Advancing Modern Power Through Utility Partnerships (AmpUp)

Advancing Modern Power Through Utility Partnerships (AmpUp) Program

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.
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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, tech​​​​​​​nical assistance, and network strengthening options.  The diversity and breadth of the Consortium’s network allows AmpUp to respond to the unique operational realities of each USAID-partner utility.

BUILDING ON EUPP’S LEGACY OF SUCCESS 

EUPP has been working with USAID partner countries on energy security, operations, and resiliency for over 32 years. The program supported capacity development needs in generation, transmission, and distribution, with a strong emphasis on regional energy cooperation and energy markets. EUPP’s partnership impact built a legacy for AmpUp’s future.

EUPP Impact Highlights

Focus Areas

Utility Operations

To embrace the future of energy we need to unlock the true potential of power utilities. Power utilities responsible for grid stability, minimized downtime and a steady power supply play a crucial role in ensuring reliable generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to meet the needs of consumers, businesses and all human activity.

Distribution and End User 

Distribution utilities need to be equipped with advanced technologies like automated metering systems (net meters and smart meters) to enhance operational efficiency and improved customer service.

Strategic Planning 

Strategic energy planning will help secure a future energy system that is both energy efficient and flexible. It helps with emission reduction, helps renewable energy integration and helps meet long-term climate goals. 

Regional Cooperation 

Much of the world’s national governments are prioritizing meeting their country’s sustainable development agenda through nationally determined commitments to the nation to achieve affordable clean energy for all. The best way to achieve this is regional energy cooperation and power trade to foster collaboration among neighboring countries and optimizing resources to enhance energy security.  

Cross-cutting Priorities 

Disruptive technologies are changing the power sector which makes it important to keep a steady eye on emerging challenges like cybersecurity and digitalization and modern business models. Simultaneously the future of work is changing which needs added focus on workforce development, more engendered approaches and community led initiatives that boost a just transition and minimizes wastage in an ever-warming planet. The cross-cutting priorities help address that goal.  

Countering Energy Cybersecurity Threats

AmpUp manages a Cybersecurity and Digitalization Partnership with utilities in USAID-partner countries in Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Vietnam to provide them with the knowledge and skills to implement cybersecurity best practices and ensure the security of the digitalization and modernization of the energy sector.

All News
Publications

THE CONSORTIUM

AmpUp is designed as a consortium of five organizations – led by the United States Energy Association (USEA), and includes Arizona State University (ASU), MK Advisors (MKA), NRECA International, and SEGURA Consulting. AmpUp will expand EUPP’s offerings to a diverse menu of capacity building and technical assistance through executive exchanges, network strengthening, analysis of laws and policies, workforce development, trainings, meetings, and conferences.

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.

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 serving 40,000 people per year with needs-driven training.

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 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 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.

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Managing Cybersecurity Risks in a Rapidly Expanding Electric Grid

April 11th, 2024

Governance Policies and Procedures for Third-Party Cybersecurity Risk Management

March 21st, 2024

Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan Development Webinar

March 7th, 2024

Defensible Architecture and Asset Management for Electric Utility Cybersecurity

February 22nd, 2024

Best Practices for Remote Access and Cloud Security

February 8th, 2024

Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management and Conducting Cyber Risk Assessments

January 25th, 2024

The Emerging Cyber Threats to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) - Standards on Third-Party Risk Management and Cyber Risk Assessment Methodologies

January 11th, 2024

The Emerging Cyber Threats to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) - Supply Chain Cybersecurity

December 14th, 2023

Mini Grid Operations in Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities Webinar Series

November 8th, 2023

Driving Energy Access through Productive Use of Energy, Engagement, and Alternative Models in Puerto Rico

July 6th, 2023

2023 Annual Membership Meeting and Public Policy Forum

May 25th, 2023

THE ROAD TO A JUST ENERGY TRANSITION:  A CASE STUDY FROM CHILE

May 18th, 2023

Advancing Modern Power Through Utility Partnerships (AmpUp)

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 allows AmpUp to respond to the unique operational realities of each USAID-partner utility.