Venture-funded startups are swarming the Smart Grid sector like sharks chasing chum. Jesse Berst worries that utilities may fall prey to a new form of vendor lock-in. This one comes from promises, not products, but Jesse is convinced the danger is just as great. Click inside where he explains his thinking, and gives you a chance to decide if he's overreacting with your vote in our Quick Poll.">
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Utility Pitfalls: The Disturbing New Face of Smart Grid Vendor Lock-In
By Jesse Berst
Apr 20, 2010 - 11:47:35 AM

For years, I've felt most utilities were too cautious about new technology. Or, to be fair, that their regulators were too cautious and that the utilities should have pushed harder to allow modernization.

 

So it feels odd to write an editorial advocating caution. Even so, I am concerned that some utilities are escaping the old form of vendor lock-in, but falling prey to a new one.

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The old version locked in customers with proprietary formats and protocols. That danger is receding as vendors make their way to the open standards era. The new form of Smart Grid vendor lock-in comes not from products but from promises.

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