Program: Next-Generation Summit

Bill Moroney, President & CEO, Utilities Telecom Council

Edmund Schweitzer, President, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Presentation

The Next-Generation Utility is no longer an abstract, future concept; utilities–both in the United States and internationally are already implementing automated applications that are enabled by advanced communication and IT systems. This session will review the progress that utilities have already made toward automation, and discuss likely near- and long-term technology roadmap scenarios as utilities advance toward the vision of “smart” or “intelligent” grids.

Aldo Morri, Director of Research, Utilities Telecom Council Presentation

UTC explored the future of utility automation in its recent report, “Next Steps to the Next-Generation Utility.” This session will discuss the trends and drivers of utility upgrades, help define what the future fully-automated utility will look like, and highlight the benefits that the Next-Generation Utility will bring to the many stakeholders involved: utility managers, staff, and shareholders, as well as consumers, regulators and the environmental community.

David Shpigler, President, The Shpigler Group Presentation

Mike Robinson, Communication Systems Architect, IBM Corporation Presentation

Many utilities are investing heavily in next-generation communication systems that will underpin advanced automation technologies and applications. Most utilities cite improved customer satisfaction as a major goal of upgrades, but how and why utilities invest their resources is different for each utility. This session will highlight case studies of utilities that are implementing next-generation applications. Come hear what utilities are already doing today to address their unique geographical, customer, regulatory and legacy technology circumstances.

Joe Zarb, Vice President – Marketing, Arcadian Networks Presentation

Chris Banakis, Vice President & Director – Utility Solutions, Motorola, Inc. Presentation

Rene Midence, Utilities Market Manager, RuggedCom, Inc. Presentation

The fully-automated, Next-Generation Utility involves many applications working together. A gradual approach to automation helps ensure that acquisition of systems or technologies do not limit future opportunities or create “stranded investments” that become tomorrow’s failed legacy systems. Systems implemented must be upgradeable, scaleable and interoperable with one another. This panel discussion will provide an overview of how these applications –Communications, AMI, Supply Automation, and Supply Control and Optimization – can work together to create the best possible solution.

Jill Lyon, Vice President & General Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council Presentation

Shirley Fujimoto, Attorney at Law, McDermott, Will & Emery Presentation

There are many Federal, State and even international legal and regulatory issues shaping the Next-Generation Utility. Utilities that take the initiative now will likely fare much better than utilities that wait for rules to be imposed upon them. This presentation will outline and discuss key legal and regulatory issues that utilities must understand as they prioritize their technology improvement plans. Join us as we discuss how to build a proactive strategy to deal with a future legal and regulatory framework that will be oriented toward a cleaner environment, consumer desires, and energy reliability.

Ray Blair, Vice President BPL Initiatives, IBM Corporation Presentation

David Zabetakis, Senior Vice President - Business Development, Current Communications Presentation

The large investment required to become a Next-Generation Utility requires that the business case be presented with an accurate operational department analysis at the start.  A good business case should address system selection, planning and deployment, prioritization issues and possible pitfalls to investment.  Come hear how utilities are evaluating the practical, operational improvements that can be attained by investment in new technology.

David Shpigler, President, The Shpigler Group Presentation

Tim Frost, Director – Corporate Planning, Consolidated Edison Presentation

As everyone knows, financing a project is always the sticking point for investment decisions. This session will discuss the financial implications of making the investment in the Next-Generation Utility, highlighting the financial benefits that can accrue alongside the operational benefits. Proving the long-term financial benefits of these projects is often hard, considering there is little precedent at other utilities to prove the worth of next-generation improvements. Come hear how you can manage financial expectations while still getting your next-generation projects on the high-priority list for utility capital expenditures.

Bill Moroney, President & CEO, Utilities Telecom Council

This session will tie together some of the important concepts outlined in the overall program and give attendees a chance to ask broad questions of the group at large.