Lessons learned: Pepco's path to an integrated network operating center May 16, 2012 The stakes get high once a utility installs an AMI communications system. Communications failures can negatively affect reliability. Ouch. And negatively affect the cash register. Ouch, ouch. That's why a fully integrated network operating system may be a smart - though challenging - solution, as Pepco discovered.  More >>

5 Dutch smart grid demos - hot on the trail of sustainable power May 16, 2012 A high-powered energy collective is moving into the design phase for five smart grid demonstration projects in the Netherlands. The group intends to design, implement and study smart grid operations and concepts - and also focus on thousands of technology-related standards.  More >> Mexico's plan to ride the wind to a secure energy future May 16, 2012 Mexico is climbing the ranks of wind power-producing countries fast in its efforts to establish a secure energy future - and the numbers tell the tale. The country produced only 3 megawatts of wind energy in 2005 but now boasts almost 400 times that much and expects to generate 2 gigawatts by the end of this year.  More >> Smart grid up close: Siemens develops European architecture model May 15, 2012 Siemens has developed a European Smart Grid Architecture Model it says gives power supply companies and the industry a way to display aspects of smart grid systems. Siemens says the model can be used for the visualization, validation and configuration of smart grid projects, and also for standardization within smart grids. Click for a look at the model and further details.  More >> Charging or changing: The question for China's electric vehicle market May 14, 2012 There's a debate in China right now over the nation's EV charging strategy. Some back a battery swapping model; others argue recharging stations next to existing gas stations are the way to go. Lihui Xu and Jochen Alleyne of SGT Research explain that even though China has big EV ambitions, the industry is still in its infancy today as it works out issues like this one.  More >> FRIDAY FILES 5.11 featuring news you can use right now May 11, 2012 Scam alert: utility customers targeted in at least five states... DNV KEMA offers smart grid lab memberships... Schneider's Energy University provides free learning tools... Pursuing an education in energy efficiency? New site can help... Comment on proposed revisions to the ASHRAE/IES energy standard for buildings.  More >>

McAfee and Intel concoct recipe for energy infrastructure protection May 16, 2012 To help protect utility infrastructure from cyber attacks, McAfee and Intel have created a recipe for system-wide consumption - from SCADA and control systems to generation and T&D. The idea is to create layers of security using commercially available products that operate together.   More >> Vermont expected to OK free smart meter opt outs May 15, 2012 While most utilities around the country offering smart meter opt outs are requiring opt-out customers to pay an additional fee, Vermont's governor is expected to sign legislation allowing utility customers to opt out for free, at least until more is known about the real costs involved.  More >> Big data doesn't sleep: Demand response trends May 14, 2012 The host of new customers taking advantage of demand response means DR providers have adapted by making their programs available on multiple existing technology platforms, a Constellation Energy exec explained to AOL Energy. Click for more from Gary Fromer on current trends in demand response and automated demand response.  More >> Power shopping: 6 new solutions tackle substation security, Big Data, CIS (and more) May 11, 2012 In our latest collection of new solutions in the electric power world, learn about the intrusion detection SPIDer from Infrax Systems that monitors threats to power substations. And what's the story behind Cooper Power Systems' new polymer surge arresters? Click for details on that, a peek at a pre-packaged CIS solution for utilities and more new releases we thought you'd want to know about from S&C, Kamstrup and DN2K.  More >> Report: Utility CIOs need to manage multiple strategies May 11, 2012 Utility CIOs faced with keeping costs down are also confronted with unanticipated costs from the deployment of new smart grid technologies. A helpful report from IDC Energy Insights offers some strategies those CIOs need to consider if they're going to successfully manage both sides of the equation.  More >>

THE TUESDAY TOPIC Are we seeing real progress on smart grid standards? The IEEE Standards Association just published a new standard for OPGW and announced three new smart grid projects involving standards for distribution automation and smart grid communications. Click for more on those developments and a link to this week's Tuesday Topic discussion, where we're asking if you think the world of plug-and-play smart grid is finally near. Share your thoughts >>

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