Advancing Modern Power through Utility Partnerships (AmpUp) is a USAID-funded program centered around peer-to-peer relationships and strong practitioner and stakeholder networks to support net-zero goals. Pathways to unlock a low-carbon economy include: 1) decarbonizing the power system; 2) reducing demand for energy; and 3) electrification of end-uses. Programming in the three areas will strengthen steps towards decarbonization in developing countries. The AmpUp program is a continuation of the Energy Utility Partnership Program (EUPP) and uses the vast experiences and knowledge of a diverse team as well as energy sector experts from around the world - offering an unparalleled network of utility and energy sector expertise to support the global energy transition.

AmpUp is executed through a consortium that offers exceptional expertise, member, and partner networks, and energy sector development experience required to implement agile, responsive, and comprehensive support. AmpUp leverages its resources to share global performance improvement methods and practices, providing utilities with a menu of capacity building, technical assistance, and network strengthening options. The diversity and breadth of the Consortium’s network allow AmpUp to respond to the unique operational realities of each USAID partner utility.

Utility Operations

• Asset Management and Risk Mitigation
• Battery Energy Storage Systems
• Integrating Renewable Energy
• Plant Efficiency & Flexibility Improvements
• Maintenance and Safety Improvement
• Utility Reform and Change Management
• Grid Modernization
• Operations and Maintenance
• System Control

Distribution and End User

• Automated Metering Systems (Net Meters, Smart Meters)
• Customer Service Improvements (Loss Reduction, Billing and Collections)
• Load Forecasting, Demand-side Management and End-use Energy Efficiency

Strategic Planning

• Climate Resilience
• Competitive Procurement
• Decarbonization
• Integrated Resource and Resilience
• System Planning and Expansion

Regional Cooperation

• Energy Market and Exchange Development
• Cross-Border Power Trade and Regional Interconnections

 Cross Cutting

• Accelerator and Incubator collaboration
• Business Model Innovation
• Circular Economy
• Community and Social Engagement
• Cybersecurity
• Digitalization
• Environmental Justice and Just Transition
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Workforce Development and Real Time Simulation Training

The AmpUp consortium is led by the United States Energy Association (USEA) and includes Arizona State University, MK Advisors, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA International), and SEGURA Consulting.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (ASU): ASU is a leading U.S. Center of Excellence in research that curates and advances innovations from idea to implementation. Global research and training networks led by ASU reach over 100 countries with a focus on varied energy themes and online workforce development programs serve 40,000 people per year with needs-driven training.

MK ADVISORS (MKA):  MKA has managed a market-dispersed supply chain and built technology partnerships needed to design and engineer solutions to critical power challenges. MKA has a reputation for successfully integrating turnkey village solutions in remote regions.

NRECA International: NRECA is a utility member association of 905 electric utilities. NRECA International was established to share the U.S. electric cooperative experience with partners and programs in developing countries.

SEGURA CONSULTING: SEGURA is a small business focusing on economic growth, infrastructure reform and finance. Focus areas include competitiveness, private sector participation, public private partnerships, institutional restructuring, financial sustainability, performance improvement, and business planning.

More information coming soon.