[Editor's Note: This article previously stated that the newly-formed Advanced Energy Management Alliance (AEMA) is a lobbying group. The AEMA "will not be lobbying," according to Executive Director Katherine Hamilton, "but will be working on communications, education and advocacy on regulatory issues facing FERC, system operators, and states."]

Dive Brief:

• The demand response industry has formed a new advocacy group that includes former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chair John Wellinghoff.
• Members of the new Advanced Energy Management Alliance (AEMA) include Comverge, EnerNOC, IPKeys, Johnson Controls, Landis+Gyr and Wal-Mart.
• There are two other existing demand response trade associations – the Peak Load Management Alliance and the Association for Demand Response and Smart Grid – but neither are very active on policy fronts. They offer educational programs and subject matter expertise.

Dive Insight:

The demand response sector is maturing and is increasingly involved in the power markets. It is critical that they have an effective advocacy group that can make sure market rules are designed to take full advantage of demand response.

"You will see more concern from traditional resource providers because it will cut into their profits," Wellinghoff said. "They have a desire to protect their economic interests. Without having effective representation, demand response can’t adequately expand."