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Areva / Alstom / Schneider – Through no fault of its own, this company has been distracted by repeated ownership changes at Areva T&D. The company still had a good year -- but I’ll argue it would have been even better if it could have spent more time with customers and less time learning new management systems. Here’s hoping this bright group gets the chance to focus on business in 2011.
BGE – The Maryland Public Service Commission smacked Baltimore Gas & Electric for overreaching in its smart grid initiative, nixing the utility's request for upfront surcharges. And while BGE did ultimately get the go-ahead for a revised proposal, the negative PR (those #*&% money-grubbing utilities) hurt everyone.
California – Yes, California is a leader in smart grid deployment. At the same time, its citizens are leaders in fueling illogical smart meter fears. It has some very smart, savvy utilities... but it has others that are... well, let’s just say not quite so smart when it comes to customer relations. We all have a right (and obligation) to listen and learn and argue about public policies – but the dialog needs to be rational. That's not always the case in California.
Congress – The U.S. continues to lag behind other nations because we don't have a shared social vision for a national energy policy. As I’ve discussed, Europe’s high smart grid IQ is due in part to strong support at the top for renewable standards, freedom from fossil fuels and other clean energy initiatives. Our Congress doesn't get it.
GridPoint – Despite a few GridPoint smart grid contract wins and partnerships, the company is plagued by a revolving door on the executive floor and layoffs and/or rumored layoffs – none of which bode well given the highly competitive space they're in. This is a classic case of a company that took too much venture capital. In a frantic attempt to give its investors a return on all that money, the CEO started chasing the money, shifting strategies every six months or so.
On the fence
This section recognizes those teetering on the fence, who may topple soon towards victory, or towards defeat.
Elster – I'll admit I'm surprised that the initial public offering did fairly well, given that the Elster IPO lacks any big upside. I still see Elster as a middle of the pack player on the electric side; perhaps investors like the fact that it has gas and water product lines too. Or maybe it’s just the fact that there are so few “pure plays” in the smart grid sector, giving investors who want in very few choices.
GE – With its depth of resources, you'd expect this corporate giant to be a major smart grid player. And I personally think GE is going to stop teetering soon and jump firmly onto the winner side. But GE's smart grid strategy, as I've said before, still needs a consistent theme and stronger message.
Itron – When we did our meter maker shakedown a year ago, I noted that Itron was the clear leader in first-generation AMR and the early leader in next-gen AMI contract wins – but a laggard in getting smart meters into the field in quantity. My sense is that Itron is still doing fine, but perception today has changed from a clear leader to a company that is vulnerable.
Microsoft – The software giant may have slept through its chance to take an early smart grid lead, but after briefings earlier this year on the Redmond campus, I see signs that Microsoft's smart grid strategy may allow it to catch up. The jury is still out.
NIST – We are awed by the progress NIST has made under a brutal workload – yet not surprised when NIST smart grid standards are criticized. The proof, of course, will be whether utilities and vendors in North America and beyond adopt the NIST standards as they come out.
Telvent – I’m impressed by Telvent’s terrific smart grid products, particularly in distribution automation. Yet Telvent is still not as visible as it should be on the smart grid stage and seems to go through annual management upheavals.
WiMAX – Not long ago it would have been easy to write off WiMAX as an important player in the U.S. But this communications technology is like the Energizer Bunny – it just keeps bouncing back. Early this year, for instance, GE and Cisco put some muscle behind WiMAX.
I've had my turn … now it's yours. Have I missed any losers? Did I leave out obvious smart grid winners? And where would you put smart meters – 2010 winner or loser? Jump to our Tuesday Topic forum where we're expecting a lively discussion. Or if you'd prefer, use the Talk Back form below to add your comments directly to the bottom of the story.
You might also be interested in …
Why Europe has a higher smart grid IQ than America Why U.S. utilities will always be rinky-dink (and why that’s bad for the smart grid market) How to make consumers sit up and beg for a smart grid
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