SmartGridNews.com

Smart Grid Events and Conferences

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:05:45 PST

Industry events and conferences can help you stay on top of industry trends and technologies and make important contacts. Our calendar is loaded with upcoming events, with links for further details.

Smart grid communications standard IEC 61850 helps future-proof investments

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:57:06 PST

Upstream from smart meter and AMI pieces, success of plug-and-play depends on how well components “talk” to each other. As KEMA VP Ron Willoughby explains in this guest column, Europe is already using IEC 61850 data communication standards to a great advantage, and forward-looking utilities in the U.S. are beginning to leverage the protocol to enhance substation and distribution automation investments. Learn more about IEC 61850 inside.

How the ‘middle mile’ could stall smart grid communications

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:01:33 PST

It’s not enough to build a smart grid communications network sufficient for today’s needs. To avoid costly upgrades or unplanned overlays, utilities need to focus on future expansion – especially in the ever-evolving ‘middle mile.’ To help you assess your communications needs and understand your options, we’re hosting a free Webinar on Sept. 16 with expert panelists. Click inside for details and to register.

British utility execs fuzzy on which network technology they want for smart meter rollouts

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:42:16 PST

The decision makers at British utilities aren't sure which network technology would best ensure success for smart meter deployments, but they do think security, reliable meter readings and high first-time connection rates are critical. The company that conducted the research recommends that the utilities seriously consider long-range radio for the network because of its universal coverage.

Vertex launches working warriors program

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:08:30 PST

Vertex, a leading international Customer Management Outsourcing business with clients in the private and public sectors, announces that it has launched the Vertex Working Warriors Program. This initiative leverages the latest advances in technology and enables Vertex to provide clients in the Utilities sector with customer care support from highly qualified and skilled disabled veterans and/or their caregivers. This program is being delivered via a “work from home” setting, supporting veterans who may not be able to travel to work and providing locally-based support to Utilities and their customers if desired, as well as through a traditional contact center environment.

Styron backs the global push for smart meters with high-performance specialty resin

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:05:42 PST

Styron today announced the launch of EMERGETM PC 8701HH advanced resin in Europe and Asia-Pac. This high performance product tailored for smart meters complements Styron’s existing portfolio of products for the smart-meter manufacturing market. Recent initiatives of both European and North American governments consider smart meters amongst the most promising tools to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

SoloPower Is first ever to receive UL certification for a flexible CIGS module

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:59:00 PST

In a watershed breakthrough for the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, SoloPower, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of flexible, thin-film solar PV cells and modules, today announced UL certification for its flexible, CIGS modules, a first-ever achievement for the PV solar industry.

ESCO announces acquisition of smart grid solution provider

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:54:44 PST

ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) today announced that it has acquired Xtensible Solutions, Inc. ("Xtensible"), located in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Xtensible is the thought leader in Enterprise Information Management Strategy, and is a leading provider of semantic-based information management and integration solutions to the utility industry worldwide. Such strategy and solutions are critical for utilities to build sustainable and interoperable Smart Grid implementations. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Smart meter progress: Better than you think (but about to get worse)

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:40:31 PST

Smart meters are doing better than you think. But they are about to do worse. If you know what’s coming, you can avoid the worst of the aftermath.

Smart grid technologies: cheaper, better solar cells on the way?

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:40:41 PST

With some outside-the-box thinking and a hefty pinch of luck, National Renewable Energy Laboratory scientists have come up with a new way to make solar cells that they say is likely to lead to more efficient and cheaper cells than those in use today.

NIST releases guidelines for smart grid cyber security

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:26:12 PST

After 17 months of work, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has released its first guidelines for Smart Grid cyber security. They include high-level security requirements, risk assessment, an evaluation of privacy issues, grid protection strategies and more.

Independent probe says heat (not smart meters) caused PG&E bills to soar

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:40:48 PST

Score one for smart meter technology. The Structure Group’s independent evaluation of PG&E’s smart meters indicate they are accurate. But the utility gets demerits for its customer service.

PG&E Advanced Metering Assessment Report Commissioned by the California PUC

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:12:08 PST

In response to hundreds of consumer complaints about high electric bills occurring about the same time PG&E began rolling out smart meters, the California PUC commissioned the Structure Group to conduct an independent evaluation of the accuracy of the PG&E smart meters. This exhaustive report, an important read klsdfor industry stakeholders facing similar rollouts and consumer pressures, details the Structure Group's evaluation methodologies and findings.

PG&E Advanced Metering Assessment Report: Executive Summary

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:51:20 PST

By the fall of 2009, the California PUC had logged more than 600 consumer complaints about higher than expected electric bills after installation of PG&E smart meters. In response, the CPUC commissioned the Structure Group to conduct an independent evaluation of the accuracy of those meters. This is the executive summary to the report released in September 2010. Given the backlash elsewhere in the country, this report provides valuable learnings for utilities and other stakeholders.

Schneider Electric and Verisae collaborate on new demand response solution

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:59:34 PST

Schneider Electric and Verisae are working together to bring a comprehensive demand response product to commercial and industrial customers.

Cisco Announces Intent to Acquire Arch Rock

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:50:10 PST

Cisco today announced its intent to acquire privately held Arch Rock Corporation, a pioneer in Internet Protocol-based wireless network technology for smart-grid applications. Based in San Francisco, Arch Rock will accelerate Cisco's ability to facilitate the utility industry's transition to an open and interoperable smart grid by enabling Cisco to offer a comprehensive and highly secure advanced metering infrastructure solution that is fully IP and open-standards based.

Ford Uses Innovative Liquid-Cooled Battery System to Help Focus Electric Owners Maximize Range

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:22:51 PST

The all-new Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in late 2011 in the U.S. and 2012 in Europe, will be powered by a lithium-ion battery system that utilizes cooled and heated liquid to regulate battery temperature, extend battery life and maximize driving range

Photovoltaic Markets Surge to Forefront Amidst Efforts to Locate Viable Renewable Energy Sources, Notes Frost & Sullivan

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:20:11 PST

Rising concerns about the need to reduce CO2 emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources worldwide will stimulate the global photovoltaic market. Feed-in tariffs and politically backed targets boosting renewable energy use will provide further impetus to the photovoltaic market. This, in turn, will have a positive ripple effect on the demand for photovoltaic materials. Despite turmoil in the global economy, the photovoltaic materials markets experienced only a temporary slide in demand in 2009, with the overall outlook remaining optimistic.

Honeywell Survey Shows That Americans Chose Comfort Over Saving Money and 'Going Green' This Summer

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:16:04 PST

Most people agree that saving money and being "green" are important — until 100 degree temperatures are involved. Survey findings released today by Honeywell (NYSE: HON) following one of the hottest summers on record found nearly two thirds of American consumers chose comfort over cost savings and conserving energy when temperatures spiked.

Duke Energy Takes Steps to Further Advance Its Smart Grid Communications Architecture

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:12:42 PST

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has selected California-based Echelon Corporation and Massachusetts-based Ambient Corporation to further develop its grid-based communications architecture that connects various digital devices such as smart meters, power line sensors and automated power switching equipment.