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UTC Alert - September 6, 2011
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| Monthly news bulletin for and about the members of the UTILITIES TELECOM COUNCIL- The Telecommunications and Information Technology Association for Utility, Energy and Other Critical Infrastructure Companies |
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UTC Membership!
The new membership year at UTC is only a month away! ! We encourage all members to renew before the new year starts, as such; we have recently launched the renewal process. Thank you to those members that have chosen to renew already! Members are the ESSENTIAL element of UTC, so if you have any membership related questions, suggestions or improvements we'd love to hear them. If you have any questions about your renewal, please contact Kristy Weinshel, Director of Membership at 202.833.6815.
If you are new to the UTC community and your company has yet to become a member, now is the perfect time. The benefits of being a UTC Member are numerous and pay for the membership many times over. Only UTC serves as "the voice of critical infrastructure communications" representing energy and water utilities and their vendor partners on areas of interest such as spectrum allocation, pole attachment/joint use, cybersecurity, smart grid/smart energy networks, standards and more. To find out how you can start taking advantage of membership, please contact Kristy Weinshel, Director of Membership at 202.833.6815.
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Annual Conference Call for Presentations
Do you have the perfect presentation for smart grid deployment? Do you have information on Fiber Optics that should be shared with everyone? Well now is the time to share that information with UTC. We have opened the process to submit presentation ideas online. We encourage everyone to submit topic ideas before September 30, 2011.
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Fall Webinar Series
September 7, 2011
Webinar: In-Depth Examination of Fiber Transport-Search for Your Best Solution
Many different fiber optic transport methods provide robust, reliable telecommunications for utilities. The key to successful network architecture lies in finding the combination of technologies that works best for your utility. Join us to explore fiber optic connectivity, Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), and Ethernet. Sort through the advances in transport technology, and learn to identify the solution that provides the restoration of switching speeds and the reliability you need.
September 20, 2011
Webinar: Your New Mobile Radio System - Friend or Foe: What You Need To Know
Your utility's need for wireless communications options has never been greater. Whether for AMI deployments or new control systems, wireless connectivity offers rapid, cost-effective, secure network deployment. Join this webinar to explore traditional shared licensed spectrum options as well as new commercial wireless offerings and leased spectrum opportunities.
September 28, 2011
Webinar: Potential Solutions for Utility Data Privacy Concerns
Smart Grids will create a data rich environment that has the promise of huge benefits for consumers and utilities. But some are concerned that the creation of the data compromises the privacy and security of consumers - "They will know when to attack me or when to rob me!" Regulators, privacy advocates, utilities and others are working to find a way forward that meets the needs of all. UTC's upcoming webinar on September 28 features a leading privacy advocate, representatives from both the California Public Utilities Commission and a California utility, as well as an East Coast utility talking about the recent commission decisions and how they will impact consumer privacy and while still meeting utility operational needs.
October 12, 2011
Webinar: Addressing Smart Meter Safety for Smart Deployments
Deployment of wireless smart meter systems by utilities has caused some concern related to exposure to radio frequency energy from these devices by community groups and consumer advocates. This webinar will review the existing FCC standards for wireless devices, discuss typical smart meter deployments and review recent industry reports on the topic showing that there is no safety issues to be concerned about and how this can be conveyed to consumers. Attendees will gain an understanding of the known impact of wireless energy on humans and how smart meters fall below all FCC limits for RF exposure. Speakers are scheduled to include utilities that have run into issues with deploying smart meters to discuss what they've encountered and how they are working to correct public misconceptions.
November 19, 2011
Webinar: GPS Interference - A Balanced Perspective
It is no question that LightSquared has been in the news in connection with GPS Interference. This webinar provides an opportunity to hear a balanced presentation of the issues. Attendees to the call will hear about initial issues with LightSquared's products and the Global Positioning System, the resulting conflicts with the government, the steps LightSquared has taken to resolve the problem and the current status of the issue. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions as there will be plenty of time for them to be answered.
December 7, 2011
Webinar: Get in the Know Regarding the FCC's Part 90 Updates
There are new rules in the works for the Federal Communications Commission's Part 90 for Private Land Mobile Radio Services, rules that will impact many utilities communications systems. This webinar will discuss the current status of these efforts and what this will mean for your utility-or any organization with licenses in this spectrum. Presenters will also highlight key elements of Part 90 that continue to be of interest, such as narrowbanding, trunking and rebanding. Exemptions are not likely to be granted and based on experience, many of the modifications are taking longer than anticipated to complete so it's important you are working to achieve what is necessary with your systems in time. This webinar is for anyone with private land mobile radio-regardless of whether they outsource their filings or complete them in house-in order to stay current on the issues and their impact on utility communications. After all, your organization is ultimately responsible for full compliance with Part 90, not knowing is not an option!
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Third Quarter of UTC Journal Available Online
The digital edition of the UTC Journal -- Third Quarter 2011 issue is now available! Designed to supplement the print publication, the digital edition has the same great editorial content plus convenient, interactive tools only found online. To login to this issue, you will need to use your email address as the login, no password required.
Articles from this issue include:
- Distributed Intelligence: The Path to a Smart Grid
- The Case for a Converged Fiber Infrastructure for High-Speed IEC 61850 Control Networks
- Drivers for Packet-Based Utility Communications Networks
- Meet the New UTC Chairman
- Plus More!
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UTC Fall Meetings
Each fall, several UTC Regions offer short educational programs geared towards members within their region, although everyone is invited to attend any region they are interested in attending. Below are the dates of the upcoming events with links to their home page. Most have finalized programs that you can access through these pages. If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact meetings@utc.org.
September 8-9
2011 Region 2 Meeting
Sheraton Atlantic City, Atlantic City, NJ
September 8-9
2011 Region 9 Technical Conference
Best Western Agate Beach Inn, Newport OR
September 22-23
2011 Region 1 Meeting
The Cliff House Resort & Spa, Ogunquit, ME
October 5-6
UTC Region 3 Fall 2011 Meeting
Hyatt Regency, Greenville, SC
October 6-7
2011 Region 10 Fall Technical Meeting
Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Sacramento, CA
October 20-21
2011 Region 4 Meeting
Hyatt at Capitol Square, Columbus, OH
October 27
2011 Region 8 Fall Technical Meeting
Hilton Salt Lake City Center, Salt Lake City, UT
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Submit Your Project for 2012 Apex Award
More than an incredible exposition of utility companies and vendors along with informative education sessions, UTC TELECOM 2012 brings with it the return of the prestigious UTC Apex Awards. Every year, UTC commends a select few utility companies for the particularly exceptional telecommunication projects they complete. We are currently accepting nominations on our updated website, where we encourage all who have completed innovative telecommunication projects to apply.
There are three categories for which a project can be nominated:
- Overall Utility Telecom System Design
- Utility Telecom Sharing with Public Safety
- Using Utility Telecom for Community Development
For more information on these categories, click here. If you have any questions, contact Samantha LeSesne, Member Services Assistant.
Projects are being accepted until December 31, 2011, with result announced to winners in April 2012. The awards will be presented at UTC TELECOM 2012, held May 20-23, 2012 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, FL.
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Technical Division News
On Tuesday August 30th, the Technical Division hosted an TETRA Tutorial Open Call. The Technical Division would like to thank its presenters, Malcolm Quelch of Sepura plc and Christian Reynolds of Nielson Communications. If you would like more information about the presentation please click here.
Did you miss this call? Be sure to be on the lookout for future Open Calls! Open Calls are free for all members.
Upcoming Open Call Topics:
Tele-protection
Public Safety
Smart Grid Pilot
Landmobile Radio technology
IEC 6850
Solar Storms
If you would like to present on any of the above Open Calls, please click here.
Ask the Technical Division:
The Technical Division welcomes all members to participate in a new section of the UTC Journal called "Ask the Technical Division." In this section members will have the opportunity to ask technical questions and have them answered by experts in the field. Whether your question is about different Ethernet Virtual Connections, synchrophasor calculations or a compare/contrast in the latest technology, ask the experts to get your answer. Have a question to ask, email Samantha LeSesne, Member Services Assistant.
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Madrid, Site for 2011 EUTC Annual Conference
The European Utilities Telecom Council will be hosting the EUTC Annual Conference 2011 on October 26-28, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. As the only European event dedicated to energy & utility professionals, this is the place to be for networking with European colleagues, hear education from around Europe and the world and learn about governmental actions being taken.
To get more information or to register, click here.
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Stay in Touch with UTC
UTC is constantly gathering information and sending it out to members. Make sure you are in the know by connection to these communications.
UTC Insight - UTC's blog offers members breaking news on policy changes in Washington, insights from conferences around the country and analysis on key issues as they happen. Sign up for UTC INSIGHT Updates at UTC INSIGHT Subscriptions.
UTC Smart Grid Smart Brief - Looking for current news on everything Smart Grid? Sign up today to receive this weekly newsletter that brings Smart Grid news to your fingertips.
Facebook - check out our newly updated Facebook page. With information on upcoming meetings and events, posts from our members and links to research and education, information is just a click away.
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SNC Welcome New Board of Director Members
UTC's Smart Networks Council recently held elections for it 2012-2014 Board members. The newly elected Smart Network Council Board members are:
- Shahid Ahmed, Global Network Enabled Solutions Lead, Accenture
- Manoj Bhatia, Director - Smart Grid Alliances, GE Energy Services
- Chris Campbell, Manager - Communication, Salt River Project
- Tami Fruhwirth, Team Leader - Telecommunications, NV Energy
- Tom Herbst, Senior Director - Standards & Technology, Silver Spring Networks
- Stan Hoptroff, Director - Infrastructure Services, Southern Company
- Mike Koch, Solution Architect- Energy & Utility Market: Smart Grid via "Connected Utility", Motorola
- Doug McGinnis, IT Manager of Communications, Exelon Corporation
- Bruce Russell, Director - Smart Grid Solution, Elster
- Glenn Steiger, General Manager/CEO, Glendale Water and Power
- Rusty Williams, Director of Business Development, AFL
- Paul Yackavage, Lead Telecommunications Engineer, National Grid
They will be joining the following representatives whose terms expire in 2012:
- Mike Brown, Global Sales Manager - Utility Communications, General Electric
- Mark Burke, Vice President - Telecommunications & Smart Grid Architecture, KEMA Consulting
- Andres Carvallo, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, GridNet
- Carl Fulbright, Operations Manager, Black Hills Energy
- Erich Gunther, CTO and Chairman, EnerNex Corporation
- Chuck Hackney, Director - Telecommunications Services & Smart Grid Communications, CenterPoint Energy
- Matt Lampe, CIO, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
- Dr. William F. Lawrence, CTO - Global Emerging Markets, Lockheed Martin
- Bruce Le, Telecom & Networking Engineering, Southern California Edison
- Marc Matsuura, Acting Manager of Smart Grid Planning and Director of Transmission Planning, Hawaiian Electric Company
- Mike Robinson, Customer Solutions Director, CISCO
- Matt Schnell, Telecommunications Supervisor, Nebraska Public Power District
- John Stewart, Senior Engineer, Tennessee Valley Authority
- David G. Wolfe, Director of Technology, Duquesne Light Company
Jeff Nichols, Sempra Energy Utilities, serves as Chair of Smart Networks Council and Craig Maternoski, Integrys Business Support, is Vice Chair. Also on the Board are Ron Beck, UTC Chairman, and Connie Durcsak, UTC President & CEO.
For more information on the Smart Networks Council or to get involved with new projects, please contact 202.833.6822 or visit www.smartnetworkscouncil.org.
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UTC Spectrum Services Narrowbanding Coundown Clock
There are 483 days remaining until the FCC's mandatory narrowbanding deadline takes effect. By January 1, 2013 all VHF/UHF Industrial/Business and Public Safety Pool licensees must operate on 12.5 kHz or narrower channels. UTC Spectrum Services can assist you in meeting this regulatory mandate! For more information contact Donald Vasek, Director of Spectrum Services.
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Utilities Telecom Council, 1129 20th Street, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20036
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