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Who we are

GridEdge Networks is a Flexible Interconnection Technology Company

We’re here to accelerate the energy transition by breaking down one of the biggest barriers to clean energy: grid interconnection. Our mission is to help utilities deploy more DER, faster, more affordably, and with capital flexibility to avoid costly overbuilds and delays.

Our Vision

We envision a power grid that’s flexible, responsive, and ready for the future. A grid where utilities can adopt clean energy, storage, and EVs without relying on major infrastructure upgrades. GridEdge is leading the charge with innovative, field-ready solutions for flexible interconnection—bringing real change to the edge of the grid.

Our Story

GridEdge Networks was founded with a clear goal: to make it easier, faster, and more affordable to connect distributed energy resources to the grid. Headquartered in Acton, MA, we’ve spent over a decade building edge-based solutions that solve real operational challenges for utilities.

Our roots are in unintentional islanding protection. GridEdge pioneered the Distributed Generation Permissive™ (DGP) technology—, a utility-tested platform that uses powerline conducted permissive signaling to enable failsafe, cost-effective interconnection of distributed generation. Recognized in the IEEE 1547.1-2020 standard and deployed by some of the largest electric utilities, DGP significantly reduces interconnection costs and timelines, enabling hundreds of Megawatts of renewable generation.

Today, we’re taking that experience further with DERCOM: a modular DER automation platform that delivers flexible interconnection with substation-to-edge monitoring and real time control. More than just a product, DERCOM— is the next chapter in our mission to help utilities scale solar, storage, and EVs without waiting on massive infrastructure upgrades or DERMS deployments.

From IEEE standards to field deployments, we build what utilities trust: proven, grid-ready solutions that bridge the gap between today’s constraints and tomorrow’s possibilities.

Our Leadership

With decades of experience in technology innovation, grid operations, product development, and field deployment, our team brings the practical insight and industry expertise needed to solve the critical challenges of grid interconnection.

Nachum Sadan

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Jim Applebaum

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Christian Bilcheck

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Robert Currie

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Joseph Gottlieb

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Bruce A. Renz

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Nachum Sadan

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Nachum Sadan is the founder and CEO of GridEdge Networks, a technology company advancing grid-enhancing communications and control solutions for Distributed Energy Resources (DER), energy storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure. He is the inventor of DERCOM, a distributed flexible interconnection platform now being deployed in partnership with major U.S. utilities and supported by multiple state grants.

Sadan is a proven entrepreneur and senior executive with over 25 years of leadership in the high-tech sector, specializing in networking and data communications. He combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision, driving innovation, operational excellence, and high-performance teams.

He previously led the development and commercialization of the Distributed Generation Permissive (DGP™) technology, now installed at more than eighty DER sites across North America. His work in powerline-based islanding protection has contributed to the IEEE 1547.1-2020 standard. Sadan is a member of the IEEE 1547 working group and holds nine U.S. patents.

He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University.

Jim Applebaum

Chairman

Jim Applebaum is an investment banker and advisor with more than 25 years of experience supporting emerging growth companies in strategy, financing, and M&A. He has executed over 60 transactions totaling more than $5.75B in value, including equity and debt financings, cross-border transactions, and acquisitions.

He is the founder of Derrynane Advisors, a strategic and financial advisory firm, and previously served as Head of Israel Investment Banking at UBS and CIBC World Markets. Earlier in his career, Applebaum was a corporate and securities attorney at Wilson Sonsini, advising technology companies and venture funds.

He holds a JD from Cornell Law School.

Christian Bilcheck

Electric Utility Advisor

Christian J. Bilcheck is a utility executive and consultant with over 35 years of experience in electric system planning, asset management, and clean energy integration. He is the founder of Breakthrough Innovations LLC, advising companies advancing grid modernization and distributed energy technologies.

Before retiring from Avangrid in 2022, he served as Vice President of Asset Management & Planning, overseeing transmission and distribution planning, non-wires alternatives, and capital investment strategy across operations in Maine, New York, and Connecticut. His career centers on enabling reliable, cost-effective grid modernization and large-scale DER adoption.

Bilcheck holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Fairfield University.

Robert Currie

DER Industry Advisor

Dr. Bob Currie is a power systems engineer, entrepreneur, and former CTO with deep expertise in distributed energy resource integration and control systems. He co-founded Smarter Grid Solutions (SGS) to commercialize his doctoral research, leading the development of a DERMS platform now deployed by utilities in Europe and North America. SGS was acquired by Mitsubishi in 2021.

Currie later served on the executive team at Kevala Analytics, guiding product strategy for grid-data analytics and planning tools. Since 2023, he has focused on decarbonization-driven ventures, including DaisyChain Energy and large-scale renewable and storage projects with Belltown Power.

He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees from the University of Strathclyde and holds visiting professorships at Strathclyde and University College Dublin.

Joseph Gottlieb

EV Industry Advisor

Joseph Gottlieb is a seasoned technology advisor and former C-level executive in the electric vehicle sector, with expertise in fast-charging systems, battery management, and startup growth. He has founded multiple companies focused on EV innovation, successfully raising capital across private equity, venture, angel, and grant funding. He continues to advise early-stage companies in the EV and energy transition space.

Gottlieb has led technology development from concept through commercialization and executed a successful acquisition of one of his companies by a multibillion-dollar industry leader. He also served more than ten years as president of the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego and is an inventor on several energy-related patents.

He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northern Illinois University.

Bruce A. Renz

Chief Technologist

Bruce Renz is a senior technology executive and former American Electric Power (AEP) leader with decades of experience in grid research, telecommunications, and power systems innovation. During his 36-year career at AEP, he held positions ranging from Chief Electrical Engineer to Vice President, overseeing R&D, technology deployment, and system operations.

Since retiring from AEP, Renz has led Renz Consulting, LLC, supporting DOE programs and collaborating with GridEdge on patents and solutions for distributed energy interconnection and protection. His contributions include co-developing the Distributed Generation Permissive (DGP™) technology and advising on grid modernization initiatives.

Renz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, as well as a master’s degree in management from MIT as a Sloan Fellow. He is a Life Fellow of IEEE and a licensed professional engineer.

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