EMerge Alliance
EMerge Alliance is a nonprofit membership association that develops open technical standards for DC and hybrid AC/DC microgrid power systems used by OEMs, utilities, integrators, and federal agencies across commercial, residential, data center, EV charging, and agriculture applications.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersSan Ramon, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What EMerge Alliance does
EMerge Alliance is a U.S.-based nonprofit, open-industry membership association founded in 2008 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization develops and promotes technical standards for DC and hybrid AC/DC microgrid power systems targeting commercial and industrial buildings, data and telecom centers, residential properties, EV charging infrastructure, indoor agriculture, utilities, and community-scale energy networks. Its core product portfolio centers on a portfolio of technical standards: the DC & Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid Technical Standard (Version 1.0, March 2024), the Occupied Space Standard (24 VDC for commercial interiors), the Data/Telecom Center Standard, the ANSI C12.32-2021 DC Revenue Grade Metering Standard, and the Interoperability Data Model (IDM) Standard (Version 1.2, September 2025), with a Grid-of-Grids Interconnection Standard in development.
The underlying technology combines codified safety architectures — 350/700 VDC within NEC Class 1 limits and 24 VDC within NEC Class 2 limits — with a machine-readable JSON device data model designed to enable AI-facilitated and traditional software applications for microgrid design and equipment compatibility. The alliance maintains partnerships with federal agencies (HUD, DOE), industry bodies (BICSI, SEIA, SEPA via RE+ Events), and major OEMs and utilities including Cisco, Emera Technologies, Direct Energy Partners, The Sun Company, Block Energy, and B.L. Coliker Associates.
EMerge operates a tiered membership model (Governing, Participating, Corresponding, Utility) with annual dues, supplemented by sponsorships and event-related revenue from the Grid Edge Theater demonstrations at RE+ Events and the RE+Source PRO digital catalog. Revenue is not publicly disclosed. Day-to-day operations are run by a small staff (1-10 employees) under President Dusan Brhlik and Chairman Brian T. Patterson.
EMerge Alliance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- EMerge Alliance
- Legal name
- EMerge Alliance
- Website
- https://emergealliance.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- EMerge Alliance is a nonprofit membership association that develops open technical standards for DC and hybrid AC/DC microgrid power systems used by OEMs, utilities, integrators, and federal agencies across commercial, residential, data center, EV charging, and agriculture applications.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
EMerge Alliance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Power Infrastructure Standards
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (BPAGAGAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Microgrid + Storage EPC & Systems Integration (EUAEAEAD)
Keywords
Where EMerge Alliance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Ramon
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
EMerge Alliance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: EMerge Alliance is a nonprofit, open-industry membership association. Membership fees support standards development, market development activities, and industry education. Membership is tiered with different access levels and pricing for Governing, Participating, Corresponding, and Utility members. Full standards are available only to members.
- Standards Documentation: Free Public Overviews of standards are available for download. Full versions of standards are available exclusively to Alliance members (Governing, Participating, General and Corresponding members).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Governing Member - Full access and governance rights |
| Subscription | Annual | Participating Member - OEMs and voting rights |
| Subscription | Annual | Corresponding Member - Non-OEMs, building industry professionals |
| Subscription | Annual | Utility Member - Utilities and energy providers |
| Freemium | One time/ perpetual license | Public Overview - Free access to standards information |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
EMerge Alliance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
EMerge Alliance is an open, nonprofit industry association that develops, publishes, and promotes vanguard technical standards for DC and hybrid AC/DC distributed energy microgrid power systems. Its product portfolio centers on technical standards covering commercial/industrial buildings (Occupied Space), data/telecom facilities, microgrid architectures, revenue-grade DC metering, and a JSON-based Interoperability Data Model that enables cross-vendor equipment compatibility. Standards are made available to members through a tiered membership program, while free public overviews support market education and adoption.
Product overview
EMerge Alliance is an open-industry nonprofit association that develops and promotes vanguard standards for DC and hybrid AC/DC microgrid systems. The organization's product portfolio centers on technical standards including the DC & Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid Technical Standard (Version 1.0), Occupied Space Standard (for commercial interiors), Data/Telecom Center Standard, Interoperability Data Model (IDM) Standard Version 1.2, and the ANSI C12.32-2021 DC Revenue Grade Metering Standard. A Grid of Grids Microgrid Interconnection Standard is currently in development. Supporting offerings include the RE+Source PRO platform (powered by the IDM data model for equipment compatibility), the Grid Edge Theater live microgrid demonstrations at RE+ Events, and the Electric Avenue Webinar Series for industry education. The organization also facilitates live microgrid demonstrations and provides a device registry for EMerge registered products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- DC & Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid Technical Standard A comprehensive technical standard for DC and hybrid AC/DC microgrid systems covering power conversion, interconnect infrastructure, grounding and protection, and example architectures. Creates an integrated open platform for power, infrastructure, peripheral device and control applications to facilitate the hybrid use of AC and DC power within single power system domains. Version 1.0 released March 2024.
- Occupied Space Standard A low voltage DC power distribution system standard for commercial building interiors operating at 24 VDC (Class 2 circuits). Provides safe, flexible, plug 'n play low voltage DC power distribution with power, infrastructure, peripherals such as lighting, and controls on a common platform. Supports hybrid AC/DC power and connects directly to on-site renewable generation and storage.
- Data/Telecom Center Standard A technical standard for DC power distribution in data centers and telecommunications facilities. Enables enhanced distribution capabilities, lower equipment costs, and improved sustainability through reduced copper use. Part of the DC & Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid Standard family.
- Interoperability Data Model (IDM) Standard A digital model framework defining critical power flow characteristics of individual devices for use in DC and Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids. Uses JSON format for machine-readable equipment data, covering power sources, conversions, storage, distribution, grounding, protection, and loads such as lighting, appliances, EV chargers, electric heat pumps, and subsystems including USB-PD, PoE, and Class 4 FMP. Open-source licensed for general public use.
- DC Revenue Grade Metering Standard (ANSI C12.32-2021) Establishes acceptable performance criteria for revenue grade DC watt hour meters and demand meters. Covers accuracy class designations, current class designations, voltage ratings, environmental tests, and immunity tests. Approved as American National Standard in March 2021.
Quantifiable outcome
- DC systems can be 200-1000% more reliable than equivalent AC systems due to fewer conversion components and reduced heat-related failures
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use EMerge Alliance
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
EMerge Alliance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature5 records
EMerge Alliance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- Black & VeatchminorBlack & Veatch sponsors the Grid Edge Theater at RE+ 2025, where EMerge Alliance coordinates microgrid demonstrations and educational content.
- RE+Source PROcoreRE+Source PRO is an online microgrid product catalog designed by Direct Energy Partners and powered by SEIA and SEPA. It uses EMerge Alliance's IDM data model to organize equipment data in a standardized open-source JSON framework, connecting users with manufacturers and enabling AI-facilitated microgrid design.
- BICSIcoreBICSI, a global association for ICT professionals with 26,000+ members in nearly 100 countries, formalized a collaborative relationship with EMerge Alliance in March 2024. The collaboration focuses on fostering growth at the intersection of data and energy transmission. Organizations agreed to jointly explore standards development for microgrid, fault-managed power, and limited energy applications, as well as delivering education through participation in conferences, events, and meetings.
- RE+ EventscoreRE+ Events is co-owned by SEPA and SEIA and hosts the largest clean energy event in North America. EMerge Alliance is an industry partner of RE+ Events, coordinating Grid Edge Theater microgrid content and live demonstrations at RE+ events. RE+Source PRO platform is powered by SEIA and SEPA.
- Direct Energy PartnerscoreDirect Energy Partners engineered the RE+ 2023 live microgrid demonstration in collaboration with EMerge Alliance. The company also designed RE+Source PRO, an online microgrid product resource platform. CEO Dusan Brhlik serves as EMerge Alliance President and chairs the DC & Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid Technical Standards Committee.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)flagshipHUD hosted the Innovative Housing Showcase on the National Mall in Washington, DC (June 9-11, 2023). EMerge Alliance, along with member Block Energy, demonstrated a live solar-powered microgrid. EMerge is developing vanguard standards for microgrids to help reduce cost and mitigate financing risk in support of HUD's mission to create quality, affordable homes.
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)flagshipEMerge Alliance collaborated with DOE and HUD to present a one-day Energy Efficiency, Resilience, and Decarbonization program at the National Building Museum. Session topics included affordable resilient net zero electrified housing, housing decarbonization strategies, and microgrid innovations for affordable housing.
- Cisco Systems Inc.coreCisco Systems joined the EMerge Alliance Governing Board in May 2023 as a long-time Participating member. Cisco brings expertise in DC-based power over ethernet (PoE) and digital fault-managed DC power (FMP). IEEE Senior Member Joel Goergen leads Cisco's team contributing to EMerge vanguard standards development.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
EMerge Alliance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BICSI: Global nonprofit association for ICT infrastructure professionals with 26,000+ members, and a formal collaboration partner of EMerge since March 2024. Direct peer as a membership-based standards and education association serving overlapping ICT/building infrastructure professionals.
- Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA): Utility-focused nonprofit organization that co-owns RE+ Events and is an EMerge partner on RE+Source PRO. Comparable as a membership association serving electric utility and clean energy stakeholders intersecting with EMerge's utility segment.
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): Nonprofit that develops the LEED green building rating system, addressing building energy and sustainability standards. Comparable as a membership-based standards organization that influences commercial building infrastructure decisions overlapping with EMerge's commercial/industrial segment.
- Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA): U.S. solar industry trade association that co-owns RE+ Events alongside SEPA and powers the RE+Source PRO platform. Direct peer as a clean energy membership association partnering with EMerge on event programming and product discovery.
Broad incumbents
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Publisher of the National Electrical Code (NEC), which governs DC voltage classifications referenced by EMerge standards. Comparable as a safety-code authority for DC power infrastructure, but operating at the broader electrical safety level.
- IEEE Standards Association: Global standards body that develops DC microgrid, PoE, and smart grid specifications. Comparable to EMerge as a consensus-based standards developer, but operates at vastly broader scope and scale across many technology domains.
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI): U.S. national standards coordinator that approved ANSI C12.32-2021 developed by EMerge. Comparable as the umbrella standards accreditation body through which EMerge achieves formal standards recognition.
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL): Safety science organization that certifies DC power equipment and develops safety standards referenced by EMerge's NEC Class 1/Class 2 specifications. Comparable in setting energy equipment safety standards, but with much larger commercial certification operations.
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): Global standards body that publishes IEC standards for DC power up to 1500V referenced by EMerge's architecture. Comparable as the international consensus standards organization setting voltage and safety specifications overlapping EMerge's framework.
Emerging players
- Microgrid Knowledge: Media and information services company focused on microgrid industry news and education, adjacent to EMerge's Electric Avenue webinar series. Comparable as an industry-development and market-education player in the same microgrid ecosystem.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
EMerge Alliance social profiles
Digital presenceEMerge Alliance compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
EMerge Alliance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
EMerge Alliance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
EMerge Alliance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
EMerge Alliance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about EMerge Alliance
What does EMerge Alliance do?
EMerge Alliance is an open, nonprofit industry association that develops, publishes, and promotes vanguard technical standards for DC and hybrid AC/DC distributed energy microgrid power systems. Its product portfolio centers on technical standards covering commercial/industrial buildings (Occupied Space), data/telecom facilities, microgrid architectures, revenue-grade DC metering, and a JSON-based Interoperability Data Model that enables cross-vendor equipment compatibility. Standards are made available to members through a tiered membership program, while free public overviews support market education and adoption.
Is EMerge Alliance a public or private company?
EMerge Alliance is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was EMerge Alliance founded?
EMerge Alliance was founded in 2008. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is EMerge Alliance based?
EMerge Alliance is headquartered in San Ramon, United States, in the North America region.
How does EMerge Alliance make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are standards Documentation.
Who are EMerge Alliance's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BICSI, Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Broad incumbents are National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), IEEE Standards Association, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Microgrid Knowledge is listed as an emerging player.
Does EMerge Alliance have an API?
No public API is recorded for EMerge Alliance.
What industry is EMerge Alliance in?
EMerge Alliance's product category is Power Infrastructure Standards. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAF, Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation, with a secondary code of EUAEAEAD, Microgrid + Storage EPC & Systems Integration. Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.