DistribuTECH 2012

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Campbell McCool Leave a comment

A few observations from DistribuTECH last week:

  • The overall energy level was up significantly from a year ago. I don’t know if actual traffic was (although it appeared to be), but there seemed to be more of a sense of urgency. Real business being done. More meetings with a specified purpose as opposed to mere “networking.” Good to see.
  • I think we’ve finally washed through the stimulus money issue and we’re back to a true marketplace based on actual forces of supply and demand as opposed to one-time artificial elements. Thank goodness.
  • The rise of cellular continues. I’m obviously biased here given SmartSynch’s position in the market as the cellular leader, but the “rush to cellular” continues and is picking up more momentum. The more that utilities explore and plan their “next generation” smart grid the more appealing cellular looks. Traditional mesh network providers are starting to offer a cellular solution and this trend should only continue.
  • Whether you call it Smart Grid 2.0 or the “next generation,” it’s coming and coming fast. The number of utilities wanting to discuss simple automatic meter reading is dwindling, and almost all of our meetings are revolving around how we can provide the best architecture for a true smart grid for the next 30-40 years. Moving technology out to the edge, creating a single system that is interoperable, standards based, and expandable. (It’s another reason cellular and IP are so attractive.)

I must admit that I’m still having trouble getting used to saying “2012″ as it sounds like science fiction, but here we are. We couldn’t be more excited about things as this year is off to a roaring start. See you next month at TechAdvantage.

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Public Carrier Networks for Smart Grids

Posted on November 4, 2011 by admin Leave a comment

2G, 3G, and 4G Cellular Networks for Smart Meters, Distribution Automation,
Substation Automation, and Mobile Workforce Communications

Public cellular networks are ubiquitous around most of the world, and depending on the network technology, feature exceptional data capacity, high transfer rates, and a high level of responsiveness to support near real-time data communications. Most importantly, these networks are either already built out or in the case of the newest 4G networks, are rapidly being built out to accommodate both voice and data communications. Utilities have long employed public cellular networks for a variety of applications, but the deployment of such networks has traditionally been limited in scope due to a relatively restrictive pricing structure and certain technological limitations.

Read more and download the full report >

From Pike Research

3G, cellular technology, public wireless networks, smart grid, Smart Meter Technology

Consumers Energy Selects SmartSynch for Systemwide Deployment of 1.8 Million Residential and Commercial SmartMeters

Posted on September 26, 2011 by admin Leave a comment

Stephen Johnston, SmartSynch’s CEO, and John Russell, President and CEO of Consumers Energy, sign the agreement for SmartSynch to provide SmartMeters to the utility’s 1.8 million electric customers in Michigan. Photo courtesy of Consumers Energy.

Consumers Energy has selected SmartSynch to provide the advanced metering system that will form the foundation of a grid and meter modernization program for its 1.8 million electric customers in Michigan.

Consumers Energy’s selection of SmartSynch to provide SmartMeters™ concluded a comprehensive process by the utility to find the best advanced metering solution for its customers.

The company’s decision to utilize existing cellular networks for large-scale, high-performance smart grid communications, in lieu of building and maintaining a private network, comes after extensive research and testing of available industry solutions.

It makes Consumers Energy, which serves more than two-thirds of Michigan across a 32,000-square-mile service territory, the largest U.S. utility to choose a cellular-based communication system for the smart meter deployment phase of its grid modernization program. The companies announced the agreement today at an industry conference in Washington. Read more.

 

Autovation, cellular technology, Consumers Energy, Investor Owned Utilities, smart grid, Smart Meter Technology

Greentech Media Webinar to Highlight New Role of Cellular Networks in Smart Grid

Posted on August 31, 2011 by admin Leave a comment

Earlier this year, SmartSynch introduced an unprecedented 3G communications platform and smart grid application environment leveraging Qualcomm’s technology, optimized for the smart grid and M2M space (click here for story). On September 6th at 2:00 p.m. ET, Greentech Media will host a free webinar discussing business and technology developments enabling a renewed role for cellular in smart grid: The New Role of Cellular Networks in Smart Grid, featuring panelists from Qualcomm CDMA Technologies, Julian Durand, Staff Manager, Product Management, and Andy Wood, Director, Business Development.

At last, the same cellular communication technologies that are enabling more than 5 billion connections worldwide are now enabling utility companies to reliably and cost effectively deploy smarter grids. This webinar will cover challenges, recent innovations, and a future outlook of the market. Audience members will get a chance to ask questions live of the panelists. For more info, or to register, click here.

cellular technology, public networks, public wireless, smart grid

2nd SmartSynch Oxford Endurance Weekend

Posted on August 5, 2011 by admin Leave a comment

On August 5-7 athletes will once again converge on Oxford, Mississippi, for the 2nd SmartSynch Oxford Endurance Weekend. The Oxford Endurance Weekend features five sporting events that combine athletics with Oxford’s unique setting for an event unlike any other.

The activities kick off on Friday evening with the Rowan Oak 5k at the University Museum. Following the 5k there is a party sponsored by Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company featuring live music, food and drinks.

Saturday morning’s Tri-Oxford and Race of Truth Time Trial both take place in Oxford, and athletes head to Taylor, Mississippi, for the Plein Air Classic Bike race on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday morning, the Oxford Square Criterium wraps up events with a bike race around Oxford’s Courthouse Square. Spectators are encouraged to come out and see this unique event that is taking place on the Square.

“We had a great event last year,” said Tim Akers, City Planner and Event Organizer, “and know this year’s event will be even better!”

The event is hosted by the City of Oxford, Oxford Park Commission and Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the event is produced by renowned event producers Start2Finish Events out of Memphis, Tennessee. Other partners include the title sponsor SmartSynch as well as Plein Air, Baptist Hospital, the University Museum, the Inn at Ole Miss, Lazy Magnolia, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, The Downtown Oxford Inn, Oxford Orthopedics and  Chick-fil-a.

“Oxford Endurance Weekend is a fantastic event offering something for everyone, and we welcome the opportunity to serve as the title sponsor again this year,” said Campbell McCool, SmartSynch’s Chief Marketing Officer. “SmartSynch is working closely with both the City of Oxford and the university on smart electricity grid projects, and many of our employees graduated from Ole Miss and live in the area. Supporting this type of community-wide, family-friendly event was an easy decision.”

For more information on the SmartSynch Oxford Endurance Weekend visit www.oxfordenduranceweekend.racesonline.com or call 662.232.2367 for more information.

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More Utilities Drawn to Cell Networks for Smart Grid

Posted on July 21, 2011 by admin Leave a comment

Check out the article about last month’s NARUC conference. Lots of great discussion centered on why cellular for the smart grid is the new reality:

A panel of industry specialists speaking at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ summer meeting today said that existing cellular networks are becoming a more attractive option for utilities looking to develop communications systems for their smart grid programs. Panelists pointed to cellular network pricing continuing to trend lower and new security capabilities on the networks that are making them a viable option to developing proprietary “mesh” smart grid communications networks.

“The question that you should ask yourself is, is it in the best interest of my ratepayers to build from scratch a private network that is some cases can cost $1 billion or more dollars when existing networks are already there … and it is equally cost effective to use them,” said Campbell McCool, chief marketing officer, SmartSynch.

Although utilities have existing cellular network relationship, utilizing them for smart grid applications historically has not been cost effective, said Mr. McCool. However, now there is a “new pricing reality” with such networks. Existing networks have steadily lowered their rates charged to utilities to retrieve their data from a rate of $10 per meter per month in 2000 to a current level of 35 cents per meter per month, said Mr. McCool. “Historically, the economic realities were that for most of North American utilities, building out their smart grids working with existing cellular providers was just too expensive. That is no longer the case. It is now on par or even cheaper in real dollar amount outlays over the life of the system to work with existing cellular networks,” he said.

Mr. McCool also urged regulators to “coach” their utilities to look at the cost of smart grid communications systems over the lifetime of the system. “With cellular based systems most of the upgrades to the technologies are made on the carriers’ dime,” said Mr. McCool, which represents a “tremendous” driver of lowered costs.

Panelists pointed to a recent white paper issued by Duke Energy which concluded, after analyzing different options and considering the state of pricing, that it would work with existing networks for its smart grid.

“There is obviously no one size fits all solution, but clearly today it is a new day for cellular,” said Mr. McCool. “The pricing reality of where we are changes everything.”

Existing cellular networks also compete favorably with proprietary systems in terms of performance, said Andy Wood, director-business development with Qualcomm, Inc.  Cellular networks are very competitive with regards to download speeds and capacity, said Mr. Wood. “The ability to design a network that can adapt quickly to its performance requirements is paramount. That’s why I think cellular has such an advantage,” he said.

Reliability of cellular networks, driven by innovation in the industry, is also a factor in their favor, said Mr. Wood. Chipsets contained in smart grid devices now have the ability to detect connect to multiple networks in case a network fails. “That is something very new and innovative and is going to make a difference in terms of utilities trusting these networks,” said Mr. Wood.

Panelists also extolled the virtues of the security features contained in existing cellular networks.  Unlike private networks, existing cellular networks have years of experience in combating cyber threats and hackers, said Raj Vanswani, chief technology officer, Silver Spring Networks.

“The question to ask when someone comes with their propriety system is: Has this system been under constant attack every day for the last 30 years,” said Mr. Vanswani. “If the answer is yes — and no one but an IP-based solution can probably say that — then great but more likely the answer is no.”

-Matt Squire

cellular technology, NARUC, public wireless networks, smart grid

TNMP to Install SmartSynch SmartMeters Throughout Service Area

Posted on July 8, 2011 by admin Leave a comment

Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) today received approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas to install SmartSynch SmartMeters throughout its Texas service area over the next five years.

With today’s approval, TNMP plans to begin installing smart meters in its Gulf Coast service area starting in the third quarter of this year. With about 100,000 metered customers, the Gulf Coast area has TNMP’s largest concentration of meters. Installation in that area will be completed in 2013, followed by the company’s service area in northern Texas, then central Texas and finally western Texas in 2016. In total, the company expects to install about 240,000 smart meters.

Read more >

smart meter, Texas, TNMP

White House Talks Smart Grid

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Campbell McCool Leave a comment

I was at the White House last week for the unveiling of President Obama’s “Policy Framework for the 21st Century Grid: Enabling Our Secure Energy Future.” It was a who’s who of thought leaders in the smart grid. Thirty to forty major utilities were represented along with a very impressive lineup of representatives from DOE, the White House, major technology companies, and environmental groups. It was led by Secretary of Energy Chu and White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra.

It was a good opportunity take stock of what the smart grid looks like today, which developments have worked and which have not, and more importantly, where we need to go next. It was not a bunch of stuffed suits making lectures. They encouraged dialogue (which occasionally led to respectful disagreements), and everyone’s opinion counted. After the initial welcome, it turned into a real “roll up your sleeves and let’s focus on what we can do to move this rock.”

Observations and Highlights:

  • Texas was frequently mentioned as the state that is most progressive with regard to smart grid. I don’t think there’s any coincidence that it is also one of the few places that allow electric utilities to compete.
  • Lots of talk about the feds needing to encourage utilities to move faster, be more innovative, and learn from each other’s mistakes. The private technology markets were frequently cited as a good example. This led to much pushback with assertions that the current regulatory model itself doesn’t encourage innovation or speed to market.
  • The need to further engage the consumer. As I mentioned in my previous blog, this sentiment is gaining momentum. I don’t want to beat a dead horse, and I suppose it’s “better late than never,” but why hasn’t this been done over the past ten years? I believe many utilities would be further along and would have avoided many of the pitfalls that have plagued them. Anyway…

All in all it was impressive. Most important is that smart grid is being discussed at the very highest levels. I believe there is a genuine commitment to make/keep America at the forefront of this movement. I hope DOE will hold forums like this several times a year.

smart grid, Smart Grid Policy, White House

How Should We Engage the Consumer as the Smart Grid Develops?

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Campbell McCool Leave a comment

There’s nothing like staring out the window at 35,000 feet to do some thinking, especially if the seat next to you is empty, which luckily for me it is tonight. I’ve been to so many smart grid conferences and seminars recently I can’t keep up with them. I almost always learn something. How can you not when we are in a sector that is evolving by the month? Here’s something that is a head-scratcher to me—there is so much talk lately about the need to engage the consumer as the smart grid develops.

It’s the latest buzz topic—“let’s  engage the consumer,” etc. I guess this puzzles me a tad as what else would you do—not engage the consumer? Apparently that’s exactly right. Coming from a background of consumer marketing, I’ve always found “engaging the customer” paramount to any successful marketing effort. If you don’t do this early and often, your brand is toast. And yet the smart grid seems to have developed the other way around. Lots of really smart people have led our efforts to transform the existing, one-way grid into a digital, interactive internet of electricity. It’s way overdue, and nobody will argue with that.

Yet these discussions take place at the top—producers, distributors, and marketers of electricity. Regulators. Politicians. Then, the technology companies, service providers, communication providers, etc., come up with lots of ways to do it, services to sell to the utilities. Yet, along the way (within the last ten years), there has been very little effort towards educating the public on the benefits or even what the smart grid is? Why is that? We’re talking about big, life-changing advances that have been likened to the invention of the telephone, the internet, and the interstate highway system, and the average consumer out there knows nothing about it or why they even need it.

I have a theory. For the most part, utilities do not compete for a customer’s business. I know I don’t have any choice where I buy my electric service. Not that they take their customers for granted (in fact mine is very customer friendly), but I’m not sure the consumer marketing techniques companies like Coca-Cola, Nike, or Gillette employ day in and day out have made their way into utilities. But this needs to change and it will.

For the first time in history consumers will have choices regarding their energy consumption. Gasoline or electric car? Should I install solar panels on my home and generate much of my own power? Geothermal? Natural gas or electric? And that leads me to smart grid—can you say apps? The smart grid is going to offer apps to consumers they’ve never thought possible. Prepay? It’s already here. Home energy management tools? Get ready for a land rush in that category. All sorts of apps focused on electric vehicles. Apps, apps, apps. And if utilities are smart, they will take the lead as they have the relationship with their customer. If they don’t offer these, somebody else will—somebody who is probably very savvy at marketing to consumers. Utilities have the advantage because they own the “line into the house.” Question is—what will they do with it? Stay tuned.

Apps, Consumer Awareness, smart grid , , ,

Notes from Grid ComForum in Atlanta

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Campbell McCool Leave a comment

As I am preparing to speak on a panel this afternoon at Grid ComForum in Atlanta, something in session earlier today caught my attention. Tony Clark, president of NARUC, said that regulators have come to realize that we are in a rising cost environment. It’s inevitable that a true smart grid is going to cost more, and we must do a better job of communicating technology benefits to the consumer so they understand this.

Upgrading the old grid from top to bottom isn’t the answer. We don’t just need an upgrade of the old version. We need truly interoperable and future-proof technologies that create a more cost-effective smart grid.

SmartSynch finds this reality perfectly aligned with the many reasons leveraging cellular networks makes sense for utilities. With SmartSynch, a high-performing, interoperable smart grid is possible and doesn’t have to cost more. Utilizing existing cellular infrastructure and piggybacking off of the billions of dollars of investment they are spending to make sure these networks are the best makes perfect sense for utilities.

cellular technology, GridComForum, smart grid , , ,