Insights from our Editorial Team
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Jump on optimization, go slow with consumersSep 16, 2012 |
An industry thought leader suggests that utilities touch every customer when introducing new technology such as interval meters, and manage expectations. The path is clear to move ahead on distribution system optimization, where the technology is mature.
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Hacking for 30 days, curatedSep 13, 2012 |
A glance at the headlines reveals projections for significant spending on cyber security in the U.S. and Europe and many times that level by China. In the age of Stuxnet, industrial control systems have received more attention and conferences this fall will focus on ICS.
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Bluebonnet coop in Texas forging aheadSep 12, 2012 |
Data-driven insights promise to increase customer engagement and satisfaction, while providing utility-side benefits such as energy efficiency and peak load reduction. A new report offers guidance on best practices.
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Sep 11, 2012 |
As utilities ramp up spending on technologies designed to protect the power distribution system and make the electric grid more intelligent, the emphasis on security continues to grow. Thought leadership sponsored by Intel.
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Both approaches reveal serious shortcomingsSep 11, 2012 |
Addressing cyber security for the power sector drives many conversations: mandates versus voluntary programs, IT versus industrial control systems, technology versus people, the list goes on. We reprise some of the logic to these apparent dichotomies and provide further reading.
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Homeland security calls for `best practices'Sep 10, 2012 |
On 9/11, the secretary of Homeland Security states that cyber security is "the most threatening risk we have." Much has changed in 11 years, but not as much as you'd think. We discuss the cyber security issues that can be touched on publicly, which focus on "how to think about cyber security." And we provide resources to in-depth discussions of same.
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If "customer" implies choice, there's a ways to goSep 09, 2012 |
Playing nice when you need something doesn't build trust or turn "ratepayers" into "customers." Choices and the empowerment to make them are the basis for the new utility-customer relationship. Otherwise, the change in terminology is without merit.
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No one-size-fits-all solution hereSep 06, 2012 |
Just as we all have different-sized feet, utilities of different sizes and different geographic issues need different network communications solutions to fit individual needs. For a long time, the debate - and it was a debate - between the use of WiFi or broadband and public or private communications networks seemed to be more about trying to find a one-size-fits-all solution, rather than a variety of solution, rather than a variety of solutions (sometimes used within the same utility) in which everyone wins.
Now, not so much.
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Two takes on last week's "Five Grid Issues"Sep 06, 2012 |
Are fossil fuel emissions really a bad thing or much ado about nothing? Are smarter grids more resilient or is that just industry hooey? Is our columnist a "zealot" or just another misinformed stooge? Two readers take different tacks.
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Power retailing is a rough-and-tumble businessSep 05, 2012 |
A new report on best practices in data analytics reveals how a Texas retailer prioritizes customer retention efforts and maximizes resources. These practices also help raise the bar for the overall customer experience. Internally, cross-functional teams help demolish silos.
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