Can free spectrum deliver the ultimate wireless network? May 18, 2012 Can utilities use free spectrum to get a private, secure, encrypted, high-reliability, 30-mile wireless network with no interference and no towers? Brian Andrew, CEO of Parseous Systems, says yes. Find out why.  More >>

FRIDAY FILES 5.18 - featuring news and views you can use May 18, 2012 Watch tomorrow's energy innovators unveil prototypes for next-gen energy efficient appliances and equipment... get the scoop on the DOE's new energy efficiency standards for household appliances... check out good reads (the feminine cleantech mystique and bright spots in the renewables sector among them)... and find out how you could win recognition for exemplary efficiency programs that save both water and energy.  More >> HAN testing takes a step forward (thanks to Oncor and Landis+Gyr) May 17, 2012 While 2012 may not be the year of the home area network, Doug Houseman of EnerNex reports that important work being done by Oncor and Landis+Gyr is at least moving the year of the HAN closer. Find out why.  More >> Serious collaboration needed to accelerate EV adoption in the UK May 17, 2012 While EV adoption has become a reality in London, solid efforts from all stakeholders are needed to speed EV adoption elsewhere in the UK, according to government and industry leaders. Learn what they think those efforts should include.  More >> 5 Dutch smart grid demos - hot on the trail of sustainable power May 16, 2012 A high-powered energy collective is moving into the design phase for five smart grid demonstration projects in the Netherlands. The group intends to design, implement and study smart grid operations and concepts - and also focus on thousands of technology-related standards.  More >> Mexico's plan to ride the wind to a secure energy future May 16, 2012 Mexico is climbing the ranks of wind power-producing countries fast in its efforts to establish a secure energy future - and the numbers tell the tale. The country produced only 3 megawatts of wind energy in 2005 but now boasts almost 400 times that much and expects to generate 2 gigawatts by the end of this year.  More >>

Taking the guesswork out of utility IT sustainability investments May 18, 2012 While the issue of sustainability may not be quite as hot as it was at one time, utilities understand the need to support it for a number of reasons, including public reputation, compliance requirements and shareholder expectations. A new report from IDC Energy Insights gives guidance on where IT and sustainability officers should focus their efforts and investments.  More >> Nearly a third of U.S. households have smart meters already, new study reveals May 17, 2012 The Institute for Electric Efficiency has updated its smart meter research, revealing that nearly one third of all households have a smart meter already and that one half will be equipped by 2015. The report also highlights some of the benefits those smart meters have achieved already.  More >> Home energy management continues to hit roadblocks, study confirms May 17, 2012 The home energy management market keeps trying to get more grab, but a number of factors are getting in the way, things like consumer indifference, lack of concrete standards and too many vendors, says a new report from Pike Research. We think Pike is on the money, but have additional thoughts on why consumers aren't biting.  More >> Georgia Power and EPRI target water use efficiency in power generation May 17, 2012 Plant Bowen With every region in the U.S. vulnerable to water shortages, the potential impact on future power generation is daunting. A new Water Research Center being developed by Georgia Power in collaboration with EPRI will key on new technologies to improve water efficiency in power generating facilities.  More >> Lessons learned: Pepco's path to an integrated network operating center May 16, 2012 The stakes get high once a utility installs an AMI communications system. Communications failures can negatively affect reliability. Ouch. And negatively affect the cash register. Ouch, ouch. That's why a fully integrated network operating system may be a smart - though challenging - solution, as Pepco discovered.  More >>

THE TUESDAY TOPIC Does Texas have it right? (And "traditional" states have it wrong.) It has taken a while, but more and more observers are calling the Texas "experiment" with retail competition a success... and even suggesting it may be a model for the rest of the country. Is it? Join the conversation >>

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