There are always “game-changing” technologies on the horizon that offer great promise of radically improving utility communications. Yet not all technologies are right for your utility, and how do you find the time to fully understand how they will impact your organization? In order to make the best choice for your utility, you need to know the benefits, costs, timelines and other possible impacts of the different solutions that are available now and on the horizon. Find out what solutions should be on your radar screen and what you should start working into your long-range planning efforts. Find out how future choices may be impacted by the standards and regulations being considered for these technologies. This Symposium will feature experts from utilities and our technology partners, who will share their experiences with new and emerging technologies that can bring real benefits to utilities – now, or in the not-too-distant future.
Tuesday, May 10
8:00 a.m. Past UTC Chairmen's Invitational Golf Tournament
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. International Workshop
International attendees and those interested in projects around the globe are invited to attend the International Workshop. This workshop will feature case studies from utilities in Europe, Latin America and Canada on what's going on there that will impact the global industry. We encourage all of our international attendees to participate and share their country specific experiences. For U.S.-based utilities, this is a great chance to see what exciting projects others are working on that will impact the United States in some way.
9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Pre-Conference Technical Sessions
Kick off your learning at UTC TELECOM 2011 at these pre-conference technical sessions. These three-hour presentations are able to go in depth on the topic and provide time for you to ask detailed questions.
12:30–1:30 p.m. Networking Lunch
4:30–7:00 p.m. UTC EXPO 2011 Grand Opening
Wednesday, May 11
8:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast
8:30–10:15 a.m. Opening General Session
10:15–10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:30–11:45 a.m.
Should Your Utility Start Thinking About Cognitive Radio?
Symposia: Emerging Technologies, Enterprise IT
Spectrum is a finite resource and getting access, at a reasonable cost, is sometimes a difficult proposition for utilities. While the charge continues to create space for utilities either on their own or through sharing opportunities, it is critical that utilities explore other options at the same time. One such option is Cognitive Radios. “Cognitive” devices can sense the local spectral environment, adjust to take advantage of temporarily empty spaces on the spectrum and then move their signals elsewhere as soon as the space is no longer empty. Yet, can the proper boundaries be set to make this viable for utility use? And what happens when someone uses a cognitive radio in your spectrum? This session will explore this emerging area to better explore if this is a working solution for utilities.
John Grosspietsch, Ph.D., Fellow of the Technical Staff - EMS Research, Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Rick Schmidt, Vice President - Utility Communication Systems, Power System Engineering
Utility Communications Needs—Part 1
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, Wireless, Enterprise IT, Smart Metering/Smart Home, Smart Control Systems
Based on UTC’s pivotal study, “Utility Communications Needs: Key Factors That Impact Utility Communications Networks,” and the U.S. Department of Energy’s report, “Communications Requirements of Smart Grid Technologies,” this session will delve into all the issues facing utility communications. A great session for utilities, their technology partners and communications service providers, this session will look closely at how utilities use communications technologies and applications in their own internal networks and what utilities seek from external communications service partners. (Don’t miss Part 2 at 4:30 p.m.)
Greg Angst, Consulting Engineer, CenterPoint Energy
Ernie Lewis, Managing Principal - Energy and Utility Practice, Verizon
Cynthia Brumfield, Director of Research, Utilities Telecom Council
11:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. UTC EXPO 2011 Open
Exclusive exhibit hall time allows attendees to see products and services from the leading vendors supplying critical infrastructure today. As a bonus, UTC has several prize drawings during this time for attendees. You must be present to claim your prize!
12:00–2:00 p.m. Networking Lunch in UTC EXPO 2011
4:30-5:45 p.m.
TV White Spaces—Are There Opportunities for Utilities?
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies
Are the TV white spaces the answer to spectrum availability for utilities? Join us as we explore how white space frequencies might benefit utilities, especially for upcoming smart grid requirements. The presentation will discuss FCC rules and regulations regarding TV white spaces. It will also highlight present state and future advancements of vendor technology available to utilities in order to leverage this spectrum. Find out what TV white spaces mean and what the market has to offer in order to determine if this technology could work for your utility.
Ed Wentzel, Senior Account Manager, Spectrum Bridge, Inc.
Al Ittner, Manager – Spectrum & Regulatory Strategy, Motorola Inc.
James Carlson, Chief Executive Officer, Carlson Wireless Technologies
Utility Communications Needs Strategy—Part 2
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, Wireless, Enterprise IT, Smart Metering/Smart Home, Smart Control Systems
Following up on the morning session’s review of utilities’ future communications requirements, this session will focus on how utilities are starting to get these needs fulfilled. In this session, UTC’s legal and regulatory experts will lay out our plan of attack for your needs—including spectrum-sharing possibilities and the progress to fulfill these needs. We are also asking that attendees come willing to participate with ideas and feedback on UTC’s approach. This session will also cover what your utility can do to get involved and support UTC to make sure your needs are being met.
Ron Bilodeau, Staff Contracting Agent, NV Energy
Ernie Lewis, Managing Principal - Energy and Utility Practice, Verizon
Mike Oldak, Vice President & General Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council
6:30–8:30 p.m. UTC Gala
Join us for food, music and fun as we celebrate the first full day of sessions at UTC TELECOM 2011—to a Mardi Gras theme! It’s a great way to unwind, catch up with friends and make new friends during the conference. You won’t want to miss the party!
Thursday, May 12
POWER HOUR 7:00–8:00 a.m.
First Adopters—Be a Part of Pilot Testing for UTC
Symposium: Emerging Technologies
UTC would like to invite a group of interested utilities to consider pilot-testing new technology. We are starting a discussion with our members about how this group would work and how vendors would gain our participation. Pilot testing would be voluntary, and UTC would first screen all requests before putting them out to the group to decide. Join us as we discuss your interest in this concept and how we could best implement it in order to create a value-added opportunity.
Craig Maternoski, Manager - Applied Technology, Integrys Business Support
Kathy Nelson, Principal Telecommunications Engineer, Great River Energy
Ron Taylor, Senior Principal Engineer, Salt River Project
8:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast
8:30–10:00 a.m. Excellence in Utility Communications—Presentation of the UTC Apex and CIO Roundtable Discussion
10:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m. UTC EXPO 2011 Open
This is attendees’ final opportunity to meet with vendors and see their products and services. Make sure you finish up your tour of UTC EXPO 2011 today! UTC will continue its prize drawings, including a grand prize right before the close. You must be present to claim your prize!
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch in UTC EXPO 2011
1:30–2:45 p.m.
Latest in Utility Research
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, Wireless, Enterprise IT, Smart Monitoring/Smart Home, Smart Control Systems
There are many organizations studying utilities in today’s environment, and many of the issues under discussion impact utility communications. This session will bring together some of the leading players in the utility research market to discuss the major trends they are seeing and other utility best practices. This is a great way to take a holistic view of the utility industry to best understand what plans you need to put into place for your utility to stay in line with and even ahead of the curve.
Cynthia Brumfield, Director of Research, Utilities Telecom Council
Bob Gohn, Senior Analyst, Pike Research
Craig Rodine, Technical Executive, EPRI
Video Applications in the Field
Symposium: Emerging Technologies
There are many opportunities to use video applications in order to redefine utility response and workforce management. Plus, with high theft rates of copper and other pricey supplies, video surveillance offers a cost-effective opportunity to monitor assets. There are also future applications related to the mobile workforce, wearable video applications for restoration and more. This presentation will help ensure that you are using video effectively throughout the utility.
Travis John Phifer, Telecommunications Engineer, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association
Lynn Hunt, Strategic Industries Solution Specialist, Alcatel-Lucent
2:45–3:00 p.m. Networking Break
3:00–4:15 p.m
Utility Wireless Communications Regulatory Compliance Update
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, Wireless, Enterprise IT, Smart Monitoring/Smart Home, Smart Control Systems
The wireless legal and regulatory landscape is complex. There’s a lot going on at the Department of Energy, the Federal Communications Commission, Department of Homeland Security and more that impact utility’s wireless landscape. From narrowbanding to spectrum auction to microwave and beyond, this session provides the complete picture on wireless issues facing your utility today. This session not only goes over the issues, but discusses how UTC is responding and what this means to you as a utility.
Brett Kilbourne, Director- Regulatory Services & Associate Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council
Jeff Sheldon, Principal, Fish & Richardson P.C.
David Furth, Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
Leasing vs. Buying—What’s YOUR Best Spectrum Play?
Symposia: Emerging Technologies, Wireless
Spectrum isn’t just a want; it is a need for your utility to roll out the critical technologies necessary to support next-generation communication systems. You may have some spectrum, but chances are you’ll need more. How much more depends on what you have currently planned and how you see your system expanding in the future. Is the best route to buy spectrum for your utility? If so, what range is best for your long-term needs depending on the technologies available to support what you want to do? Or is it easier and less expensive to lease spectrum? Come hear all the options available in order to make an informed decision on your spectrum needs.
John Reardon, Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Communications/Land Mobile, LLC
Frank Folz, Managing Director- Smart Grids, Airspan Networks, Inc.
Mike Oldak, Vice President & General Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council
4:15–4:30 p.m. Networking Break
4:30–5:45 p.m.
Washington Update—UTC’s Legal/Regulatory Update
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, Wireless, Enterprise IT, Smart Metering/Smart Home, Smart Control Systems
Let’s face it; most people would agree that Washington is a different world. To navigate it takes some skill, and a legal degree! Come hear from UTC’s Washington EXPERTS on what is going on in the legal and regulatory environment, particularly Congress, and how that will impact your utility. This is a great session to learn how Washington works and how all of the players fit together. Bring your questions and ask the experts.
Mike Oldak, Vice President & General Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council
Prudence Parks, Director- Government Affairs and Legislative Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council
Brett Kilbourne, Director- Regulatory Services & Associate Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council
Klaus Bender, Director- Standards and Engineering, Utilities Telecom Council
LTE—What’s Real and What’s Hype?
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies
Location: 103 A
The discussion around LTE has been going on for a while now, yet still utilities want to know what’s real and what’s hype. Join us as we discuss how utilities can and are using LTE, what options are available, as well as the private and commercial LTE applications. This discussion will provide the opportunity ask questions about the next generation of technologies from manufacturers, carriers and utilities.
Chistoph Inauen, Director, Business Development, Nokia Siemens Networks, LLC
Paul Senior, Chief Technical Officer, Airspan Networks Inc.
6:30–7:00 p.m. UTC Awards Dinner Reception
7:00–9:00 p.m. UTC Awards Dinner
The UTC Awards Dinner celebrates the achievements of individuals involved in UTC and the industry. Come join us for a semi-formal sit-down dinner as we honor individuals for Chairman’s Awards, the Dondanville Award and the Meehan Award.
Friday, May 13
POWER HOUR 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Trends in Utilities Capital Expenses
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, Wireless, Enterprise IT, Smart Monitoring/Smart Home, Smart Control Systems
While there are many anecdotal ideas on how utilities are planning for the future, it’s important to have actual data that support these trends in order to justify some positions. This is why UTC is updating its popular report that trends what projects utilities plan to spend money on in 2011 and beyond—based on actual budget data from utilities. This session will also provide a look back at the trends from the last UTC research report on this topic to see what actually occurred and why. This session is a great look at overall utility capital spending plans and to benchmark your spending on industry averages. Vendors are also encouraged to attend this session to see how their products and services fit into utilities’ planned spending.
Steve Zoromsky, Senior Regulatory Analyst, Lower Colorado River Authority
Jimmy Don Havins, Manager- Telecommunications, Lower Colorado River Authority
Cynthia Brumfield, Director of Research, Utilities Telecom Council
Laser Technology—The Future of Utility Backhaul?
Symposium: Emerging Technologies
Attochron, LLC is the exclusive developer of 'free-space' (i.e. wireless point-to-point) laser communications using ultrashort optical pulse lasers (USPL). Intended to provide an all-weather, scalable, rapidly-deployed, IP-compatible optical network element (link) that is fully compatible with WDM and IP networks, USP LasercomTM creates a safe, extremely broad spectrum of light, and the individual pulses enable sensing, data communications and propagation abilities. While this technology is still under development, its application in the utility industry is hard to ignore. Join us as we delve into how these lasers work and what the future holds for this technology.
USAF Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert P. Fleishauer, Ph.D., Senior Atmospheric Science Advisor, Attochron, LLC
8:30–9:30 a.m. UTC Annual Membership Meeting & Breakfast
9:30–9:45 a.m. Networking Break
9:45–11:45 a.m.
Information Leakage Can Compromise Your Utility
Symposia: Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, Enterprise IT
The Internet gets bigger and more complex every day and provides a wealth of information on your utility’s personnel , system operations, corporate finances and other proprietary information—to someone who knows how to aggregate it. Information from social networking sites, information based on technical questions posted in blogs or vendor forums, and even information from your online procurement and project bidding can potentially compromise your utility in ways you never imagined possible. Join the presenters as they expose the risks of publishing information in ways that compromise security. There will also be a LIVE DEMONSTRATION on how you can leverage open-source intelligence to discover if personal or corporate info has been compromised.
Jonathan Pollet, Founder and Principal Consultant, Red Tiger Security
