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To Ease Energy Transmission Gridlock, States Look to Grid-Enhancing Technologies

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2 years ago

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Advanced solutions can help meet demand, increase renewable energy use, and save ratepayers money

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The following is provided by Maureen Quinlan, a senior officer, and Yaron Miller, a senior manager with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ energy modernization project.

The aging U.S. electric grid is strained by increasing demand from economic growth and electric vehicles, severe weather disruptions, and more. One result is a congested transmission system that often cannot serve consumers with the lowest-cost electricity—typically generated from renewables such as solar and wind—and must instead tap more expensive sources. This congestion increased consumers’ bills by an estimated $20.8 billion in 2022.

Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) are a promising near-term solution and could ease a backlog of an estimated 2,600 gigawatts of power—95% of which is from solar, wind, or battery projects—that is ready to flow to consumers. So far in 2024, lawmakers in at least 10 states have considered policy options to evaluate and promote GETs. In addition, the White House in May announced a new initiative with 21 states to collaborate on use of these innovative solutions to modernize the grid.

What are GETs?

GETs are technologies that allow transmission lines to carry more power and are typically deployed faster and at a lower cost than new lines and substations. Some common GETs are:

Dynamic line ratings (DLRs): Transmission lines have a “rating” that sets the maximum electricity flows allowed on a line. DLR uses sensors to calculate the rating based on real-time weather conditions. This allows grid operators to safely boost the rating—and line capacity—when conditions allow.Advanced power flow controls (APFCs): APFCs are modular devices that allow grid operators to direct and balance electricity flows to avoid congested areas of the grid.Topology optimization (TO): TO is a software technology that allows grid operators to reroute power flows to avoid congested areas.

One analysis showed that DLRs yield average increases in transmission capacity of more than 33% in summer and 19% in winter. These capacity boosts can make room on the grid for renewable energy projects to come online. One study found that GETs projects across five states could help connect 6.6 gigawatts of new renewable energy to the grid; this could lead to a corresponding drop in fossil fuel emissions of 3.5% in 2027, equivalent to roughly 12 million tons of CO2. DLRs can also have significant safety and reliability benefits because they give utilities accurate readings of real-time conditions of lines and how much electricity they can carry.

GETs save customers money by reducing grid congestion and allowing for uptake of lower-cost energy resources. As a result, these technologies can often pay for themselves within six months of becoming fully operational and could save consumers an estimated $2 billion to $8 billion annually.

State policy approaches

Despite their many benefits, GETs have not yet been broadly adopted by U.S. grid operators, in part because of their relative newness and also because of utility incentive structures that favor large capital projects over improved operations and efficiency. Still, new state activity is encouraging. Examples include:

Study bills

Lawmakers in Connecticut, Maine, and Maryland have considered studying the potential deployment of GETs, resulting in reports that would guide policy decisions. In Maine, a recently passed law (S.P. 257/L.D. 589) allows those findings to inform utility rate-making and grid planning proceedings before the Maine Public Utilities Commission, the state’s regulatory oversight authority.

Utility planning requirements

Most states direct some or all utilities to regularly develop integrated resource plans to outline new investments in energy infrastructure, generation, and transmission. This year, California, Minnesota, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia have either passed or reviewed legislation to require utilities to evaluate GETs within those resource plans or related proceedings.

Minnesota’s recently enacted law requires utilities to identify areas of existing or anticipated congestion, assess GETs to mitigate those trouble spots, and plan to implement them if they are cost-effective.

Incentives

Lawmakers in New York have proposed legislation to require utilities to consider GETs in resource planning and would allow utilities to financially benefit from cost-effectively deploying these technologies.

Although not a replacement for much-needed investment in new transmission lines, GETs and related technologies can play an important role in creating a modern, reliable grid. As more states take action, ratepayers nationwide will benefit.

More information at https://www.pewtrusts.org/energymodernization.

Contact:
Monique O’Grady
mogrady@pewtrusts.org

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SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts

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EX3 Accelerates APAC Expansion with Malaysia Growth Milestone and SAP Partnership

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20 minutes ago

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April 21, 2026

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LONDON and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EX3 today announced a significant milestone in its Asia-Pacific (APAC) growth journey, marked by continued expansion in Malaysia, a newly formalised SAP partnership, and further investment in regional leadership.

As part of its broader APAC growth strategy, EX3 has strengthened its presence in Malaysia, with headcount increasing to 21 employees—an addition of four new team members in the last six months alone, with additional two expected by end of May 2026. This growth reflects sustained demand for EX3’s expertise in delivering end-to-end HR and payroll transformation programmes across the region.

In parallel, EX3 has been officially inducted as an SAP Partner in Malaysia, with a dedicated focus on Human Capital Management (HCM) and Payroll. This milestone represents a strategic step forward, reinforcing EX3’s capability to deliver enhanced value to clients through deeper alignment with SAP technologies and innovation.

The SAP partnership is central to EX3’s regional ambitions, enabling the organisation to scale its delivery and sales capabilities across Malaysia and the wider APAC market. By combining SAP’s leading cloud solutions with EX3’s agile, AI-powered delivery approach, the company is well-positioned to support organisations navigating complex HR and payroll transformations.

Sam Garwood, Chief Revenue Officer at EX3, commented:
“Our SAP partnership represents a key enabler for our go-to-market strategy across APAC. With Malaysia at the centre of our regional operations, we are building a scalable, high-impact GTM engine that allows us to bring EX3’s full capabilities to market with greater speed and precision. This positions us strongly to capture growing demand for HR and payroll transformation across the region.”

Looking ahead, EX3 will continue to invest in its regional leadership team, including the upcoming appointment of a new Head of Sales for APAC. This role will be instrumental in driving continued growth, strengthening client relationships, and expanding EX3’s footprint across key markets.

Jas Rai, CEO of EX3, added:
“EX3 is on a strong global growth trajectory, and our expansion in APAC is a critical part of that journey. Malaysia plays a pivotal role in enabling that growth—both as a centre of delivery excellence and as a strategic hub for the region. As we continue to scale, our investment in Malaysia will help us accelerate our broader ambitions and deliver even greater value to clients globally.”

About EX3

EX3 is a global provider of end-to-end SAP Payroll and HR transformation, combining strategic advisory with outcome-based support and managed services to streamline global operations for organizations worldwide. With offices in the UK, Malaysia, and India, EX3 delivers modern, scalable, and innovative solutions that help clients transform how they manage HR and payroll operations.

https://www.weareex3.com/ 

Media Contact:
Sach Dhanjal
Senior Marketing Manager, EX3
sach.dhanjal@weareex3.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2957617/EX3_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ex3-accelerates-apac-expansion-with-malaysia-growth-milestone-and-sap-partnership-302745004.html

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EX3 Accelerates APAC Expansion with Malaysia Growth Milestone and SAP Partnership

Published

20 minutes ago

on

April 21, 2026

By

LONDON and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EX3 today announced a significant milestone in its Asia-Pacific (APAC) growth journey, marked by continued expansion in Malaysia, a newly formalised SAP partnership, and further investment in regional leadership.

As part of its broader APAC growth strategy, EX3 has strengthened its presence in Malaysia, with headcount increasing to 21 employees—an addition of four new team members in the last six months alone, with additional two expected by end of May 2026. This growth reflects sustained demand for EX3’s expertise in delivering end-to-end HR and payroll transformation programmes across the region.

In parallel, EX3 has been officially inducted as an SAP Partner in Malaysia, with a dedicated focus on Human Capital Management (HCM) and Payroll. This milestone represents a strategic step forward, reinforcing EX3’s capability to deliver enhanced value to clients through deeper alignment with SAP technologies and innovation.

The SAP partnership is central to EX3’s regional ambitions, enabling the organisation to scale its delivery and sales capabilities across Malaysia and the wider APAC market. By combining SAP’s leading cloud solutions with EX3’s agile, AI-powered delivery approach, the company is well-positioned to support organisations navigating complex HR and payroll transformations.

Sam Garwood, Chief Revenue Officer at EX3, commented:
“Our SAP partnership represents a key enabler for our go-to-market strategy across APAC. With Malaysia at the centre of our regional operations, we are building a scalable, high-impact GTM engine that allows us to bring EX3’s full capabilities to market with greater speed and precision. This positions us strongly to capture growing demand for HR and payroll transformation across the region.”

Looking ahead, EX3 will continue to invest in its regional leadership team, including the upcoming appointment of a new Head of Sales for APAC. This role will be instrumental in driving continued growth, strengthening client relationships, and expanding EX3’s footprint across key markets.

Jas Rai, CEO of EX3, added:
“EX3 is on a strong global growth trajectory, and our expansion in APAC is a critical part of that journey. Malaysia plays a pivotal role in enabling that growth—both as a centre of delivery excellence and as a strategic hub for the region. As we continue to scale, our investment in Malaysia will help us accelerate our broader ambitions and deliver even greater value to clients globally.”

About EX3

EX3 is a global provider of end-to-end SAP Payroll and HR transformation, combining strategic advisory with outcome-based support and managed services to streamline global operations for organizations worldwide. With offices in the UK, Malaysia, and India, EX3 delivers modern, scalable, and innovative solutions that help clients transform how they manage HR and payroll operations.

https://www.weareex3.com/ 

Media Contact:
Sach Dhanjal
Senior Marketing Manager, EX3
sach.dhanjal@weareex3.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2957617/EX3_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ex3-accelerates-apac-expansion-with-malaysia-growth-milestone-and-sap-partnership-302745004.html

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World Micro Tees Up for Angel Flight Soars on May 13, 2026

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20 minutes ago

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April 21, 2026

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ROSWELL, Ga., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To support the critical need for specialized medical care requiring distant travel, World Micro is proud to announce its participation as an Angelic Hole Sponsor for the 2026 Atlanta Tournament of Angels. This annual charity golf tournament directly benefits Angel Flight Soars, a nonprofit organization based out of Peachtree Dekalb Airport in Chamblee, GA.

Angel Flight Soars provides free air transportation for individuals in need of medical care or other critical services. By coordinating volunteer pilots and donated flight resources, the organization helps remove transportation barriers, ensuring patients can access life-saving treatments, specialized care, and humanitarian support.

To secure a sponsorship or learn more about participation in this impactful event, visit Tournament of Angels

“As an Angelic Hole Sponsor for the 2026 Atlanta Tournament of Angels, World Micro is proud to stand behind Angel Flight Soars, a local nonprofit in our community, and support their mission of providing essential, free air transportation for individuals who must travel far from home for specialized medical care,” said Lauren Brown, Director of Business Development.

Supporting Critical Medical Air Transportation

The 2026 Atlanta Tournament of Angels brings together community members and organizations to contribute to a vital cause. Every shot taken during the tournament helps provide essential air transportation for patients requiring specialized medical care far from their homes. This support ensures that geographical distance does not hinder access to critical treatments.

Event Details and Community Impact

The 2026 Atlanta Tournament of Angels will take place on May 13, 2026, at the Chateau Elan Golf Club. As an Angelic Hole Sponsor, World Micro underscores the profound impact of community support for services like those provided by Angel Flight Soars. The tournament offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute to a cause that provides essential medical air transportation, ensuring patients can access critical care regardless of distance. 

About World Micro

World Micro is a global distributor specializing in electronic components and supply chain solutions for military, aerospace, industrial, and high-reliability applications. With a focus on speed, service, and dependable fulfillment, World Micro supports customers worldwide with responsive sourcing, logistics expertise, and value-added distribution services.

Learn more at www.worldmicro.com.

For pricing and inquiries, please contact World Micro at:
Email: info@worldmicro.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/world-micro-tees-up-for-angel-flight-soars-on-may-13-2026-302748030.html

SOURCE World Micro

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