; and (2) to optimize the electric grid in the context of the increasing penetration of distributed energy resources, energy storage, variable renewable energy generation, electric vehicles, and new information, communication, and control capabilities involved in energy systems management. (b) Initiatives In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) in collaboration with electric utilities, technology providers to the utility industry, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and Federal agencies (such as the Department of Labor, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, and the Department of Defense), coordinate Federal initiatives on electricity sector education and training, including by— (A) establishing programs to facilitate national training credentials in new electricity technologies; (B) developing appropriate curricula for community colleges; and (C) fostering lifelong learning relating to new electricity technologies; (2) expand existing Department of Energy training programs to increase the number of internships, fellowships, traineeships, and registered apprenticeships; (3) in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor, develop workforce training curricula; (4) in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor, improve labor market information on the changing requirements for skilled technical workers to better align workforce development with advances in science and technology; (5) in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, create workforce opportunities for veterans; (6) in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor, create workforce opportunities that— (A) expand workforce diversity; and (B) provide to low- and moderate-income individuals job training that is aligned with in-demand jobs; and (C) make use of partnerships between management and labor