Stimulus’ impact on energy

Nearly $100 billion was invested in a large variety of programs in the energy sector as part of the U.S. stimulus in 2009. Michael Grunwald of Time magazine has been reporting on some of them based primarily from his research for a forthcoming book on the stimulus (see below). A recent column on BigBelly’s novel trash bins was discussed earlier. This week’s Time magazine describes the progress being made in the smart grid and utilities industry.

A SURGE of energy entrepreneurship

My colleague asked excitedly, “Are you here yet?”, but I was still looking for parking. She declared “This is a party, not a conference” before urging me to come and find a seat quickly.

SURGE is a Houston-based start-up accelerator focused on companies developing software for the energy industry. After putting their inaugural portfolio of 10 companies through a grueling 12-week incubation program, SURGE introduced the start-ups to investors late last month at an unconventional but certainly hip House of Blues in Houston. Given ADI Analytics’ experience and interest in working with clean tech start-ups including some from SURGE, we showed up in good strength.

Along with an incredibly funny Jason Dorsey and an insightful Matthew Nordan, the companies presented their wares to better access information (drillMap, Molecule), reduce retail electricity consumption (Lowfoot, Pinnacle, Snugghome, tune), and improve operations (Fuel Miner, Revokom, Advanced Seismic, ActualSun). We particularly liked a few companies — drillMap, Fuel Miner, ActualSun — and invite you to check them out.