Which companies will we all be talking about next year? Which ones will be out in front, leading the smart grid charge? Nominate your picks for the 11 smart grid companies you think should be on our radar in 2011.
All you have to do to nominate a company for the SGN 11 is enter it in the TalkBack form below or send an email to nominations@smartgridnews.com. Be sure to include the name of the company and a quick explanation why you think it will be a 2011 Smart Grid superstar. But hurry: Nominations must be received by midnight on Jan. 5 to be considered.
Our SGN 10 revisited
How did the companies you chose as last year's most promising fare? From the quick updates below, it looks like our savvy readers did a pretty stellar job of picking "watch worthy" companies.
Ambient: Ambient started out in smart grid communications but has moved into the fast-growing area of grid applications. In December 2010, it, announced the latest release of AmbientNMS, an open and intelligent IP communications platform for smart grid applications. Wall Street Equity Research says Ambient sales have been strong recently, noting that their products have boosted third quarter profits to nearly $2 million versus a net loss the year before.
Beacon Power: This fall the flywheel maker signed a $2.8 million contract with ARPA-E to develop a highly advanced long-duration flywheel for renewable energy integration. That's on the heels of an August award of a $43 million DOE loan guarantee that is helping finance the company's 20 MW flywheel plant in Stephentown, N.Y. Even so, the company dodged a bullet earlier this month when NASDAQ ruled against de-listing Beacon. The company's stock (BCON) has been trading below the $1 threshold since October, 2008. Beacon now has until March to comply with NASDAQ rules.
Powerit Solutions: Our readers weren't the only ones to see promise in this Seattle-based provider of energy management systems. This fall it ranked No. 71 on Deloitte's 2010 Technology Fast 500. The company attributes its 1812% revenue growth during the period 2005-2009 to its ability to cut customers' energy bills. The Seattle-based company, which uses technology originally developed in Sweden, lets industrial companies “pre-program” their responses to demand response requests from utilities, so power gets cut back in an intelligent, staged manner that minimizes repercussions while still qualifying for demand response payments.
REGEN Energy: We haven't heard a lot about this Toronto-based company this year, although there are reports it's been talking to California utilities about using swarm logic to intelligently manage EV charging. Based on past briefings by the company, I believe this may be clever technology that is still searching for the right problem to solve.
Tropos Networks: A quick scan of headlines will tell you this company has been a player this year. Just in the last couple of weeks alone we've seen utilities choosing Tropos' wireless mesh network and Elster announcing it will resell Tropos' networking products.
VYCON: This flywheel technology company started the year with a $13.7 million round of funding to accelerate manufacturing of its energy storage systems. In August the Yorba Linda, CA company was named to the Inc. 500 list of the most entrepreneurial and fastest growing private companies in the U.S.
So now let's move on to 2011. Use the Talk Back comment form below to enter your nominations, or send an email to nominations@smartgridnews.com.
Echelon is well positioned in europe, largest supplier in large scale deployments. And, Duke will start ramping up installing ECoS, the smart grid platform in 2011.. Middle east and Africa is starting to take off, as well as brazil wi local manufactering. The Open Smart Grid Protocol is supported by many large companies and ESNA is active participant in the European smart grid steering board.
Mark ossel, ESNA Board
Mark ossel - 12/22/2010 - 04:37
Intelen @ Silicon V
Intelen (http://www.intelen.com) a very dynamic Athens-based start-up (red herring top-100 2010) in Web 2.0 Energy ICT / MDM, will be in Silicon Valley in Jan 2011, setting up and expanding some very innovative services for Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 (ontology) DSM/DR and various energy social services for Utilities and awareness in the smart grid... keep an eye on
Vassilis Nikolopoulos - 12/22/2010 - 05:17
Infrax Systems Nomination
Infrax Systems offers a series of interrelated operational management, communications, and grid security related products and services known as Secure Intelligent Energy Platform (SIEP). The products enable a comprehensive and unified solution for communications and applications management of the Smart Grid. SIEP™ incorporates a wide array of communications, security, device and data management tools for Smart Grid applications such as advanced metering solutions and grid optimization.
Infrax is truly a company to watch!
paul aiello - 12/22/2010 - 06:31
Airspan company to watch
Airspan Networks has been making a splash in the smart grid market. Recently, companies such as EnergyAustralia and SAG in Europe have selected the Airspan 4G smart grid solution for their networks. In the United States, Airspan received exclusive rights to market 1.4 GHz licensed spectrum enabling utilities to operate private, secure smart grid networks.
Dori Erann - 12/22/2010 - 07:01
Telvent DMS
Telvent is a company to watch in 2011. They make the leading Distribution Management System that 4 large North American utilities have selected this year.
Alex Bettencourt - 12/22/2010 - 07:23
Verdeeco
Verdeeco has massively scalable data capabilities, and sophisticated machine learning algorithms that constitute its smart grid analytics offering for utilities. Disclosure: I'm CTO :)
Brad Anderson - 12/22/2010 - 07:52
Infrax Systems
Infrax Systems for sure!... with their recent announcement they have "entered into a Technical Information License Agreement with Itron, Inc, one of the largest smart grid meter manufacturers globally. .....Infrax will have the ability to license the communications module to Itron, as well as sell the product as Itron compliant. "
Surely the company to watch in 2011.
Christopher Owen, P.E. - 12/22/2010 - 08:17
Belkin Nomination
Belkin bought Zensi this year. If they can deploy this technology they could take over the residential consumer energy management space.
Jon Wellinghoff - 12/22/2010 - 08:39
Infrax Systems
Infrax Systems offers a series of interrelated operational management, communications, and grid security related products and services known as Secure Intelligent Energy Platform (SIEP™).
Secure Network Interface Card (SNIC) is the latest component announced for Infrax's Secure Intelligent Energy Platform. This next generation universal host interface board is an "under the glass" solution designed for use in any standards-based meter (Electric, Water, Gas). Based on a multiple processor design, the SNIC provides military grade encryption and wireless interface modules for HAN and WAN applications.
Infrax is currently testing their Secure Network Interface Card (SNIC) with Itron. At the conclusion of the qualification testing process, Infrax will have the ability to license the communications module to Itron, as well as sell the product as Itron compliant.
Infrax Systems will shine in 2011!
J. Roberts - 12/22/2010 - 08:43
Infrax Systems
Infrax is helping to secure the world by securing the smart grid.
Last month Infrax announced today that it has entered into a Technical Information License Agreement with Itron, Inc, one of the largest smart grid meter manufacturers globally. At the conclusion of the qualification testing process, Infrax will have the ability to license their SNIC communications module to Itron, as well as sell the product as Itron compliant.
More info at: http://infraxinc.com/
Dave Francis - 12/22/2010 - 08:45
Infrax Systems
Infrax Systems without a doubt! With a recent license agreement with Iton, Inc., sky is the limit for them. They have the perfect setup of talented, dedicated people, which is still growing, to make things happen!
John Silva - 12/22/2010 - 09:00
Nominations
Ice Energy
Fast growing Ice Energy brings a unique "energy storage" technology offering air conditioning through ice. By using energy during off-peak hours, the system makes and stores ice for endpoint customers during cooler times of the day (night). The ice is then used throughout the day to air condition the home/building without using nearly the same amount of power as a traditional air conditioning system. The company has grown substantially in the last year with several key partnerships and investments. Look for Ice Energy to become the popular choice for air conditioning in the next few years.
Power Tagging
Another Colorado Company, since receiving an investment from one of the biggest Utilities in the country (Dominion Power) late last year, Power Tagging has taken a fast track with its smart grid communication technology by partnering with Fortune 44 Lockheed Martin. Power Tagging's ability to send real-time, grid-aware signals bidirectionally on the distribution grid enables utility command and control including peak shaving CVR, grid mapping, fault isolation, and electric vehicle tagging. On-grid pilots have proved the technology is capable, effective, and consistent and allows cost saving for Utilities without inconveniencing endpoint customers and without any additional parallel pieces of infrastructure. It's truly the future Smart Grid that most of every Utility has been waiting for; and with a few more months will be ready for full deployments. Keep your eye on Power Tagging to roll into the top tier of smart grid communication companies in 2011.
Scott Limbach - 12/22/2010 - 09:50
Tantalus
Tantalus is doing really exciting things in smart grid communications - has grown revenue 500% in the last three years, is a member of the Deloitte Fast 50, and is deploying the best smart grid communications technology available.
Josh Seidenfeld - 12/22/2010 - 10:25
2D2C, Inc Smart Grid foundation
In early 2011, 2D2C, Inc will launch a breakthrough (www.SafePlugSE.com) for accurate energy monitoring and control of electrical loads for Smart Grid applications. The unique attribute is the use of an RFID tag on each electrical cord plug (retrofittable onto existing appliances) to identify a Smart Grid address for each appliance, lamp, motor or electronic load device at a very low cost. The tag enables more reliable and accurate Demand Response events and energy monitoring. The tags also enable variable pricing models (alternative to traditional Demand Response) where the building manager can chose what $/kWhr price point that the HAN turns off each appliance independently. The address tag means that appliances can be moved within a building and the HAN automatically tracks them and "heals" itself from the change. The approach is unique and presently based upon ZigBee and RightPlug standards for interoperability.
Steve Montgomery - 12/22/2010 - 10:49
Demand Energy Networks Smart Grid Storage
Demand Energy Networks has developed the only truly grid friendly storage and regeneration system available today. The deployment at scale of this storage solution to firm-up renewable resources is amazingly simple, requiring minimal technical review and no annual testing for "Anti-islanding" - the system simply can not be "islanded".
Demand Energy Networks' design does not impact existing infrastructure nor the operational safety of the grid at any level. The interconnection to the grid uses non-inverter based technology that provides no possibility of inadvertent energization, increased fault duty or out-of-synch reclosing at any voltage level. Changes to the utility operation are far less difficult than adding a "cap bank" at a location on the system.
Demand Energy Networks is providing a truly viable utility-friendly alternative to the current concept of "Inverters-in-every-house".
Review the opportunities at http://www.demandenergynetworks.com
Scott Hamilton - 12/22/2010 - 11:12
Cisco
Cosco is positioned to become a serious SG player especialy with IEEE 802.15.4g for the Field Area Networks.
MP - 12/22/2010 - 11:15
Ambient
I think Ambient belongs in this group. As Smart Grid roll outs start their relationship with Duke could pay huge in the future for them
Dick Anderson - 12/22/2010 - 12:22
Verdeeco
Verdeeco’s Grid as a Service platform takes the incoming flood of smart grid energy data and provides it to the electric, gas and water utilities in an actionable way, so they can make better decisions to drive operational as well as energy efficiency. Verdeeco’s products GridUnify and GridDNA goes beyond mere VEE functionalities of MDMS to truly derive information from extremely large amounts of data fast and without millions in hardware investment.
Don Bowman - 12/22/2010 - 12:25
Joulex
JouleX (www.joulex.net) is the leading innovator in sustainable energy management systems for the enterprise. Its flagship product, the JouleX Energy Manager (JEM), provides Global 2000 and government agencies the ability to monitor, analyze and manage all network connected devices and systems across the enterprise including the distributed office network, data centers and facilities. JEM provides energy visibility into all network connected devices and systems including network switches and routers, access points, VoIP phones, PCs, servers, HVAC and lighting systems. JEM’s network-based architecture requires no costly software agents and leverages your existing network, systems and facilities management infrastructure. JEM can save enterprises up to 60% of the energy costs and carbon emissions while providing robust energy usage reporting that enables compliance with emerging carbon accounting requirements.
MK - 12/22/2010 - 13:12
Tropos Networks
Tropos’ success in smart grids accelerated in 2010 and this momentum is continuing into 2011. This year, we were selected as the smart grid distribution area network by more customers than any other vendor. I believe a key measurement of success is in who customers select as part of their smart grid infrastructure.
Tom Ayers - 12/22/2010 - 13:38
Smart grid companies to watch in 2011?
Redflow,
Zinc Bromide batteries. 10kWh units. Buildable into arrays.
Graeme McClure - 12/22/2010 - 14:08
Smart Grid companies to watch in 2011
Spirae www.spirae.com/
Comverge www.comverge.com/
Ice Energy www.ice-energy.com/
Advanced Energy www.advanced-energy.com/
Telvent www.telvent.com
Power Tagging www.powertagging.com/
Woodward www.woodward.com/
See fortzed.com and integridlab.com
Wade Troxell - 12/22/2010 - 18:01
VOTE FOR AMBIENT!!!
AMBIENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DAVID STARLING - 12/22/2010 - 20:11
Intel is the company to watch in 2011
Playing in all areas of the grid, the giant chip company is diversifying in energy sector.
Sam malone - 12/22/2010 - 23:07
Verdeeco - Advanced analytics as a Saas
Verdeeco combines machine learning with age old load forecasting and other analytics and provides a true Smart, self learning engine for advanced analytics. It goes beyond the basic MDM and VEE rules that it believes should be part of every software that aggregates data and provides a means to make business decisions via advanced machine learning algorithms.
Venki Ramachandran - 12/22/2010 - 23:08
Tantalus
Tantalus has pushed forward with some of the most progressive smart grid projects now underway. In the Tennessee Valley their technology is at work in at least a dozen utilities where some of the most challenging terrain and environments are faced. They deliver on time, on budget and are meeting their customers expectations. Tantalus is proofing to be a market leader.
Greg Williams - 12/23/2010 - 08:16
infrax
INFRAX Systems, a must watch for 2011, they have a lot in the works.
James Henderson - 12/23/2010 - 10:00
Infrax Systems
Infrax Systems - recent license agreement with Iton, Inc. Enough Said!
Tropos made a lot of strides in 2010. I can't wait to see them perform in 2011.
Richard Griebling - 12/23/2010 - 11:30
IPKeys Technologies LLC
IPKeys provides advanced communications design, implementation and security services that enable Smart Grid applications (AMI,DR,DA,etc) to run faster and more efficiently. The company is listed as one of Inc. Magazines fastest growing companies in 2010. Recently, IPKeys has successfully designed and implemented hybrid infrastructure at Burbank Water and Power, Glendale Water and Power, MCI West and more. the company is currently contracted with NIST to provide the Smart Grid 2.0 framework guidelines relating to AMI, EV, Syncrophasor and open ADR.
KC McCaffrey - 12/23/2010 - 11:47
Consert
Consert is continuing to gain traction with both new pilots and commercialization of existing pilots. Expect big announcements at CES and Distributech.
bill boswell - 12/23/2010 - 11:53
Verdeeco
Verdeeco’s Grid as a Service platform provides cost-effective SaaS results, using the ever growing volumes of smart grid energy data to give electric, gas and water utilities valuable, actionable analysis. The information helps utilities make better decisions that will drive operational as well as energy efficiencies.
Verdeeco’s products GridUnify and GridDNA go beyond what is currently available to derive information from extremely large amounts of data fast and without millions in hardware investment.
Verdeeco is definitely a cutting-edge company poised to help utilities realize full value from Smart Grid data.
Fred Baumbach - 12/23/2010 - 12:04
Infrax Systems Nomination
The Florida based company, Infrax Systems, a global provider of unified Smart Grid-related products and services for the Energy and Utility industries, is working on a secure platform aimed at preventing cyber terrorism.
Their Secure Network Interface Card (SNIC) universal host interface board, designed to prevent attacks on the global energy grid, is an "under the glass" solution designed for use in any standards-based meter (Electric, Water, Gas). Based on a multiple processor design, the SNIC provides military grade encryption and wireless interface modules for HAN and WAN applications.
Cyber Security and the prevention of malicious attacks is a core component to Infrax's evolving Secure Intelligent Energy Platform, which includes secure wireless substation backhaul components, local communications devices and automation applications.
Infrax Systems will be a company to watch in 2011.
SB - 12/23/2010 - 14:01
Consert
VOTE CONSERT!! Consert saved us 15% off our energy bill with no effort on our part!
Winifred Boswell - 12/24/2010 - 05:36
Conectisys
Working a deal with Gas Natural Fenosa in Central America.Bigger things to come.
MS - 12/27/2010 - 11:11
2D2C
2D2C, Inc. is a company to watch for in 2011 for Smart Grid applications. They seem to add strong benefits to both Demand Response and HAN energy monitoring applications. Their SafePlug products won a CES award last year and have been finalists in the Chicago Innovation Awards.
Greg Baker - 12/27/2010 - 13:15
Proximetry wireless network management
http://www.proximetry.com
This company's software manages wireless network performance and is already embedded in or integrated with equipment for smart grid wireless networks. Utilities need to leverage the best of unlicensed and licensed wireless technologies as well as serve as many use cases as possible with their wireless networks for smart grid. Proximetry's AirSync tool makes both possible.
Julie Wright - 12/27/2010 - 20:15
Companies to watch in 2011
Jesse, I believe 3 companies will move forward substantially in 2011. They are Cisco, Bonneville Power Administration and Energate. Each is in a different position in the market and all are positioned to learn very quickly with an excellent set of personnel and activities underway. Best, Mike
Mike Davis - 12/28/2010 - 08:37
Powerit intalling real solutions
Powerit Solutions continues to embed their smart grid controllers and integrated solutions into the challenging industrial and, now, the more widely participating commercial sites. The horizontal applications of peak demand control, auto-demand response, dynamic pricing and intelligent energy efficiency are driving continued adoption. One of the first companies to apply smartDRAS clients using OpenADR, Powerit is going beyond the hypothetical. This continued adoption and real-world use of these systems makes Powerit a top company to continue watching in 2011.
Bob Zak - 12/28/2010 - 14:21
Companies to watch in 2011
Consert Inc. = Consert helps the utility prepare for Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards.
Debbie Earp - 12/29/2010 - 10:32
Vote Consert
The Consert system allows homeowners to adjust their home temperature and water heater setting remotely; making it easy to save energy, maintain comfort and reduce their carbon footprint.
Kate Shiring - 12/29/2010 - 11:02
Consert is the company to watch
Consert Inc. is the Smart Grid company to watch in 2011. The unique capabilities of Consert’s SaaS enable electric utilities to turn homes and small businesses into virtual power plants that assist the utility with peak load management. As a homeowner who uses the Consert system, I appreciate the ability to have multiple programs that manage my heat and A/C, the ability to monitor my electric usage and adjust and change programs online whether at home or traveling, as well as the savings in my electric bill.
William Borden - 12/29/2010 - 13:37
Alcatel Lucent
Alcatel Lucent is doing very well in China Smart Grid market
Monique KOH - 12/29/2010 - 19:16
Consert for real time demand response
Consert has a system of devices that work together to provide control over my energy usage and energy savings to me, the consumer.
This same system aggregates thousands of these installs and provides the real-time, verifiable "virtual power plant" to manage peak load, reduce or eliminate the need to spin up peaker plants/generation and reduce harmful greenhouse emmissions.
Craig Chandler - 12/30/2010 - 07:52
AMBIENT (ABTG)
Ambient Corporation has always been an innovator and a pioneer in smart grid and grid applications, and has been steadily building strong partnerships with major players.
JB - 12/30/2010 - 09:28
Consert nomination
I am nominating Consert Inc for the SGN11 Most Promising Company for 2011 because the Consert program demonstrates that the utility is listening to what matters to their consumers.
Ralph berger - 12/30/2010 - 09:45
Consert Inc.
Consert is at the forefront of the Smart Grid innovation. The fact that you can be in control and allow the utility to build a virtual power plant is leading edge. Real time is the key for Consert.
Joel Webb - 12/30/2010 - 16:48
Ambient in 2011
After 10 years of pioneering real-time, interoperable, IP based, 2 way digital communications WITH and for utilities, the time for AmbientSmartGrid has arrived. In March 2010 the CEO of Duke Energy stated:
In the last few years, Duke has had contact with 900 clean/green tech firms, Rogers reported. The IOU had “more detailed conversations” with 250 and tested the products of 100 of those firms. “And now we're in a place where we have five strategic partners and we've done five pilots.” Ambient is the strategic partner installing the core communications system "boxes" that Duke describes as the "brains" of its system!
John Whatman - 12/30/2010 - 20:37
Most Promising company in 2010? Consert
My vote goes to Consert. They work smart.
Mike Boyd - 12/31/2010 - 19:06
Consert has my vote
I believe Consert is the Smart Grid company to watch in 2011. I expect Consert’s SaaS enabled electric utilities to turn homes and small businesses into virtual power plants that assist utility companies with grid management. As a homeowner, I can appreciate the ability to have multiple programs that manage heating and A/C systems, as well as the potential savings in my electric bill.
Peter Ryall - 01/02/2011 - 07:01
Watch Consert in 2011
Consert gets my vote as the Smart Grid company to watch in 2011.
Kathleen Keville - 01/03/2011 - 04:49
Infrax Systems
Infrax Systems of course...Watch this company for 2011...Unbelievable technology for what we need in this world today...and still wonder why we dont have them today...I hope we dont wait until its too late...
Anthony Albert - 01/03/2011 - 07:30
Infrax Systems in 2011
Infrax Systems Executes Technical Development Agreement With Smart Meter Manufacturer, Itron, Inc.
Revolutionary "Under the Glass" Solution to Be Available First for Centron Meters From Itron.
Infrax Systems, Inc., (OTCBB: IFXY), a global provider of unified Smart Grid-related products and services for the Energy and Utility industries, announced today that it has entered into a Technical Information License Agreement with Itron, Inc, one of the largest smart grid meter manufacturers globally. At the conclusion of the qualification testing process, Infrax will have the ability to license the communications module to Itron, as well as sell the product as Itron compliant.
Infrax Systems is an up and coming dynamo offering wireless broadband communications platforms, smartgrid energy products and security technologies. Infrax is investing in an all star cast of management and support personnel with backgrounds from local operations, technical support and development to white house security.
Definitely a company that will take a leading role in 2011!
mike wooley - 01/03/2011 - 09:02
Conectisys Corp & Gas Natural Fenosa
ConectisysCorp (CONC) Reports January, a premiere earlystage AMR AMI developer about to launch significant milestone w/GasNaturalFenosa and a major adoption longg coming and well deserved. Best wishes to all at Conectisys from the texas gulf coast for first class system engineering,
randy
randy johnson - 01/03/2011 - 10:19
Infrax systems
Infrax system is definitly the company to beat in 2011. They just signed a deal with Itron the biggest smart meter provider today to provide there security system for smart meters which no competing company has so far.
Jonathan McCarthy - 01/03/2011 - 11:18
Smart Energy "For the People"
Smart Energy and Smart Health "For the people." Electranetics is one to watch.
Electranetics, Inc. ("EI") is a technology company providing innovative platform solutions in the Clean Tech and Health Sciences Sectors, including multiple Smart Grid and Remote Medical Monitoring Solutions. The Company holds is own portfolio of patents issued and patents-pending. Electranetics has its company headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the manufacturing operations also exist, with additional offices and representation in Newport Beach, CA, Washington, D.C., and Valencia, Spain.
EI's WattBossTM Energy Control Platform provides a quantum shift in the Consumer vs. Utility dynamic by enabling Consumers to transform how they consume and save electricity. WattBoss is the lowest cost, most complete hardware and software solution for Home Energy Management, and Smart Grid integration. WattBoss allows customers to track, pre-program and remotely control energy usage of all lighting, appliances, electrical devices and equipment with any online interface such as a mobile phone, computer, or Internet connection. A true end-to-end solution, the WattBoss Platform provides a low cost hardware and software solution for fully integrated Home Energy Management, Intra-Home Networking, Utility Demand Response and Dynamic Price Response making WattBoss a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) "Negawatt" provider for Utility applications and energy savings. WattBoss has Residential, Commercial and Industrial Solutions.
Kevin Jones - 01/03/2011 - 12:35
Electronetics is the most compelling tech I've seen yet
Electranetics, Inc. ("EI") is a technology company providing innovative platform solutions in the Clean Tech and Health Sciences Sectors, including multiple Smart Grid and Remote Medical Monitoring Solutions. The Company holds is own portfolio of patents issued and patents-pending. Electranetics has its company headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the manufacturing operations also exist, with additional offices and representation in Newport Beach, CA, Washington, D.C., and Valencia, Spain.
EI's WattBossTM Energy Control Platform provides a quantum shift in the Consumer vs. Utility dynamic by enabling Consumers to transform how they consume and save electricity. WattBoss is the lowest cost, most complete hardware and software solution for Home Energy Management, and Smart Grid integration. The WattBossTM Platform has the added features of creating an in-home or office "grid" which can distribute High Definition Television, audio, data, computer games and Internet connections throughout the home or business footprint.
WattBoss allows customers to track, pre-program and remotely control energy usage of all lighting, appliances, electrical devices and equipment with any online interface such as a mobile phone, computer, or Internet connection. A true end-to-end solution, the WattBoss Platform provides a low cost hardware and software solution for fully integrated Home Energy Management, Intra-Home Networking, Utility Demand Response and Dynamic Price Response making WattBoss a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) "Negawatt" provider for Utility applications and energy savings. WattBoss has Residential, Commercial and Industrial Solutions. EI is working with the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association on a series of Pilot Programs for 2011.
Redg Snodgrass - 01/04/2011 - 06:25
Consert in 2011
I like the looks of Consert for many of the reasons that have already been mentioned.
Justin Louis - 01/04/2011 - 10:46
my vote is for GRYD
GRYD.org has some great features in a small package, they focus on smaller scale smartgrids, and with 0 cost infrastructure.
Also, they some cool security features.
C Smyrna - 01/04/2011 - 12:10
ElectSolve
ElectSolve is dominating the MDM market space for the small-to-medium coops/munis. They know utility system integration and data management... their core team worked in IOU space for years and pioneered original MDMA service for CA dereg market in mid'90s. Partnerships with multiple AMI vendors and distributors has resulted in big wins with huge pipeline in 2011. Awarded several DOE/SGIG projects. The robust MDM is actually a solid Operational Data Management System (ODMS) that interfaces to AMI, CIS, OMS, SCADA, WFM, GIS etc.. with a nice interface and its priced right! Founded in 1999 with over 400k electric/waters in production with additional 200k+ under contract. Recently awarded the upgrade project for their initial MDM system deployed back in 1999. They have cool optional MDM modules like Customer Portal, Line Loss Analysis, DR/DA Support, Service Order mgmt and Complex Power Billing. Watch for possible buyout in 2011.
Nick Hudson - 01/04/2011 - 12:34
Infrax-Future Qualcomm of Smartgrid!
I double every post (especially Mike Wooley and Jonathan McCarthy's comments from 1/3/2011) made here so far about Infrax. For Mr. Berst and all who are reading these posts, it would be well worth your time to really do some detailed research into this company based in Florida. Everything is in there website www.infraxinc.com including phone numbers to speak with company executives who have always been more than willing to speak with you. They not only have the arrangement with Itron, but possess THE "TRUELY SECURE" platform to prevent cyber terroism in the smartgrid universe.
Barry Brown - 01/04/2011 - 14:03
INFRAX - more reasons with this and my next post.
From Distributech Conference in SanDiego website on Feb 1-3. Infrax's featured products
G.R.I.M.
Utility and energy industry systems are not equipped to handle well designed acts of terrorism aimed at disabling or penetrating strategic elements. With the threat of attacks over the internet growing, it is critical to ensure that robust security aspects are introduced for all the elements of the grid. While the SNIC provides an enhanced level of security from a device perspective, GRIM constantly monitors the infrastructure itself to ensure unwarranted intrusions are prevented. Our GRid Intrusion Management is a powerful, protocol agnostic management tool designed to proactively monitor the grid and thwart potential cyber-attacks. The engine upon which the platform is built provides the ability to detect intrusion attempts, perform behavioral analysis and forensics, and take action based on policies or pre-written rules.
SNIC (Secure Network Interface Card) SNIC
Secure Network Interface Card (SNIC) addresses the Advanced Metering Infrastructure requirements of the electric utilities worldwide by providing secure two way communications between meter and control center of the energy company. Although the initial launch addresses the US market, the basic design also will support the requirements of electric utilities globally. The military grade encryption based on trusted platform module and patented authentication mechanism provides one of the highest levels of meter security available today. The universal host interface board is equipped with two wireless modules – one for home area networking and the other for wide area networking. The WAN module utilizes a standards based communication protocol which is extremely reliable and deterministic in nature. The smart meter card is the first of several products to be developed as part of Infrax's Secure Intelligent Energy Platform (SIEP).
Barry Brown - 01/04/2011 - 14:55
Infrax - continued reasons
From Distributech Conference website.
GridMesh
The Secure Communication Layer: Infrax has created a revolutionary wireless broadband infrastructure platform that addresses the challenges posed by existing 900 MHz and CDMA/GPRS meter communications solutions. Our platform takes advantage of the proprietary protocols and routing algorithms, which enable our customers to cost effectively, deploy a reliable carrier grade two-way communications infrastructure. This platform also allows our customers to take advantage interference free, pristine RF frequencies without the expense of a license. This combination of proprietary protocols and unique RF capabilities makes this infrastructure more secure than anything available on the market today. This platform also includes a secure, long range, ‘Middle-Mile” backhaul solution that provides the first truly complete end-to-end solution from a single vendor.
UMAX
The Utility Max (UMAX) Product Family is an extremely cost effective wireless solution for Utilities and Telco's who are looking to either set up a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint Ethernet links. The UMAX+ uses an adjunct box that is connected to the UMAX radio over an Ethernet link to provide T1/E1s at the remote locations. Due to the advanced implementation of both, Frequency Division Duplex and Time Division Duplex in the wireless domain the UMAX products can operate on a single channel and do not need a guard band between the transmit and receive signals. UMAX base stations coordinate traffic flow from the clients through a polling mechanism, which constantly adapts itself based on client traffic avoiding the issues inn traditional OFDM wireless networks where multiple clients transmitting data to a base station simultaneously will cause traffic collisions, necessitating retransmissions and reducing throughput.
e website
Barry Brown - 01/04/2011 - 15:00
Mapjects.com 2011
They're an addon smartgrid feature engine, that easily inetgrates and plugs into an oracle weblogic or a IBM webshpere or a Microsoft backend.
They perform outage management, DMS and a few other features at very inexpensive price.
You can take brand yourself ontop of their engine.
Andy Roma - 01/04/2011 - 15:38
Consert
I have been watching this field for the past several years. I select Consert to be the one making the most ground. Keep up the good work.
Robert Borden - 01/04/2011 - 19:31
Consert nomination
I am nominating Consert Inc for the SGN11 Most Promising Company for 2011 because Consert has demonstrated that they are at the forefront of the Smart Grid innovation. They make it possible for the average consumer, with little effort, to make a substantial contribution in lowering carbon footprint and consumption of fossil fuels.
Candace M Squires - 01/05/2011 - 06:44
Consert in 2011
The Consert Solution allows me to save money and reduce my carbon footprint. They are at the forefront of the Smart Grid innovation.
Christa Reinersman - 01/05/2011 - 08:52
Electranetics Inc.
I serve as a consultant in the Smart Grid and Energy Sectors and consult for members of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives. Electranetics, Inc. is definitely a Smart Grid company to watch in 2011. They provide the WattBossTM Energy Control Platform which is a new dynamic in the Consumer/Utility relationship. WattBoss provides tools so that the Consumer can truly "boss" their "watts" by enabling Consumers to transform how they use and save electricity. WattBoss also provides benefit to Utilities with traditional Demand Response and Load Shedding features. Electranetics, Inc. is creating industry relationships with AT&T, Alcatel-Lucent and others for deployment of the WattBoss in 2011.
EI is working with the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association member cooperatives on a series of Pilot Programs to be scheduled for 2011.
John English - 01/05/2011 - 13:50
Companies to watch
Comverge (www.comverge.com) is a very cool company and will be doing some big things in 2011. Same with Ice Energy (www.ice-energy.com), a very cool concept and a company i love to watch. Also - OPOWER (www.opower.com). They had a tremendous 2010 and are positioned to continue to be a leader in customer engagement in 2011
mark johan - 01/05/2011 - 14:15
GRYD.org
gryd.org has turnkey Smartgrid software - cool company to watch... They have a demo coming up in distributech
JB - 01/05/2011 - 14:50
Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is taking a solutions based approach to Smart Grid and focusing on how end use customers can take advantage of Smart Grid and provide valuable services to the Smart Grid for grid reliability and risk management. Schneider Electric will leverage their broad expertise across areas ranging from low to medium-voltage equipment, residential, industrial and commercial energy management systems, and electric vehicle charging solutions to lead the way in the Smart Grid sector.
Lesley Stephen - 01/05/2011 - 15:01
Carina Technology, Inc.
Carina Technology will gain notoriety in 2011. Based in Huntsville Alabama, Carina has been quietly developing and deploying next generation smart grid solutions since 2005. While not an AMI company, Carina has developed a suite of patented and patent pending hardware and software applications that target specific solutions for utilities. Their products don't compete with traditional "smart meter" or "smart network" products, instead, they are designed to be surgically deployable and complementary to AMR/AMI systems.
Specific applications to watch from Carina in 2011 are the FlexPay pre-pay electricity product and WISE residential demand response product. Carina isn't tackling the problem of building the whole Smart Grid - instead it focuses on partnering to fill gaps, layer smart apps, and meet immediate needs while leaving room to grow.
Laura Pepper - 01/05/2011 - 15:26
Nomination
I am a Cisco Certified Sales Expert (CSE) and have recently learned about the WattBossTM Energy Control Platform provided by Electranetics, Inc. I would whole heartedly recommend Electranetics as a company to watch in 2011. From my point of view, they seem to have the most integrated end-to-end solution for both home or business energy control and provide Utilities with unique ways to get better Demand Response adoption. Some of the biggest names in the Smart Grid space are partnering up with Electranetics and with Pilot Programs coming out this year with the National Rural Electric Cooperatives; they should be an exciting company to watch grow into a superstar.
Jaimie Kander - 01/05/2011 - 16:09
SAS
SAS is a company to watch for in the Smart Grid space - they have a long track record providing the tools to manipulate large amounts of data and producing advanced analytics.
MJ - 01/19/2011 - 13:31
Smart Intelligent DB Automatic Laod Balancing
Check out the new Intelligent DB, Full Automatic Phase Balancing, ALL the Electrical Metering on Board, per Phase, kwh per Circuit, three timers per Circuit Breaker, Arcless Switches transfer load between Phases under 100 ms, no loss of load while this happens, Class 1 Metering Device reporting kwh and ALL Other Readings back to Server, 12 Months later you can still recall ANY Reading. We just installed 14 in our Office Block, 1st DB is Master, all other Slave, Grid Balanced result, Power Out the Generator start, send 24 V DC Signal to all my Intelli DB`s, and all my priority 5` drop out, (Air Con Circuits, etc), without ANY "Drop-Out" Contactors...Lovely.....Each Circuit "Smart Arc less Switch", have 3 Programmable Timers I can set, Overload protection I can set, Priority 1 - 5 I can set, Load Shedding Automatically on Low Priorities, with Load Balancing happening Automatically in my System, NO MORE Tripping on un balanced phases, etc...
Paul Mollentze - 01/26/2011 - 02:01
Inteli DB e-mail or SMS me on any event
Installing a Smart Meter sounded good to me, but that only varifies my kwh consumption and billing. With this Intelli DB I not only have Smart Metering, I can intervine, DSM Command request reduction of let`s say 20%, my Intelli DB Automatically sheds my "Low Priority 5" Loads and even "4`s" if needed, AND Re-Balances my Phases resulting in less stress on the Utility Transformer. Time Of Use Tariffs I simply program in PER Circuit, and in those Peak Times, these Circuits will simply not work, this is an attractive device, we have 780 Amp Per Phase, in the Head Office Building, between my 14 Intelli DB`s we handle this with ease at each Intelli DB @60 Amp Per Phase, (180 Amp Per Intelli DB Three Phase. It even reports every event not only to the Server, also per e-mail or on my Mobile. I know of each Over Current Trip, Over OR Under Voltage, Hz Freq out of range, before anything or anybody knew about it. It shows my Power Factor PER Circuit at any given time. This is worth invetigating.
Paul Mollentze - 01/26/2011 - 02:59
INFRAX....
There is entirely too much going on with this company to not look deep here.
Sean Johnson - 02/09/2011 - 16:49
MAPJECTS
I love their (MAPJECTS.COM) oil and gas dashboards, and BMC, it shows how their smart grid platform is truly flexible. I know because we have a custom DNP3 SCADA solution! Its easier to use than Siemens.
Abrams - 03/31/2011 - 12:39
Mapjects.com sofftware was good fit for energy services
My company offer's Environment, Energy and Safety services. So we needed a total green sustainability application.
We decided on a Oracle Financials [asset management], and Mapjects.com software for AMI, sustainability segment [all the eco, environment, chemicals, safety compliance and energy components]. Here is how we used it, and it was nice fit, it maybe different for you.
We used Mapjects.com for rapid (drag and drop) visualization, dashboard, scorecards, optimization features mostly. They connect the data and let you use visual model, graphs, heatmaps and the data with a few clicks and ad hoc reporting.
I wanted something easy to setup, here is what I found.
1 - The Mapjects.com software lets you white label your company as a back office install.
2 - Its got a nice portal/widget feature, where you can let users register and give them access to fuels, fleet, energy and environmental compliance (assets and logistics)
Nice to have -
Mapjects.com was missing the turbine peakers monitoring components, but since they had SCADA, and DNP3 they customized it.
A seperate component has secure sensornet with wfs, wms, and other GIS capabilities, but they were not integrated. They also handle vegetation management, with security and costing options.
I was able move my excel spreadsheets into the software fairly easily - nice.
Three new demonstration projects caught our attention - a smart grid effort in Albuquerque's business district, a rapid recovery transformer study in Texas and a trial involving low voltage current sensor technologies in the UK. They also got us to thinking: At this stage in the smart grid build out, if you could design a demonstration project, what would it entail? That's our latest Tuesday Topic; click for the details.
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