Views from the Top:

Nobody appreciates the intricacy of the power grid better than the manufacturers that produce the products that run it. Given that it is regarded as one of the most complicated systems ever invented, people haven’t needed to know or care how it works, as long as their lights stay on. Hardly ever do they interact with the entity delivering the service—the utility companies. "Seizing Opportunity to Become Customer-Centric," Chris Curtis, President and CEO, Schneider Electric.

The utilities market is currently facing significant challenges. We have an aging infrastructure and workforce—we’re not offsetting the retirement of experienced engineers with incoming engineers. Other challenges, according to the Black & Veatch 2011 Strategic Directions Survey Results, are reliability and regulations. “Smarter Grids Offer Integrated Solutions,” Kirk Hachigian, Chairman, President, and CEO, Cooper Industries

Views from the Industry:

• Electric Grid Evolves into a System of Systems
• Building Upgradeability into Future of Smart Grid Metering
• State Perspectives—A Conversation with NARUC President David Wright
• Investing in the Grid for America’s Future

Also in the issue:

• Choices, Choices, Choices—Resolving Smart Grid Choice Overload with a Business Case Model
• Energy Management and Conservation Solutions: Automate the Grid
• Distributed Energy Storage: Adapting the Grid to Changing Consumption Patterns

[ View a PDF version of the June 2012 issue ]

Hot Topics

06.25.12
Use of Consumer Fireworks Dramatically Increases Risk of Fire and Injury
Just in time for Fourth of July, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its Fireworks report which explores fire and injury dangers related to consumer fireworks.
—National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

06.22.12
FERC Approves Final Rule to Integrate Variable Energy Resources
6/22/2012 - The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a final rule that promotes more efficient operation of the transmission system amid increasing integration of variable energy resources and benefits electric consumers by ensuring that services are provided at just and reasonable rates.
—Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

06.21.12
Aggressive Energy Efficiency Goals Are Transforming the Building Industry, According to Pike Research
6/21/2012 - Despite significant growth and much publicity, the green construction and technology market still accounts for only a small percentage of the commercial building stock worldwide. Today, the spread of sophisticated building automation systems (BAS), which take advantage of the convergence of information technology (IT) data and building data, is helping drive significant growth in intelligent and energy-efficient buildings.
—Business Wire

On the Hill/Around the Nation

06.22.12
NEMA Congratulates MITA for FDA Pediatric Imaging Award
NEMA congratulates its Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) on receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Leveraging/Collaboration Award for developing collaborative network aimed at reducing unnecessary radiation exposure from imaging exams to pediatric patients.
—MITA

International News

06.20.12
Endesa Showcases Charger that Enables Electric Vehicles to Return Power to the Grid
Endesa has showcased what is believed to be Europe’s first quick charge point allowing dual directionality of the load from the grid to the vehicle and back.
—Metering.com

NEMAvoice

Industry News

• Coulomb Technologies Partners with National Grid to Extend ChargePoint Network throughout New York State
  Coulomb Technologies, Inc, an electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider announced that it has partnered with National Grid and others to extend Coulomb’s ChargePoint® Network throughout New York State with the installation of more than 160 charging ports. 06/21/12

[ Industry News Archives ]

NEMA News

• NEMA Joins Coalition for Current Safety Codes in Support of Advancing Public Safety
  NEMA is already heavily involved in the code development process for ICC and NFPA codes, and its field representative program has been a strong advocate of the timely adoption and consistent enforcement of current edition safety codes. 06/12/12

[ NEMA News Archives ]

Market Comments by Tom Robinson Just when you think things may be looking up we get a challenging market and more disappointing economic news. The Fed has extended Operation Twist, but I’m skeptical that can help much to jump start economic growth when conditions look to be weakening, not strengthening. read more...

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