’t limit us. Our global perspective allows us to deliver innovative solutions across diverse markets.
- Deep Industry Knowledge: With an impressive collective experience spanning 30 to 50 years, we profoundly understand the industry landscape. Here’s our line-up!
What you can count on
MGS!
- Seasoned Experts: Our seasoned consultants bring decades of collective wisdom. We’ve faced the storms, scaled the peaks, and navigated the regulatory mazes. We’ve solved problems, innovated solutions, and earned our stripes. There are no rookies here.
- Undivided Attention: Your business is ours, and we treat it with the care it deserves. We don’t shuffle clients between junior associates. When you work with us, you get the A-team—the battle-hardened veterans who’ve seen it all. And yes, we’ll answer your emails personally.
- Unwavering Commitment: We don’t just consult; we invest emotionally. We listen intently, understand deeply, and tailor solutions to your unique needs. And when it comes to advice, we offer candid honesty because that’s what we’d expect if we were in your shoes.
So, whether you’re a utility giant or a startup disruptor, remember this:
At MGS, we don’t just connect the dots; we help solve complex problems and ignite transformation.
Benefit of a minority owned business
- As an MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certified company, MGS offers you the confidence of partnering with a recognized minority-owned business.
- Many state and local government entities, as well as certain private sector companies, allocate contracts exclusively for MBE-certified businesses to ensure equal opportunity and supplier diversity. By choosing MGS, you gain access to a diverse pool of qualified suppliers, fostering innovation and ensuring fair competition.
- Our clients value partnering with us because it promotes diversity, inclusion, and mutually beneficial business relationships.
MGS holds MBE certification from the NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council) which is the sole national organization that certifies genuinely minority-owned and operated. Their certification process is renowned for its rigor and thoroughness.
Sustainability
At MGS, we believe that the greatest contribution we can make on a global scale is to assist our project partners and the energy sector in transitioning towards a low-carbon future. Our commitment is to create a lasting, positive impact on society, local economies, and the environment, ensuring benefits for future generations.
Our Sustainability Pledge
We are dedicated to making a lasting and positive impact on society, local economies, and the environment, ensuring a better future for generations to come.
To achieve this, we integrate sustainability into our energy industry projects and operations by:
- Assisting our clients and the industry in transitioning to a globally renewable and sustainable energy system.
- Empowering individuals to make a difference by using our expertise and solutions to help clients achieve their sustainability goals.
- Fostering a culture where sustainability is essential to project delivery while promoting sustainable behaviors in our team members’ home office environments.
- Considering sustainability aspects in decision-making processes, including procurement.
- Engaging suppliers and subcontractors who are committed to environmental sustainability.
- Reducing operational costs and increasing productivity through resource conservation and waste reduction.
- Minimizing waste and promoting the sustainable use of energy, water, and materials.
- Supporting socially responsible and environmentally sustainable organizations when possible.
- Continuously enhancing MGS’s sustainability reputation through collaboration with clients and stakeholders.
How MGS Team Members Contribute to Sustainability
MGS is a small, distributed energy consultancy dedicated to providing expert services while minimizing our environmental footprint. We are committed to sustainable practices that align with our mission and values. Here’s how we specifically contribute to sustainability.
Carbon Emission Reduction
- Remote Work: All MGS principals and consultants work from home, eliminating the need for daily commutes and reducing overall carbon emissions.
- Virtual Meetings: We use video conferencing and online collaboration tools to minimize travel for client meetings. Since COVID, we’ve adopted more virtual meetings and only meet with clients in person at their request.
- Renewable Energy: Some of our team members use renewable energy sources at home and drive EVs that are mainly powered by PNW hydropower.
Water and Energy Conservation
- Home-Based Practices: Since our MGS team works from home, and because we all have strong backgrounds in energy efficiency, we use energy-efficient appliances and low-flow water fixtures almost exclusively.
- Natural Lighting and Heating: Some of our team members in the Pacific Northwest utilize passive temperature control practices (shading, insulation, etc.) in the place of air conditioning, and make use of natural lighting whenever possible.
Waste Reduction
- Paperless Work Environment: Since our team is distributed, we rely on digital tools and platforms to reduce paper consumption. We also employ paperless billing and time management practices.
- Recycling and Reuse: All of our team members participate in their local recycling and composting practices. We re-use as much as possible instead of buying disposable items.
Toxics Use Reduction
- Green Cleaning Products: Many of our team members use environmentally friendly cleaning products in their home offices.
- Waste Disposal: We encourage proper disposal practices for hazardous materials in our team’s home offices, including printer toner cartridges, batteries, etc.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
MGS is committed to continually improving our sustainability practices. We regularly review and update our policies to ensure we are contributing positively to the communities we live in and serve.
Conclusion
Sustainability is at the core of our operations at MGS. Through our remote work model and dedication to sustainable practices, we strive to reduce our environmental impact and support a healthier planet. Additionally, much of the work we do with utilities directly supports the energy transition, helping to move away from reliance on fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources. By advancing these critical efforts, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Dr. Mani Vadari is a well-recognized electric industry leader and visionary, with over 30 years of experience delivering business and technical solutions.