The Solar Electric Power Association will absorb the Association for Demand Response and Smart Grid under a deal that represents a change in focus for SEPA.

ADS is a $846,000-revenue organization primarily focused on expanding the use of smart grid technology in the nation's energy infrastructure. SEPA is an $8 million-revenue association that has mostly been advocating for solar energy projects. The merger will give SEPA a new focus that will include forms of energy distribution and storage not represented in the past, such as electric vehicles and smart grid technologies.

As a result, SEPA also plans to change its name, which will be announced next year.

"It became apparent to the boards of both organizations earlier this year that by working more closely, as a single organization, we could better serve the needs of all our members," said Steve Malnight, chairman of SEPA's board of directors. "By leveraging the considerable strengths of both groups, we will be able to participate in the evolution of the electricity business in even more meaningful ways."

ADS CEO Dan Delurey said the merger "will create an organization that is better able to tackle the work ahead." The association did not disclose Delurey's position once the merger is complete.

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