Press Release: Smart Grid Applications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristy Weinshel
202.833.6815
kristy.weinshel@utc.org

Utilities Implement Automation Technologies to Achieve Operational Goals and Increase Reliability of Delivery

Washington, D.C. - Utilities are planning to control costs while providing more reliable services by building the advanced communications systems that enable automated applications -- AMR/AMI, supply automation and supply control and optimization. These applications are expected to benefit utilities financially and operationally, as well as society as a whole; widespread adoption of advanced communications technologies and networks that enable advanced applications is critical to creating a "smart" or "intelligent" grid.

"Intelligent" utility communications networks will ideally minimize costs without compromising features, functionality and reliability. They will also be highly scalable (allowing utilities to increase services and grow the number of users over time), and interoperate with both legacy and future systems. In addition, they must:

• Provide reliable transmission over a variety of technologies: wireless, fiber-optic, and powerline;
• Support new IP-based applications and services with ubiquitous IP connectivity;
• Be designed with network and operational system security in mind.

The benefits of advanced automation will be significant for utilities, but there is no clear path to implementation and a diverse range of products, technologies and services are available. The Utilities Telecom Council has released a report entitled Smart Grid Applications: A Guide to Automation Applications and Vendors, to help our members and other energy and water companies understand the role of different applications to help create a technology implementation "roadmap." The report includes comprehensive vendor descriptions and contact information for each application.

The report, Smart Grid Applications: A Guide to Automation Applications and Vendors, has been released and is available to order on the Research portal of the UTC Web site at www.utc.org. For more information, please contact research@utc.org or call 202.833.6805.

Utilities Telecom Council
The Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to creating a favorable business, regulatory, and technological environment for entities that own, manage, or provide critical telecommunications systems in support of their core services. Founded in 1948, UTC has evolved into a dynamic organization that represents the broad communications interests of electric, gas, and water utilities; natural gas pipelines; other critical infrastructure entities; and other industry stakeholders. Visit www.utc.org for more information.

###