Smart Meter

Western Energy™

The Official Publication of Western Energy Institute

The Smart Grid Issue: 10 Questionsto Ask BeforeStarting a Smart Grid ProjectWhat You Can(and Can’t) Do with Customer-Specific Data

Electric, Gas and Water: The Smart Grid Trifecta?

Fine Tuning Communications to Educate Customers about the Smart Grid

Summer 2011 I westernenergy.org/we

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CONTENTS

6 Letter from the President/Editor’s Comment

8 10 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Smart Grid Project

12 Legal Aspects of Data Collection by Electric Utilities:

What You Can (and Can’t) Do with Customer-Specific Data

16 Electric, Gas and Water: The Smart Grid Trifecta?

18 Safety Champions Inspire, Invest and Celebrate Safety Success

20 Market Strategy: The Public is Not Focused on “Smart” Electricity Technologies

24 Fine Tuning Communications to Educate Customers about the Smart Grid

27 WEI Programs at a Glance

Tai DanforthManaging Editor, Western Energy

Deston NokesCopy Editor, Western Energy

Chuck MeyerPresident, Western Energy Institute

Cover photo: Brian Hoffman, Electric Test Technician for GWP (City of Glendale Water & Power), holding up a new, GWP electric smart meter.Photo top right: Glendale Water & Power’s New Storage Area Network (SAN) is prepared to receive the large amount of data AMI provides.

WE Magazine is printed on recycled FSC® and Rainforest Alliance certified paper.

Western Energy Institute827 NE Oregon Street, Suite 200Portland, OR 97232-2172503-231-1994westernenergy.org/we

Published by:Apogee Media GroupMichael Holley, [email protected]

Western Energy


WESUMMER 2011

Western Energy™


The Smart Grid Issue: 10 Questionsto Ask BeforeStarting a Smart Grid ProjectWhat You Can(and Can't) Do with Customer-Specific Data





WE

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At a recent planning meeting I attended, two people stated that they wish we would stop using the term, “Smart Grid.” Some may find that point of view curious until they consider the politics of Smart Grid and consumer attitudes surrounding it.

Recently, Black & Veatch,* an energy, water and telecom engineering and management consulting firm, surveyed 700 utility executives, staffers and consultants over what was the greatest impediment to the implementation of a Smart Grid. The answer, “Customers’ lack of interest and knowledge,” was ranked at the top, with funding and upfront investment concerns following close behind.

If one relied upon the commercial press for information about a Smart Grid, one would think it had less to do with modernizing our energy delivery system, and more to do with utilities putting digital gadgets in homes and businesses – and monitoring personal energy consumption and controlling appliances.

According to KEMA,* an energy consulting, testing and certification firm, the vision for a Smart Grid can be quite broad. KEMA views it as a full modernization and automation of electric power networks. Doing so, KEMA says, will enable a self-healing, more reliable, less constrained, safer and more efficient grid. In fact, they prefer to use the term, “Utility of the Future” instead of Smart Grid, an apparent nod to the term’s lack of popularity in some circles. It also indicates the degree of change a Smart Grid will introduce to the traditional utility business model.

While there is a large residential component imagined for a future Smart Grid, to date there has been significant pushback against that type of infrastructure. Utilities still are going to have to make that case with their customers and commissions.

What I believe is the more meaningful and important aspect of implementing a Smart Grid, is the digitization of transmission and distribution networks. Projects are underway to get away from analog systems, to make more data available more quickly, and to have the digital capability to seamlessly identify and correct system problems before they occur.

Utilities need to move into the 21st century with due diligence, and not get bogged down or bothered by what’s in the commercial press about Smart Grid.

This issue of Western Energy aims to look at the larger, more near-term Smart Grid issues and technologies, which are essential for becoming Utilities of the Future.

Sincerely,

Chuck MeyerPresident

Western Energy Institute

Let’s not get bogged down bySmart Grid terminology

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

I want to introduce myself as the new editor of WE Magazine — the quarterly Western Energy Institute publication. After our in-augural edition of Western

Energy Magazine this past spring, we refined our look, title and content further to come up with a publication that will serve our members even better.

WE gets at the heart of what we do — bringing people together to stay abreast of industry best practices and to solve shared business challenges.

Going forward, we’re intent on providing content that is insightful, useful and (as much as possible in a quarterly publication) timely. We are fortunate to have such a rich resource of members willing to share their expertise in these pages, and the substantive articles in this Smart Grid issue are just a taste of what’s to come.

The upcoming fall issue will provide a preview of hot topics to be addressed at the Spring Energy Symposium, and the winter issue will focus on Gas and Electric Operations. Starting this issue, we will also be providing a recurring feature on safety, and we encourage you to share this issue’s article (page 18) with colleagues.

As we continue to grow to meet our members’ needs, I invite you to join our conversation, and write us if you have any comments or ideas for content at [email protected]. Also, we are happy to announce that this issue kicks off the availability of three browser-based digital editions that will be available from our website for desktop, Android™ and iPhone access. You can always visit westernenergy.org/we for more information on how to get involved.Enjoy.

Sincerely,

Tai DanforthManaging Editor

Western Energy Magazine

EDITOR’S COMMENT

*Black & Veatch and KEMA are WEI Platinum members

Join theConversation

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Do you have a clear, unified vision of what you are trying to achieve with your Smart Grid project?

At the beginning of a long, costly, and difficult journey, a clear, unified vision of your Smart Grid project will serve many important purposes. A vision answers two sub-questions: What are we aspiring to achieve and why? Leaders create followers by getting them to embrace a desirable vision of the future. Any worthwhile major project will encounter difficulties and create inconvenience or hardship for some followers.

One useful method for clarifying your Smart Grid vision is provided by Carnegie Mellon’s SEI Smart Grid Maturity Model (SGMM). This model breaks the Smart Grid into eight domains and establishes five levels for each. The SGMM can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to assess the utility’s current state in each domain and then to select a level for the future state in each domain. Gap analysis then can be used to determine the magnitude of the effort required to attain the desired level. The SGMM is a holistic model that takes into account all aspects of the Smart Grid — not just the technology.

Does the Smart Grid project make good business sense?Part of this question has to do with financial benefits. Does the

project “pencil out?” Your capital approval process may have a prescribed set of financial tests such as net present value (NPV), return on investment (ROI), etc. Depending on the source of funding, there may be a requirement for a well-developed business case that includes a number of financial tests. The answer to the financial question is necessary but not sufficient. The other part of the question has to do with necessity. Some utilities have concluded that Smart Grid implementation is necessary for survival. Without it they

Questions to Ask Before Starting a

Smart Grid ProjectBy Terry McDonald, PMP

10FEATURE 10 qUEsTions

It’s a bit of wise advice that has been around for awhile. Another useful corollary is, “If you ask the right question at the wrong time, you may get a very unpleasant answer.” The 10 questions to ask before starting a Smart Grid project have to be answered sooner or later. Answering them sooner reduces project risk, saves money, and maximizes the probability of a positive outcome. These 10 questions serve as a due-diligence checklist that will be helpful to any utility preparing to initiate a Smart Grid project.

“If you ask the wrong question, you will always get the wrong answer.”

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believe that it may not be possible to cope successfully with electric vehicles, distributed generation and storage, renewable portfolio requirements, and other features they will need to function in the future.

Many utilities are now using lifecycle costing or total cost of ownership measures in their business cases. These calculations include the costs of acquisition, operation and maintenance, and disposal. Smart Grid projects have a huge IT component that require highly skilled professionals, licensing costs, data center space, electricity, cooling, backup, and disaster recovery provisions. Ongoing annual operation and maintenance is often 20 percent of the original acquisition cost.

Do you have people with the necessary knowledge, skill, and time to successfully staff a Smart Grid project?Many utilities have tightened their belts and have

very little human capacity in reserve. A major project will always place demands on internal resources, even if

significant external resources are used. Plan on a significant investment of time and effort by executives and managers, engineering, customer service, marketing, public relations, human resources, and especially information technology.

It is unlikely that a utility will have all of the expertise needed in-house. Some utilities have grown in-house capability by implementing small pilots, and others have used external resources almost exclusively.

Ensuring that the right quantity and quality of talent is on hand is a major factor in determining a project’s success. Do not forget to account for the demand on internal subject matter experts and internal contract managers.

Experienced vendors have a major advantage during the formulation of terms, conditions, and statements of work, because they know ways in which a few innocuous words can gain them a major advantage. Some utilities engage an experienced advisor to assist with contracting to obtain the best terms and conditions possible.

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4What are the long-term impacts on staffing,

organization, and training? Are you prepared to handle the people dimension of the project?

A Smart Grid project has three vital elements: People, process and technology. Of the three, the one that gets

the most attention — and arguably is the easiest of the three — is technology. However, the people element is the most sensitive because some positions will go away and some will be created. It is unlikely that all of the incumbents in the eliminated positions will be suitable candidates for the created positions.

Start the training and hiring effort early. These are often long, lead-time items. It also is important to engage with unions early to establish a collaborative approach to both the short-term and long-term changes needed.

Process change also means that people will be doing their work in unfamiliar ways, which often results in resistance to change. Change management efforts should be part of the project plan from the outset. A dramatic change in processes often means the old organizational structure and the old roles and responsibilities are no longer appropriate. This could result in turf battles and more change-management challenges. The people dimension of the project requires strong, persistent, and skilled leadership.

What is the level of project maturity in your organization?Projects are the vehicle through which strategy is deployed. A high level of project management

capability translates to successful projects and a realization of strategic ambitions. Ensuring that you have the right people, skills, tools and structure in place before undertaking a major strategic project is a key success factor. Smart Grid projects are different from other projects in several important ways:

Many Smart Grid projects involve several functional units in the organization, while a typical engineering or construction project may be contained in a single unit. Project management in a cross-functional project introduces a number of challenges that may be unfamiliar to a project organization accustomed to single-function projects.

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How Smart Grid projects are different

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Have you documented your current state?Every navigation problem begins by determining where you are.

Without this knowledge, it is impossible to chart a course

to your destination. Many aspects of the current state need to be known to create a successful implementation plan. Since almost all Smart Grid projects include a large IT component, it is important to know many things about your current systems, such as current architecture, capacity of the data center to handle additional servers, cooling capacity, electric service capacity, uninterruptable power supply capacity, etc. Are your current processes documented? Do you know the capabilities of your people and their capacity to do additional work or learn new tasks? The more complete your knowledge of the current state, the better your implementation plans will be.

Where will the funding come from?An accurate estimate of the cost of your project needs to

be developed. In the early stages of developing a business case, a crude estimate may suffice; but before entering into contracts and initiating the project, a more detailed estimate and budget needs to be created. Adequate funds for known costs and contingencies need to be identified to avoid unpleasant surprises later in the project. Scope creep, delays, and errors can add substantially to the total cost of the project.

Are you prepared to meet the security and privacy requirements of a Smart Grid project?Security and privacy are major concerns expressed by the public and regulators. The new capabilities introduced by a Smart Grid project carry new risks. These risks need to be understood and addressed in the planning stage. Security and privacy policies and plans need to be in place before contracts are signed to ensure that privacy and security concerns are addressed from the outset, and that they are incorporated in all contracts and statements of work. Even small, seemingly inconsequential breaches of security or privacy can

cause a public relations nightmare that could stop a project in its tracks and have far-reaching consequences. Only those utilities who are prepared to be extremely vigilant and disciplined with regard to security and privacy should contemplate a Smart Grid project.

Technology enables processes. Which processes are you trying to improve, and are you ready to do the process improvement work needed to extract value from the technology?Smart Grid software and hardware is only valuable if it enables processes that deliver

benefits important to the utility and its stakeholders. business case development should identify the type and magnitude of the benefits, while identifying the beneficiaries.

These benefits in turn need to be tied to process improvements that will deliver the promised benefit. Process design and implementation can have significant effects on staffing, organization, policies, and procedures. The work of designing and implementing new processes is not trivial, and it should be understood from the outset and incorporated in plans and budgets.

Extracting value means avoiding the inclination to “pave the cow path” by using advanced technology to simply automate the old, manual way of doing business. Staying with the familiar is both low risk and low reward. Starting with a clean sheet of paper and designing elegant and efficient processes from the ground up carries the highest potential reward; but it also requires specialized knowledge and skill, takes time, and involves risk.

Are you prepared to engage all of the varied stakeholder groups that either will be impacted by the project or who will have an impact on the project?Stakeholders include all people inside and outside the organization that either will be impacted by the project or who could have either a positive or negative

impact on the project. knowing who these stakeholders are, what their needs and interests are, assessing the impact of the project on them, or considering the

impact they could have on the project requires time, effort and expertise. Opening channels of communication with stakeholders and engaging them throughout the project is critical.

1. What information needs do your stakeholders have?

2. When will they need the information?

3. What kind of communication do they prefer? Print? Public meetings? Video?

4. Which of your stakeholders can have the greatest positive or negative impact on your project?

5. Which channels of communication have been used with each stakeholder group in the past and which have been most effective?

6. How will you create a two-way engagement and not just one-way communication?

Who are your stakeholders?

Meeting stakeholder needs

With the answers to these 10 questions in hand, not only will you be embarking on your project with eyes wide open, you will have laid the foundation for success.

Many thanks to my colleagues on the Linked In, Smart Grid Executive Forum for their contri-butions to this article. To reach the author, Terry McDonald, email [email protected].

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FEATURE 10 qUEsTions

1. Who are all of the people impacted by the project or who can have an impact on the project?

2. Who are the internal stakeholders? Think about various employee groups who will have their job eliminated or changed, unions, those who have the most customer contact, etc.

3. Which local, state and federal government entities need to be addressed?

4. Who are the influential individuals and what influential groups exist in your community?

5. Which of your customers have unique needs? Consider low income, those on life support equipment at home, etc.

6. Who are the known opponents of the project?

7. What languages do you need to employ in your communication efforts?

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Such information may reveal daily schedules and habits (including when people are home, away or asleep) and whether people use certain electronics (such as alarm systems, expensive electronic equipment or medical equipment).¹ While much of the commentary to date has been on protecting individual consumers, similar privacy issues exist for commercial businesses whose energy usage data may reveal business activities, manufacturing procedures, and trade secrets.

Data collected by utilities using advanced metering (or smart meters) is known as consumer-specific energy-usage data (CEUD). CEUD differs from personally identifiable information (PII), which is identity-specific information (such as name, address, social security number, etc.),

Legal Aspects of Data Collection by Electric Utilities: What You Can (and Can’t) Do with Customer-Specific DataBy Wally Van Valkenburg and Nate Moceri, Stoel Rives, LLP

FEATURE LEGAL ASPECTS

Smart Grid technology promises to significantly increase the amount of information energy providers can gather about personal and commercial energy use. While the technology provides obvious benefits, it may potentially expose previously unavailable personal information.

as opposed to behavioral information. The merging of CEUD and PII makes Smart Grid data collection particularly sensitive because of the ability to tie energy usage data to a particular individual or household.

Accordingly, there is a general consensus among government, business, and consumers that consumers should have the right to access their own CEUD and protect its privacy.

The Regulatory FrameworkTraditionally, utility regulation has been a state responsibility with state public utility commissions having primary oversight. The national interest in clean energy and energy security, however, has led to a significant level of federal involvement with Smart Grid developments, including in areas having to do with data collection and privacy.

On October 5, 2010, for example, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued two reports: Informing Federal Smart Grid Policy: The Communications Requirements of Electric Utilities² and Data Access and Privacy Issues Related to Smart Grid Technologies³ (hereafter DOE Data Access Report). The first report focused on the communications

infrastructure necessary to create the Smart Grid, while the latter explored unresolved issues related

to data usage by utilities. Together the reports

provide a good overview of both the current

regulatory framework and the issues regulators expect

to confront. Prior to the reports, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established a Federal Smart Grid Task Force, which includes seven different federal agencies.

1 DOE Data Access Report, infra, at 2.2 See www.gc.energy.gov/documents/Smart_Grid_Communications_Requirements_Report_10-05-2010.pdf 3 See http://www.gc.energy.gov/documents/Broadband_Report_Data_Privacy_10_5.pdf

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Further, a number of states have begun to investigate Smart Grid data privacy, data collection and third-party use policies; and a few have actually implemented regulations. In September 2010, California enacted Public Utilities Code § 8380, which prevents utilities from sharing customer information with a third party without customer consent, unless the data is aggregated and identity information has been removed.4 It also prevents utilities from selling customer information or offering customers discounts to access their data without consent. Finally, if the customer chooses to disclose his or her energy data to an unaffiliated third party, liability shifts from the utility to the third party once the data is transferred.5

Other states are just beginning Smart Grid regulatory analysis. Texas requires that consumers be able to access their meter data taken every 15 minutes on an online web portal and prohibits the sale of customer-specific data.6 California, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida require consent before utilities can release customer information to a third party, even in the absence of Smart Grid-specific legislation.7 Oregon, Colorado, Michigan and Louisiana utility commissions, among others, have begun investigations related to Smart Grid privacy, data collection and its use.8 The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission requires electric utilities to submit periodic reports regarding plans for Smart Grid technologies.9 Washington already prohibits utilities from disclosing or selling, without customer consent, private customer information to third parties for marketing purposes.10

describe the type of data collected and reasons for its use, and not disclose data to third parties without customer consent. However, there is broad agreement that utilities should have access to CEUD for utility-related purposes, such as managing the network, distributing energy, billing and anonymous aggregation for reporting local profiles.

Even in the absence of Smart Grid-specific regulation, regulations of more

general applicability may apply to data collection and usage by utilities. The best example of such regulations may be the Federal Trade Commission’s Fair

Information Practice Principles (FIPPs),11

which were specifically cited in the DOE Data Access Report as a potential source for privacy regulation in the Smart Grid Context. The FIPPs encompass five core principles of privacy protection:

Notice/Awareness: Giving notice of an entity’s information practices before any personal information is collected so that consumers can make informed decisions.

Choice/Consent: Giving consumers options as to how their personal information is used, including internal uses (e.g., company marketing lists) and external uses (e.g., sending to third parties).

The Future of Data Collection and Usage

CONFIDENTIAL

The DOE Data Access Report identified a number of issues related to data usage by electric utilities. Some of the more important questions included:

Who owns energy consumption data? It’s unclear, but the utility and the customer both require rights to use the data.

Who should be entitled to privacy protections relating to energy information? Both the customer and the utility have protectable interests.

What privacy practices should be implemented in protecting energy information? Answers varied, but many commenters thought existing standards could easily be adapted to address the issue.

Should consumers be able to opt in or out of smart meter deployment or control what information is shared? Most agreed that consumers should be required to participate to achieve reliability, environmental and other benefits, but they should have control over whether their information is shared with third parties.

Generally, the DOE recommends that utilities allow consumers to have access to their own CEUD and a wide array of choices about how to manage it. Utilities should

4 See Senate Bill No. 1476, 2010 Cal. Stat. Ch. 497, available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_1451-1500/sb_1476_bill_20100929_chaptered.pdf.

5 Id.6 DOE Data Access Report, supra , at 18; see also the Smart Meter Texas, HYPERLINK “http://www.

SmartMeterTexas.com” www.SmartMeterTexas.com.7 Id.

8 Public Service Co. of Colorado Supplemental Comments in Response to Decision No. C10-0175, In re Investigation of Sec. & Privacy Concerns Regarding the Deployment of Smart-Grid Tech., No. 091-593EG (Colo. Pub. Util. Comm’n Mar. 26, 2010); See Oregon Public Utilities Commission, Development of Smart Grid Objectives and Action Items for 2010-2014, No. UM 1460 (Dec. 8, 2009), http://apps.puc.state.or.us/edockets/docket.asp?DocketID=15928.

9 WAC 480-100-505. 10 WAC 480-90-153, 480-100-153.11 See http://www.ftc.gov/reports/privacy3/fairinfo.shtm.

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Access/Participation: Giving consumers the ability to access their data and to contest that data’s accuracy and completeness.

Integrity/Security: Securing collected data, destroying old and unnecessary data, and making data anonymous.

Enforcement/Redress: Enforcing standards through industry self-regulation, legislation, and other regulations providing civil and criminal penalties.

Section 5 of the FTC Act, which applies to all industries, requires companies to engage in fair privacy practices.12 Therefore, the FIPPs provide a good benchmark for privacy practices in collection of data by utilities.

Another source of guidance in this area is NISTIR 7628, the NIST Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security,13 which generally parallel the FTC’s approach. NIST recommends that utilities:

Assign staff to privacy policy implementation;

Notify customers what data is collected and how it will be used before collecting the data;

Describe customers’ choices in data collection and use;

Ensure that only data necessary for the specified purpose is collected;

Ensure that customer information is used and retained only as necessary for those purposes;

Ensure customers’ ability to access, update, and correct their own data; and

Ensure that customer-specific information is protected from loss, theft [and] unauthorized access.

Beyond federal regulation, most states provide a wide range of privacy laws that regulate various entities and types of customer information. For

instance, common law remedies could apply to claims of invasion of privacy, public disclosure of private facts, and breach of duty of confidentiality.

Current privacy laws from other industries may also provide a benchmark for future Smart Grid privacy laws. Financial institutions are regulated by the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. They regulate the privacy of personally identifiable financial information disclosed to third parties. The healthcare industry is regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which requires a patient’s opt-in consent to use or disclose protected information. The government, communications industries, and cable television providers are all subject to similar regulations. Finally, online privacy laws include the CAN-SPAM Act and the Patriot Act.

To illustrate just how complicated the regulatory framework can become, consider California: California Public Utilities Code § 394. It mandates that electric utilities keep confidential “customer specific billing, credit or usage information,” while requiring notice to customers.14 California’s Business and Professions Code requires commercial websites to post privacy policies online and that certain content be included.15 California’s Information Practices Act of 1977 regulates the privacy of personal information collected by businesses, but is narrowly defined to mean the use in connection with an individual’s first or last name.16 Finally, California Public Utilities Code § 8380 provides several Smart Grid-specific regulations (see earlier discussion). Patchwork legislation is likely going to be common for Smart Grid privacy issues until comprehensive regulation is passed.

Further, which laws apply often depends on the system architecture of energy data collection which could implicate telecommunications service provider rules, federal laws applicable to interstate commerce, state privacy laws, EU’s Privacy Directive limits, or the FTC’s enforcement against unfair and deceptive business practices.

Smart Grid technology could present security risks. Most states have data breach laws that require notification in the event of a security breach, penalties for failing to disclose, and private rights of action. Congress also has introduced bills that would require companies to provide consumers affected by a security breach with two years of credit reports and monitoring services to detect any misuse of their personal information.17

There are many unresolved issues dealing with third-party access. Many jurisdictions require utilities to protect the security of the CEUD it collects. However, except in California, if a customer consents and requests a utility to transfer CEUD to third parties, there are no legal protections in place to limit a utility’s liability for any subsequent third-party breach of security or confidentiality. The DOE found little consensus with respect to whether utility liability should be limited when disclosing data to authorized third parties, whether utilities could charge a fee for the data and whether third-party providers should be required to obtain further consent before disclosing the data. However, there is universal agreement that consumers should have control over whether, and for what purposes, third parties should be allowed to access CEUD.

ConclusionPrivacy implications in the Smart Grid world are yet to be fully addressed. State

12 See 15 U.S.C. §§ 41-58.13 See http://www.nist.gov/smartgrid/upload/nistir-7628_total.pdf.14 Cal. Pub. Util. Code §§ 394.4(a), 394.5.15 Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 22575.16 See Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798.1(a), 1798.82(e).

FEATURE LEGAL ASPECTS

“

”Wally Van Valkenburg is a partner and Nate Moceri is an associate with Stoel Rives, LLP, a law firm based in Portland, Ore. For more information, go to www.stoel.com.

PUCs are only starting to assess Smart Grid privacy and few state Smart Grid regulations have emerged. While the tangled web of privacy issues develops, there is a tremendous opportunity for forward-looking companies to lead through adoption of responsible data management practices.

As Commerce Secretary Gary Locke noted,

To realize the benefits, utilities will need to pay equal attention to protecting the heel.

The major benefit provided by the Smart

Grid … is also its Achilles’ heel from a privacy viewpoint.18

17 See the Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2010 and the Data Security Act of 2010.

18 Jules Polonetsky & Christopher Wolf, How Privacy (Or Lack of It) Could Sabotage the Grid, SmartGridNews.com (Nov. 3, 2009), http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/Technologies_Me-tering_News/How-Privacy-Or-Lack-of-It-Could-Sabotage-the-Grid-1352.html

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FEATURE

Gas Smart Grid TrendsInnovations in natural gas Smart Grids are unfolding around four major developments: Coupling gas and electric infrastructures, optimizing gas quality, optimizing grid operation, and optimizing asset management.

Gas-fired power units (ranging from combined cycle gas turbine power plants to micro combined heat and power units for in-home or small office building power production) are merging with smart electricity infrastructure. This trend provides flexible power generation that supports the electricity grid as well as the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.

The Smart Grid can help with the economic optimization of gas grid operations. As gas transmission grids and sources are increasingly coupled with each other, gas market volatility can increase. This coupling allows shippers and traders to rapidly change the way they source their gas portfolios. For gas transmission operators and trading companies, continuous and real-time optimization of the dispatching process becomes a complex and worthwhile process that can help significantly reduce operational expenses.

A Smart Grid also can help optimize gas quality in emerging gas grids where new sustainable gases, such as biogas and hydrogen, will be injected. Under these circumstances, the traditional, centrally controlled gas quality, flow and caloric value can no longer be controlled by the gas transmission system. This requires intelligence added into the grid to control local injection, storage, and usage while continuously optimizing the gas grid locally. This requires a completely new design. In addition, today’s gas grid needs to be prepared for future, smart-enabled functions.

Finally, sensor networks can help optimize gas grid asset management. This is an important point, as a large portion of the world’s gas grids are aging rapidly. Hence, the integrity and safety of gas grids have become a major gas network and grid management issue. Employing sensor networks and data-mining technologies can help reduce gas grid asset management costs, and extend gas grid life while maintaining its safety and integrity.

The potential for developing a Smart Grid for natural gas, including the economics, potential demand, and technology requirements, should be explored.

Making Smart Gridwork for waterGlendale Water & Power (GWP) in Glendale, Calif., is rolling out 32,000 water meters and 88,000 electric meters in its service territory. This project offers an insightful look into what it means to implement Smart Grid beyond electricity. An interesting distinction of the GWP project is that the original plan focused on automating the water system before the electric system.

GWP General Manager Glenn Steiger explains the critical, strategic nature of applying intelligence to the GWP water system:

The water side for us, particularly in

Southern California, is critical because we don’t have plentiful

water supplies. We are limited. We are currently

under mandatory water restrictions. The

sustainability of the water supply in the

Electric, Gas and Water: The Smart Grid Trifecta?By Frits Bliek and Ron Chebra, KEMA

The development and implementation of revolutionary, Smart Grid technology applications for electric utilities is underway. While it’s a work in progress, the Smart Grid offers great promise in increasing the reliability and sustainability of natural gas and water deliveries for utilities. This promise becomes clearer when coupling an electric grid system with a gas or water grid system.

“

SMART GRID TRIFECTA

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Southwest is always under question. So

anything we do has to look at how we continue

to sustain and make our water usage more

efficient. The first thing we look at is automating the water system to the extent that we can. This is incredibly important

to us. While some may look at water as a

secondary application of Smart Grid, we look at it very much as a primary

application.

From there it became a quick decision to realize the need to look at the project in a more unified manner, according to Steiger. In deploying water and electricity networks, GWP is seeing synergies and challenges to implementing the two technologies simultaneously. Steiger says:

“There are definitely synergies. One of the things that we are doing right now is educating our own workforce, which for years and years, has looked at water and electricity as two separate entities that could operate independently of each other forever. This is no longer the case. There are many synergies. The system converges in the meter data management system now. The synergy and the nexus between water and electricity are becoming more and more obvious to us as we look at the amount of energy it takes to move water, and the amount of carbon emitted due to the energy required to move water.”

The real revelation that has arisen from the GWP Project, Steiger reveals, came through understanding that this undertaking is far more than a metering,

”

meter data management system, and technology project. It is also much more than just a Smart Grid project that is put it in place and left alone. Rather, it is a project driven by information technology.

Steiger identifies careful planning and gaining customer and stakeholder acceptance as leading success factors for Smart Grid deployment. The planning process should focus on building a system and a process that will accommodate whatever changes occur since technology and applications are growing exponentially, and customer needs are continuously evolving.

Outreach is also important. GWP has

done extensive communications with its customers and stakeholders to prepare them for a transition to a real-time interval data system for water and energy. In addition to its traditional methods, it is now using social media to ensure that it reaches all of its target demographics.

With Smart Grid technologies on the rise, electric utilities may be able to maximize their Smart Grid capital investments by expanding their scope to include natural gas and water infrastructure.

Visit SmartGridSherpa.com to learn more about KEMA’s 80+ years of energy experience.

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Early last year, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Since that time, I have gone through a lot of treatment and major surgery and as of today, things are looking good. But during the last half of 2010, I learned a lot about people and I learned even more about myself. Some of these lessons I believe can help you in your quest to be a safety champion.

I want to share with you three short stories. The first is about a young lady, probably around 18 or 19 years old. When I was receiving treatment,

Safety Champions Inspire, Invest and Celebrate Safety SuccessBy Bill Dampf

FEATURE

We all realize the importance of safety champions within our organizations and for us to continue on our path to zero accidents in the workplace, the need to recruit and foster new champions will be critical. So what is it that makes a champion? What is it that distinguishes them from everyone else in our organization? In this short piece, I hope to share three qualities that are essential.

I will start with letting you know this article is different than what you normally read. It doesn’t include studies or graphs or even quotes from well-known psychologists. This is an article that shares lessons that I learned while facing a personal challenge.

SAFETY chAMPIONS

I joined hundreds of others who received treatment at my hospital every day. The 7th floor was basically an assembly line where over 350 people per day were getting cancer treatments.

Once you signed in, you sat down in the waiting room along with 60 or so others. Being a people watcher, on several of the trips that I took to the 7th floor, I often saw this young lady who was obviously a patient just like me. But she was different. This young lady, although completely bald, was

dressed magnificently. She always wore a beautiful dress and high heels. Her makeup was perfect and she wore beautiful jewelry. She walked proudly with her shoulders back and she always seemed to be smiling.

I looked forward to seeing this young lady. You see, she inspired me. I did not know her personally, but it was apparent to me that this young lady did not want to be seen as a cancer patient. She wanted to be seen as the beautiful young woman she was. No one noticed that she was bald. No one pitied her. We smiled when we saw her.

Seeing her made me think about what other people saw when they looked at me. Was I walking around like some poor, pathetic person who had been dealt a bad hand? Was I feeling sorry for myself? Was I giving people the impression that I wanted them to feel sorry for me? You see, this young lady showed me how I should act. Cancer did not define her. It did not make her the person she was. The same was true for me. Cancer didn’t make me the person I was.

My first question to you is, when people look at you, what do they see? Are you someone who inspires others in the area of safety? Do they see a tremendous example of safety, someone who would not hesitate to approach a co-worker who is placing himself or herself at risk? My challenge to you is to become a person who inspires others to be the safest workers they can be. I want you to set the example just as that young woman showed me how I should act. That’s what safety champions do.

!

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The second story relates to that same 7th floor. One day, I saw a patient come out of the treatment center, walk over to a large brass bell that was hanging on the wall, and he rang that bell loudly. The waiting room erupted in applause and many stood up cheering for the person.

When I asked my nurse what ringing the bell meant, she told me that when you have your last treatment you get to ring the bell. To be honest, I thought that was pretty silly. But as I progressed in my treatment, as I started to have more problems, and as I became sicker and weaker, I realized that there was probably no goal I wanted to attain more than ringing that bell.

Then came the day of my last treatment. I was sick. I was very tired and weak but I was done. I walked out that door with my wife who was by my side every step of the way. I walked down to that bell and I rang it. The room erupted in applause and cheers, and it felt good. It’s silly how much ringing that bell meant to me.

I want to share with you what was inscribed on a plaque below the bell. It said: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. Smile — this is one of those moments.” I did smile and my wife, who was proud, smiled with me.

What are your goals in safety? Is it to eliminate accidents from your workgroup? Is it to convince a co-worker to become more involved and be a champion just like you? Is it simply to make sure that no one gets hurt on your shift today? Safety champions have goals and they work hard to

attain them. If you don’t have personal safety goals, set them. And once you attain your goal, I encourage you to celebrate and ring the bell of safety success. It’s a great feeling.

The last story is about one of my nurses. This nurse had taken care of me when I was treated and she was a very pleasant person.

On my last day of treatments the day I rang the bell, this young nurse was taking care of me for the entire seven hours. Knowing it was my last treatment, this young lady asked me if she could sing me a song. It was something she did for all of her patients on their last day of treatment. Feeling a little nervous, I said, “Of course,” and standing next to my bed she sang the song, “You will never walk alone.” She sang it beautifully and she looked right into my eyes as she did it. Now, I’m not a man that cries often but my eyes welled up. When she was done, the area I was in applauded her.

Now, what’s the message? The message I want to share is that this young nurse was totally invested in her patients and in their treatment. She not only did the work physically, but she was emotionally invested.

As a safety champion, how invested are you in your responsibilities to protect those you work with? To be successful, you have to put yourself out there even when it’s not easy or comfortable. Safety then becomes a part of who you are.

Remember safety champions inspire

Bill Dampf is a Corporate Safety

Manager for a Midwest electric

and natural gas utility. He is a

certified safety professional,

author and public speaker. Bill

would welcome the opportunity

to share his passion for safety

with your organization and

workers. He can be reached at

573-230-3910 or at

[email protected].

others, set goals, and work hard to attain them. Finally, they become personally invested in the things they care about.

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According to research completed in early June, almost half said that they have never heard the term “Smart Grid” (compared to 65 percent who had not heard the term two years ago), and another third said that they have heard the term but don’t know what it means. Awareness of the term “smart meter” is even lower. (See Charts 1 and 2.)

At this point, the importance and potential benefits of advanced electricity distribution technologies are simply not on the average person’s radar screen, despite the fact that significant investments are underway in many parts of the country.

Because awareness remains low, the E2 survey starts by providing basic, objective explanations about what these technologies are and what

The Public Is Not Focused on “Smart” Electricity Technologies

GUEST COLUMN PUBLIC NOT FOCUSED

The Potential for Public Support Is Great

they can do and then asks related questions. After survey respondents read the information, support is very high: More than two-thirds say that their utility should start now and work quickly to implement Smart Grid and smart meter technologies.

Initial interest in smart meter-enabled programs is also high. After reading hypothetical program descriptions, a large majority of respondents say they would be likely to choose time-of-use rates and to participate in demand-response programs. (See Chart 3.)

Although most respondents did not indicate that worries are top-of-mind, some issues do raise concerns:

How accurate are these new meters? Will they be reliable?

Will the utility benefit from these changes, rather than customers?

Will I be losing control and/or privacy?

Will the meters impact my health?Will this help senior citizens?

Will it help people who struggle economically?

Will the benefits of these technologies outweigh the costs?

The latest wave of E2 (Energy + Environment) research shows that Americans are slow to learn about advances in Smart Grid and smart meter technology that are reshaping electricity distribution.

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For more information on the E2 research program, contact Jack Lloyd, Market Strategies International at 734-542-7600 or [email protected].

Chart 1: Americans remain under-informed about Smart Grid: About 75% say they know nothing or very little about it.

Chart 2: About 7-in-10 know little or nothing about the term “Smart Meter.” Less than 25% say they understand the concept.

Chart 3: About 7-in-10 say they are likely to participate in a Demand Response program, with projected savings having a moderate impact on support.

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Each edition, Western Energy shines its spotlight on two platinum members, organizations that contribute greatly to WEI’s network of expertise and innovation.

SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Siemens recognizes that Smart Grids are more than just smart meters. That’s why we are proud that we are the only supplier of products, services and solutions across the entire energy conversion chain. Whatever the scope of your Smart Grid project, we can help you from start to fi nish - from consulting and planning, to products and services, to implementation.Rep: Kari Keiski, Business Development Manager – 503-761-7054, [email protected]: www.energy.siemens.com

B&V MANAGEMENT CONSULTINGB&V Management Consulting, the management consulting division of EPC giant Black & Veatch, provides a broad range of advisory services for electric utilities; helping them develop the best strategies to address DSM/EE, Smart Grid, Renewable Energy, Cyber Security, Cost Control, Rates & Financing, and Sustainability challenges. Advisory services are coupled with Independent Engineering resources for due diligence and transaction support, and a integrated Information Technology group to help direct and implement a utilities technology strategy and software.Rep: Tom Peterson, Vice President – 213-804-6702, [email protected]: www.bv.com/consult

www.bv.com

www.henkels.com

www.economists.com

www.siemens.com

www.kema.com

www.tdwilliamson.com

www.vertexgroup.com

Active TeleSourceNexant, Inc.

Ricoh InfoPrint SolutionsCisco Systems, Inc.

OMARK Consultants, Inc.

Snelson Companies, Inc.HDR Engineering, Inc.

PECIUtiliCon Solutions, Ltd.

Mears Group, Inc.TROI IT SolutionsFive Point PartnersHaploos Consulting

gold members

platinum members

Western Energy™







WE


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Start with the BillA logical place for utility companies to start educating customers is the utility bill. By leveraging data-driven relevant messaging techniques, utility companies can optimize this existing communication channel rather than waste time and resources creating new mediums. For example, Precision Marketing lets companies leverage data analytics which make it possible for utility companies to use data they already have, to more effectively talk to their customers about topics ranging from their current billing statement to alternative energy initiatives. They may be customers who are frustrated that their bills seem to climb higher each month with no usage changes; or those who are frustrated because they have difficulty reading and understanding their bills. This was the case with many of the customers for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which will be discussed later in this article.

Precision Marketing applications can help utility companies make monthly billing statements clearer. By looking more closely at statement design, such as how services are labeled and where they are placed on the page, utility companies can improve the readability of the document and help ensure customers can thoroughly read and understand them. This helps utility companies educate their customers and also helps reduce the volume and costs of call center inquiries.

Once companies improve the readability of their bills, they can use them to communicate usage data and ways customers can conserve energy and save money — information that can contribute to customer loyalty. Also, utilities can inform customers about upcoming changes that will impact them.

Smart Grid Needs Smarter EducationOne example is Smart Grid. This term is widely known in the utility industry, but for customers it is another story. Initiatives to support these intelligently integrated networks are being deployed, yet many customers are still in the dark as to what it all means to them. According to two recent Smart Grid surveys, many customers are not even aware of Smart Grid initiatives, while others have major concerns about the impact. An Itron-sponsored survey developed by Zpryme, revealed that 41 percent of its participants were

fine tuning

Fine Tuning Communicationsto Educate Customers aboutthe Smart GridBy Jay Robinson and Mark Townsend

feAtuRe

Effective customer communications are more important than ever. While established channels such as monthly statements and bills can do a lot for the bottom line, they also give utility companies the opportunity to educate customers about new trends and emerging services, such as new Smart Grid initiatives.

When it comes to information about energy services, customers naturally look first to their utilities as a trusted source of information. While utility companies have always had consumer education initiatives, educating customers about more complex messages and emerging technologies, such as Smart Grid, which require a more relevant, sophisticated and targeted communications strategy. Many companies want to communicate with customers about these initiatives, but it’s important not to inundate consumers with too many messages or they will ultimately be tuned out.

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aware of the Smart Grid to varying degrees, while a Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) survey found that only 27 percent were aware of it. Both surveys also found that most customers are concerned about their energy use but know little about emerging energy management systems. Smaller percentages had already invested in them. The Zpryme survey found some surprises in consumers’ motivation to watch their energy costs. For example, 76.5 percent of survey respondents said that rising gas prices made them more likely to pay more attention to their electric bills.

For utility companies, this presents a great opportunity to start the education process. Because Smart Grids can integrate the behavior and actions of everything connected to them, they can offer a number of potential benefits to customers. However, if customers do not know what strategies are available or are not educated on how they can help utility companies provide them with more information, they may not be open to the change. By improving the dialogue, utility companies can build trust with customers and help them understand the benefits Smart Grid initiatives can provide. Trust equals adoption. To do this, utility companies

76.5%said rising gas

prices made them more

likely to pay more attention

to their electric bills

must create relevant and concise messages for each customer, leveraging their data on usage and consumption, to better understand how each customer can benefit from these new initiatives.

Communicate, Educate and Optimize: The LADWP StoryThe proof is in the pudding, especially at LADWP. As the nation’s largest municipal utility serving the water and electricity needs of the city of Los Angeles, the company was facing high call center volume from customers that did not understand their bill. LADWP estimates that about 25-30 percent of the customer calls received were about bill confusion. As a result, LADWP revamped its monthly statement to improve the clarity and

comprehension of customer invoices. This reduced call center inquiries and also helped influence customer behaviors.

The first step was the introduction of color into the bill, which helped it stand out against other mail customers received and directed their attention to the most important messages in the statement (e.g., due date).

Next, the company completely redesigned the layout by adding graphs to show customer usage patterns and visual elements,

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For more information,please visit

www.gobeyondthemeter.com

Jay Robinson is a Senior Solutions Consultant, Professional Services and Software, at InfoPrint Solutions. Mark Townsend is the Assistant Director of IT Services for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

such as icons for each service (water, electric and gas) – making the bill easy to follow and understand.

So far the changes have been a success and have garnered positive reactions from LADWP customers and local media, such as Southern California Public radio and the Los Angeles Daily News. In addition, the company is on target to reduce call center inquires and is tracking information on how customer behavior has changed. This includes adding energy consumption and emissions. LADWP also is expected to lower overall costs of statement operations through additional process automation.

By optimizing communications, as LADWP has done by making statements more clear and compelling, utility companies can improve customer service and establish themselves as trusted resources instead of simply being providers.

Example Old Bill

Example New Bill

fine tuningfeAtuRe

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wei PROGRAMS AT A GLANCe

ADMINISTRATIVE EVENTS

September 25, 2011Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

BoArd of dIreCtorS MeetIng The fall meeting is held prior to the Annual Meeting in September. Attendees include members of the Western Energy Institute’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of senior executives from energy companies responsible for their company’s business strategies. The role of the Board is to oversee the participation in and evaluation of WEI activities.

Program ManagerDiana [email protected]

September 25-27, 2011Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

AnnuAl MeetIng The West’s natural gas and elec-tric communities come together for three days to participate with North America’s recognized experts in resolving the critical issues facing the utility industry. This meeting provides a forum for ex-ecutives and industry constituents to conduct discussions in a stimu-lating, yet relaxing networking environment that encourages ideas and fosters new opportunities for member companies


EXECUTIVE FORUMS

october 5-6, 2011las Vegas, nev.

HuMAn reSourCeS exeCutIVe foruMThis executive-level forum brings together energy HR professionals who identify critical industry issues, share challenges and accomplishments, and facilitate dynamic discussions on timely topics. Participants organize and lead discussions based on a member-driven agenda. This invitation-only forum is offered twice annually

Program ManagerBecca [email protected]

october 5-6, 2011Portland, ore.

Key ACCount foruMThis industry forum brings together senior-level professionals who are responsible for key accounts and large customers

Programsat a GlanceThe Western Energy Institute offers a wealth of opportunities for member utilities and service companies to get involved each year. From executive roundtables designed to foster discussions and promote discourse amongst industry leaders to skills development courses targeted at promoting the skills necessary for success in utilities, WEI offers something for everyone.

For individuals that want to be involved in more than just the meeting itself, each meeting relies on a Program Delivery Team, composed of WEI member professionals, to develop agendas, secure speakers, and identify relevant issues. While most of our meetings take place in the spring and fall, there are opportunities to get involved with WEI year round. Have a look through the programs still scheduled for this year and feel free to follow up online at westernenergy.org/programs or with a WEI Program Manager if you would like more information.

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for roundtable conversations about timely business practices. The member-driven agenda emphasizes peer discussions and information sharing. This invitation-only forum is offered twice annually.

Program ManagerKevin [email protected]

october 20-21, 2011las Vegas, nev.

energy effICIenCyforuMThis forum explores energy-efficiency challenges and solutions for the Western United States and Canada. This invitation-only forum is offered twice annually.


october 25-27, 2011Spokane, Wash.

BuSIneSS AnAlytICSforuMThis forum gathers professionals from areas such as financial, operational and customer service who are responsible for mining data and developing metrics at member utilities. This invitation-only forum is offered twice annually.


october 26-27lake tahoe, Calif.

oPerAtIonS BuSIneSS StrAtegIeSThis strategic forum is designed for senior electric utility executives. Participants engage in a roundtable format to discuss the system

reliability issues challenging their companies. This invitation-only forum is offered twice annually.

Program ManagerOrran [email protected]

november 2-4, 2011San diego, Calif.

energy MAnAgeMentThis meeting brings together member professionals responsible for natural gas supply, transportation, and storage for roundtable discussions focused on Western North America. Topics include demand and supply forecasts and factors expected to influence the costs and delivery of natural gas. This invitation-only forum is offered twice annually.


INDUSTRy FORUMS

September 18-21, 2011long Beach, Calif.

JoInt uSe ConferenCeConsidered the premier joint-use meeting, this conference is de-signed for representatives of utility, telecomm, wireless, broadband and Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) companies. Also in-cluded are consultants and service companies who deal with joint use administration and contracts. The interactive mix of formal presen-tations, dynamic table topics and opportunities to exchange infor-mation allows attendees to derive maximum value from program con-tent. Vendor display opportunities are available.


September 29-30, 2011Portland, ore.

eleCtrIC And nAturAl gAS SAfetySafety and industrial hygienist professionals come together twice a year to explore pressing safety issues. This program is designed to encourage peer networking and share best practices. The spring meeting is held in conjunction with the Operations Conference.


September 28-30, 2011Portland, ore.

SuPPly CHAIn StrAtegIeSThis meeting brings together directors and managers responsible for supply chain initiatives at their utility to share best practices and learn from industry experts. This engaging forum highlights a member-driven agenda in a peer-to-peer setting. It provides an interactive, roundtable format to discuss pressing issues around this important utility segment with the opportunity to hear from key industry suppliers. Topics are focused at the strategic level and will consist of issues from purchasing, to contracting, warehousing, and compliance.


September 29-30, 2011Bellevue, Wash.

enVIronMentAlStrAtegIeSThis program provides member companies an open communications path for addressing common issues regarding environmental management, engineering, science, and planning. The roundtable

wei PROGRAMS AT A GLANCe

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format provides an effective method to address common issues and also creates opportunities to meet industry peers and establish networks that can be accessed in the future. The spring meeting coincides with the Operations Conference. The fall meeting is dedicated to member company reports on annual environmental accomplishments.


october 4-5, 2011Portland, ore.

utIlIty Pole ConferenCe And trAde SHoW (HoSted By nWPPA)Offered once every two years and cosponsored by the Western Energy Institute and Northwest Public Power Association, the Pole Conference gives engineers and purchasing personnel an opportunity to discuss the latest regulations and technology. It provides opportunities to learn about new technologies and obtain hands-on demonstrations of new, innovative pole products and equipment.Vendor display opportunities are available.


october 12-14, 2011Bellevue, Wash.

underground/oVerHeAd eleCtrIC dIStrIButIon MeetIngElectric utility professionals share information, case studies, and solutions to everyday issues facing industry distribution systems. This session is offered twice annually.


november 8-10, 2011tempe, Ariz.

WeStern regIon MutuAl ASSIStAnCe AgreeMent (WrMAA) AnnuAl MeetIngThe agreement is designed as a tool for all gas and electric utilities throughout the Western United States and Canada to assist one another in the event of an emergency affecting generation, transmission, distribution, and/or services. Parties to the Western Regional Mutual Assistance Agreement and others involved in emergency response and business continuity planning, come together in an annual meeting to discuss common practices, review the agreement, and develop peer relationships. In the spring, this program meets with Emergency Response and Assistance Practices. Vendor display opportunities available.


SkILLS DEVELOPMENT

2012 CourseVarious locations

BuSIneSS ACuMen for eMergIng leAderS An intensive training program intended to grow and develop high potential managers and supervisors through exposure to an enlightened, big picture view of business, its interrelationships, and what drives success. Each session is conducted by faculty and speakers that include industry executives and subject matter experts.


Session One: February 27-29Hosted by NV Energy in Las Vegas, Nev.Session Two: April 23-25Hosted by Portland General Electric in Portland, Ore.Session Three: June 18-20Hosted by Intermountain Gas in Boise, IdahoSession Four: August 13-15Hosted by ATCO Electric in Edmonton, AlbertaSession Five: September 23-25Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, Calif.

August 29-Sept. 2, 2011Wilsonville, ore.

nortHWeSt eleCtrIC Meter SCHool The Northwest Electric Meter School furthers the education and skills of electric metering apprentices and journeymen through industry expert lectures and hands-on laboratory training. It covers the basics of electronic metering theory, AMI, and high-end meter applications. Vendor display opportunities are available.


March 12-16, 2012Pullman, Wash.

HAndS-on relAy SCHool The Hands-On Relay School trains protective relay technicians, electrical/power plant technicians, and protective relay test specialists. The Relay School is designed to help students become familiar with multiple test methods for a variety of protective relays and test equipment and to learn correct preventative maintenance methods. The course of instruction emphasizes the exchange ideas and resolution of problems in an open forum.


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T.D. Williamson, Inc.918-447-5500

www.tdwilliamson.comInside Front Cover

Siemens800-347-6659

www.usa.siemens.com/energyPage 3

KEMAwww.smartgridsherpa.com

Page 5

Altivon866-982-5848

www.altivon.com/utilitiesPage 7

Elster American Meter402-873-0710

www.elster-americanmeter.comPage 7

Henkels & McCoy909-517-3011

www.henkels.comPage 11

WESCO800-624-9843

www.wesco.comPage 11

Sunrise Engineering800-560-6151

www.sunrise-eng.comPage 15

California Turbo, Inc.800-448-1446

www.californiaturbo.comPage 23

Alden Systems888.25.ALDEN

www.aldensys.comInside Back Cover

Black & Veatch913-458-3440www.bv.comBack Cover

Western Energy™







WE


ADVeRTiSeR iNDeX

Consulting • Engineering • Construction • Operation I www.bv.com

Where business solutions begin with a conversation. Fresh insight and endless expertise result in constant innovation. And the complex is always made manageable.

That’s the Black & Veatch difference.

We’re building a world of difference. Together.

InspirationInnovation

11_Black&Veatch_WesternEnergy.indd 1 4/14/11 3:01 PM

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