AEE’s CDSM Program Expanded Globally

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) have jointly launched the Certified Demand Side Manager (CDSM) training program outside the United States for the first time. This significant initiative brought together a group of twelve professionals representing major electricity utility providers from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain in the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, marking a notable development in the region’s energy landscape.

Hosted at BUiD’s Professional Development and Examinations Centre (PDEC), this workshop is the latest addition to AEE’s lineup of professional workshops, which have been offered at BUiD since 2013. The CDSM program holds promise for reshaping Demand Side Management (DSM) practices in the UAE and the wider Gulf region, aligning with national energy policies. DSM techniques promise to reduce electricity production costs while maintaining consistent power availability and reliability. Additionally, it lessens the need for substantial investments in electrical grid infrastructure, providing financial relief for consumers and enabling utility companies to redirect funds toward environmentally friendly projects, such as renewable energy ventures.

BUiD, known for its expertise in professional training, is expanding its training portfolio to encompass six international certifications in energy management. Professor Bassam Abu Hijleh, an AEE certified trainer and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and IT at BUiD, emphasized the institution’s dedication to sustainability. He highlighted the pivotal role of energy sources, consumption patterns, and policies in shaping a sustainable future. BUiD has been actively contributing to the development of the energy industry in the region through academic teaching, research, and professional development, exemplified by the introduction of the CDSM program. Plans are underway to expand the range of sustainability-related academic degrees and professional training options at all levels.

AEE’s Certified Demand Side Manager program offers recognition to professionals who demonstrate exceptional competence and ethical standards in demand-side disciplines, making it a respected credential in the utility industry. The CDSM™ Training Program provides a comprehensive overview of the critical components of demand-side management (DSM) and demand response (DR) programs. As DSM and DR programs gain traction among utilities, states, and government entities, a solid understanding of these initiatives becomes indispensable for energy professionals responsible for their direction, management, administration, and support. This knowledge equips professionals to navigate potential challenges and pitfalls, ensuring the effective design, implementation, and management of these crucial programs.