Program: 2008 UTC Region 1 Meeting

Utilities are already working on their next–generation infrastructures, which will include more intelligence and thus, be even more dependent on communications and IT networks. Utility communication systems everywhere will need to be upgraded as part of this process, and UTC Research has conducted two studies of what is happening, how it’s happening, and which utility is doing what. This session will present a look at the key building blocks of the Intelligent Grid -- communications architecture, data repositories, application-level integration and standards -- as discovered through this work. Attendees can expect to learn how to create a roadmap for their utility’s next–generation vision – at least in terms of communications – and what applications can begin to be deployed immediately.

David Shpigler, President, Shpigler Group

Come hear from a member of UTC’s leadership team what’s going on with UTC. This is a great time for members and non-members alike to find out what UTC is doing and what is being planned. This presentation gives attendees a chance to ask questions and provide suggestions about the direction of UTC.

Troy West, General Manager- Technology & Corporate Services, Cleco

Many IT departments are starting to play in the telecom space – at least in a limited capacity. This session will give IT professionals who are somewhat involved in the telecom space an overview of what is different and unique regarding telecom (you know, they’re not just old radio guys!). Additionally, this session will discuss some of the typical IT/telecom culture clashes that utilities often see and how to move beyond that conflict to get the job done.

George Stoll, President, Utility Telecom Consulting Group, Inc.

What is the FCC planning for the frequency bands in which you operate? What is the status of the proceedings you’re worried about? What are Congress and Federal agencies doing to help critical infrastructure communications? In this always-popular session, get an overview of what the UTC Legal/Regulatory staff is doing and how we read the landscape for your communications systems, including the status of legislative work and the drive toward a critical infrastructure spectrum allocation.

Brett Kilbourne, Director of Regulatory Services & Associate Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council

"Interoperability” is a Washington buzzword, but while everyone knows that utilities have to respond during emergency situations, that’s only a small part of what interoperability means to you. When utilities are getting the lights back on, the gas running and water flowing, how do the right personnel from dozens of utilities talk to each other? Then, how do they talk with traditional public safety? And on an everyday basis, how do Smart Grids and better emergency planning drive connectivity among entire utility data networks? UTC’s Regional Division has been working to define what “interoperability” means for OUR industry, and how to get there. Come hear about the progress, provide your input and help us work out the plan for this important part of our future.

Charles Hill, Regional General Manager, Black & Veatch

Communications networks are enabling platforms for all next–generation system automation, and future utility networks must provide the packet–based intelligence required to support IP–based applications: SCADA, LMR, VoIP, IP Data, VPNs, etc. These applications require increased bandwidth that is more flexible and efficient; increasingly these services will be delivered over an Internet Protocol/ Multi–Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) –architecture. This session will discuss the benefits of implementing utility–wide IP–based systems, especially related to the integration of communications and IT–based applications, making disparate legacy systems interoperate, and easing future systems integration. The significant challenges and obstacles common to IP implementations will also be discussed.

TBD, LightRiver Technologies, Inc.

Telecom systems are critical to utilities, but they also can be critical to the communities that utilities serve. This session explores means to build telecom systems that can benefit the community at large. Such projects are “win–win” scenarios for both; moreover, telecom departments may gain an edge in securing additional funds and people to complete projects that have a scope greater than just the utility.

Troy West, General Manager- Technology & Corporate Services, Cleco