Utilities and Telecoms to Examine Smart Grid Feasibility
Resolving how energy data flows, whether through broadband, telecommunications and the public Internet or on narrowband and private networks owned by public utilities, is a glaring obstacle to smart grid infrastructure in the United States.
Verizon Communications Inc. and the Utilities Telecom Council Inc., a trade association representing 700 utility companies, have announced a joint study on developing a national smart grid.
The report will try to build a consensus on what is needed to design and build a national smart grid and make recommendations on how utilities and telecoms should move forward.
According to William Moroney, UTC president and CEO,
"To be successful, utilities and their technology partners will need to have a common understanding of the technological, operational and financial factors that are the foundations for all the communications needs of utilities."
Congress has also established the smart grid as a national priority. Last year's economic stimulus legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act set aside $4.5 billion for the expedited deployment of a national smart grid.
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