The Microgrid Alliance (MGA) and the Association for Demand Response & Smart Grid (ADS) joined forces, with MGA becoming part of ADS. The Microgrid Alliance was established in early 2014 to bring together companies and individuals involved in or interested in the microgrid space so that they could exchange information and expertise, and collaborate on activities. ADS, founded in 2004, is the leading voice for the demand response and smart grid community, creating content, cooperative member activities, and events, both for ADS members and the broader DR and smart grid community.