In This Issue
-
In a city in which medieval cobblestone streets are the norm, and air and noise pollution a definite concern, a self-service electric car program, Autolib', was launched in early December. It is hoped this program will be as popular as the city's bike-rental program has been. There are 250 four-seat compact Bluecars now available for rental, and the program is expected to grow to 2,000 vehicles... -
In December, the Victorian Government in Australia completed its comprehensive review of its electric utilities' smart meter program. The consensus: With more than 900,000 meters already installed across Victoria, many of the economic benefits of moving from a manual to an automated metering system can only be delivered if smart meter technology is installed at all properties across the state.... -
Analyst firm Berg Insight, based in Sweden, says that the worldwide installed base of smart electricity meters will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 26.6 percent between 2010 and 2016 to reach 602.7 million. It projects that penetration rates for smart metering technology will increase from around 15 to 25 percent today to around 50 percent in Europe and North America, and to more than 75... -
OGE and Pepco are data mining for success
FROM PILOT PROJECTS TO DYNAMIC PRICING products, U.S. electric utilities are taking a clearer, more microscopic look at the needs of their customers, segment by segment, before launching.As one utility insider recently quipped, the focus has turned from "what's good for the utility is good for the customer" to "what's good for the customer is good for the utility."New data, and the ability to... -
Intelligent Utility KITE and UtiliQ Awards
KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY AND EXCELLENCE: These are the characteristics that set leaders apart from the pack. During the Knowledge2011 Intelligent Utility Executive Summit, executives from IT, customer service and operations were recognized-leaders who have moved their companies forward through strategic initiatives, measurable technology efforts, and innovative solutions that have met... -
Utility executives, and a few consultants, share their experiences
OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST YEAR, ELECTRIC UTILITIES have been immersed in customer communication and learning the ropes of what works for them (and for their customers), and what doesn't. In Intelligent Utility magazine, and in Intelligent Utility Daily, we've shared their thoughts and experiences, as well as those of industry consultants and analysts.As we all realize, there is no one-size-fits... -
Knowledge Executive Summit 2011 delegates share experiences
THE SIXTH ANNUAL KNOWLEDGE EXECUTIVE SUMMIT FOUND us on Amelia Island, just outside of Jacksonville, Florida. Recognized as one of the utility industry's most valuable and prestigious forums for chief information officers, the summit last year expanded its scope to include other mission-critical utility executives in customer service and operations.With mounting political and environmental... -
Twitter, Facebook, company blogs — utilities are using new tools
WHILE THE MOST OBVIOUS USE CASE FOR social media in the utility industry is during power outages or other events that affect customer service, many electric utilities are finding other positive uses for social media, too.Twitter, Facebook and even LinkedIn are finding their way into savvy utilities' communications toolboxes, and being used to positive effect in building new and better customer... -
Avista used rate hike protest to roll out social media campaign
UTILITIES ARE ACCUSTOMED TO RECEIVING negative feedback when it comes to rate increases, power outages and what is sometimes perceived as lackluster customer service. It's a fact of life that utilities live with, and one that isn't likely to change.What is changing is the way that utilities are dealing with customer complaints and concerns. Utilities are flocking to social media avenues like... -
Nashville Electric Service turns to Facebook, Twitter
IN MAY OF 2010, POWERFUL THUNDERSTORMS dumped more than 13 inches of rain on Nashville over a span of 48 hours. When the Cumberland River, which runs through downtown Nashville, crested at 12 feet above normal levels, flood waters ravaged the city and its surrounding suburbs.Many residents in Tennessee were left without power, including 42,000 in Nashville, the service area covered by Nashville...1
