Siemens smart grid strategy points towards integrated operating centers

Quick Take: Every progressive utility I talk to these days has integrated operating centers on their mind. For many, the first goal is an integrated network operating center (NOC) where they can manage a bunch of different communications networks in one place. The announcement below is one of the first to be made public, but there are many other efforts underway as well. - By Jesse Berst

Siemens is undertaking a benchmark project to coordinate and integrate two New York utilities into a single network control system with its Spectrum Powerâ„¢ Energy Management System (EMS).

Iberdrola USA, parent company of New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RGE), realized that those utilities' legacy platforms had outlived their usefulness and needed to be replaced. The replacement and integration project will address both obsolescence and increased operational efficiency.

Spectrum Powerâ„¢ is a message-based SCADA platform with application functionality (including network analysis and historical archiving) provided by separate components. That architecture means that a system can be crafted to meet a utility's needs today, and expanded and adapted to address new conditions and future needs. It complies with North American Electric Reliability Corporation critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and reliability standards, as well as NIST's standards and recommendations, Siemens says.

"The solution we are delivering to NYSEG and RGE not only provides the benefits of state-of-the-art technology in the industry but also facilitates their ability to efficiently manage costs," said Thierry Godart, VP and general manager of Energy Automation North America, Siemens Energy, Inc.

"This project demonstrates our commitment to improving the efficiency, reliability and security of our delivery networks. While our system performance remains excellent, we recognize the need to stay ahead of customers' expectations, and we plan to continue addressing critical infrastructure needs," commented Neil Clitheroe, VP for customer service with Iberdrola USA.

The project is scheduled for installation in 2013.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

You might also be interested in ...

Smart grid hiring fever at Siemens as sales and orders pile on

More Siemens news coverage