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Find out about the latest trends in wireless co-location in UTC's latest report, based on a survey conducted among electric utilities, whether they be investor owned, cooperatives or municipalities. This analysis also includes interviews from industry professionals already who are adding to their bottom line by accommodating wireless attachments on their infrastructure.

Find out about the latest trends in wireless co-location in UTC's latest report, based on a survey conducted among electric utilities, whether they be investor owned, cooperatives or municipalities. This analysis also includes interviews from industry professionals already who are adding to their bottom line by accommodating wireless attachments on their infrastructure.

Recognizing the industry's need for guidance on NERC CIP compliance, UTC's newest report NERC CIP Standards: Ten Steps to Compliance Success has just been published. The report presents a ten-step process, grouped into six phases, that can be pursued simultaneously, and that most utilities can adapt to meet their internal needs. Even utilities that have not made much progress on CIP compliance can meet the 2009 audit deadlines by following the process suggested in the report.

Recognizing the industry's need for guidance on NERC CIP compliance, UTC's newest report NERC CIP Standards: Ten Steps to Compliance Success is nearly ready for publication. The report presents a ten-step process, grouped into six phases, that can be pursued simultaneously, and that most utilities can adapt to meet their internal needs. Even utilities that have not made much progress on CIP compliance can meet the 2009 audit deadlines by following the process suggested in the report.

Take advantage of this opportunity to get the complete archive of UTC’s pre- 2007 research reports (including many of the ones listed below) at this reduced price – an over $100,000 value.

NERC Compliance is coming soon for all US & Canadian Utilities. Compliance with these standards is NOT optional and non-compliance can end up costing your utility hefty fines - up to $1 million. Unless you have nothing better to do with your budget, now is the time to start preparing how your utility will handle the NERC standards. This Webinar aims to introduce you to the standards from the broad sense and what they mean for your utility. Come hear directly from NERC what their expectations are moving forward on compliance. After the NERC representative, an industry expert will give a brief introduction on what the industry is doing to get ready for these standards. There will also be time at the end for questions and answers.

Next Steps to the Next Generation Utility reports on what is perhaps the biggest challenge facing utilities - the need to design and build-out utility infrastructures that perform better, are easier to maintain, and more efficient to operate.

This overview Webinar presents the basis of Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology starting with an overview of multimode and single mode fibers, fiber loss mechanisms and a historical and current view of fiber loss and other impairments such as dispersion and reflectance. WDM is an emerging area in the transport networks of utilities and has potential for many UTC members. This Webinar will also present some of the specifics involved in WDM, CWDM and DWDM enabling technologies such as multiplex and demultiplex techniques, transponders, Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) and dispersion compensation technologies. Additionally, current examples of WDM, CWDM, and DWDM applications to better understand the size and scope of the applications.

Grounding systems help telecom systems operate at peak performance. To keep grounding systems functioning at their best, it is essential to understand how the key elements of a grounding system function and how to solve common problems. Attendees of this practical workshop will learn about subjects including grounding electrode systems, single point grounding, isolated ring and halo grounds, as well as tower grounding practices and site bonding.

Utilities are well positioned to address the rapidly growing opportunities in the wireless industry, particularly since they posses a large number of structures and right-of-ways positioning them as ideal co-location partners. As a result, there is a need for the utility industry to promote its properties to wireless carriers for antenna co-location. More importantly, these opportunities have the ability to develop recurring revenue streams for the utility and allow the utility to generate revenue to offset required capital investment in aging utility infrastructure. However, the fragmented approach and lack of a universal service agreement leads many wireless carriers to look at other options. A coordinated approach would enable utilities to obtain significant incremental revenue from the continuing growth in wireless networks across the country. This Webinar discusses the market today, the players and the future of wireless business co-location options for utilities.

One of the biggest hurdles encountered when automating Electric Distribution Utility business processes is the integration of software applications that support those processes. NRECA’s Cooperative Research Network recognized this problem and developed the MultiSpeak Software Integration Initiative in 2000. Now, utilizing the latest Web Services technology, MultiSpeak Version 3.0 is meeting the software integration needs of many cooperatives and other electric utilities. Find out how MultiSpeak can help your utility accomplish the task of integrating software applications with a minimum of costly custom development.

Are you looking at better ways to run your substation? then this report is for you. It examines the big picture behind automating your substation, and elevating it as a critical element in order to move towards more intelligent infrastructure and bringing it up to speed with the demands of the 21st century.

These days, businesses are looking at BPL not just as a means towards diversification, but a necessity to survive and thrive in the changing landscape of utility telecommunications. BPL development is now at a crossroads, since large-scale commercial deployments are underway and smart-grid applications are driving increased utility interest in the technology. This study, a joint effort by SHS Technologies and UTC, examines these opportunities will present the most complete, accurate and up-to-date industry information about the state of this industry. This report is now available, order it now!

Are you looking for innovative and socially relevant uses for your satellite system? Then this report was made just for you. Its timing of this report is excellent, as the FCC currently is investigating communications preparedness and response based on performance following Hurricane Katrina. This report is now available, order it now!

Is your utility involved, or interested, in offering facilities to wireless providers? Do you want to know how to make your siting business more attractive to wireless carriers and improve the bottom line? Then this paper is a must-read! The project was initiated by the UTC Wireless Business Opportunities Committee and investigates streamlining collocation business processes and finding industry consensus. It also looks at new opportunities as emerging technologies evolve.

This report addresses the biggest question facing utilities following the adoption of new North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) cyber security standards – where to begin? Getting started with compliance became even more important recently when NERC was certified as the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO). With the ERO carrying enforcement capabilities as outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, membership in and compliance with its standards are now required elements of doing business. The report emphasizes that the framework of the updated NERC standards (CIP-002-1 to 009-1) includes a mix of general principles and detailed procedures for critical infrastructure entities to follow. It is vital for utilities to address these standards, since some of the greatest vulnerabilities in electric utility networks lie in the systems that ensure their continuous operation and electric reliability.

As Wi-Fi technology approaches maturity and enjoys extreme popularity and unanticipated success, it has been joined by a heftier companion, WiMAX. An update of the 2003 Wi-Fi for Utilities primer could not have come at a better time, as it explores ways in which the energy industry is beginning to use Wi-Fi and WiMAX in primary and backup communications. The themes of integration, mobility, emerging applications and interoperability emerge as excellent reasons for utilities to test the waters of WLAN and WMAN technologies.

This study covers the following topics:

• Wi-Fi and WiMAX technical basics
• Current and projected general deployments instructive to utilities
• Technology drivers and limitations
• Present alternative business models
• Wi-Fi as a low-cost community broadband option
• Utility deployments to date and potential usages
  

  Members:	$195
  Associate Members:	$195
  Non Members:	$295
  	Order report online

Learn how your utility can benefit from the revolutionary transition from TDM to IP based communications. Both in terms of cost savings and improved efficiencies through advanced applications, IP is the wave of the future for utilities and enterprise companies at large. Your peers are in fact implementing IPC now and the real-world case studies and financial models covered in this study will make decisions regarding implementation in your own company easier. For over half a century, the United Telecom Council has helped its utility and energy company members address issues exactly like this. That is why UTC is proud to have produced a high-quality, "seminal" analysis that can be used to help you make the right decisions about IP communications systems for your utility. The new study, prepared for us by highly esteemed Telcordia Technologies and Reilly Associates, is entitled IP Communications Implementation for Critical Infrastructure. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Cisco Systems, Capgemini, IPC Information and Twisted Pair - representing the industry's best technology partners.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has had and will continue to have profound impacts upon corporate IT departments. With this research paper, find out about the critical role that IT organizations have played in complying with Sarbox to date and take a look at future trends for the utility industry, including increased automation, real-time reporting and expected return-on-investments. With case studies, learn what your peers have been doing to tackle the task of compliance and how they expect to benefit in the coming year. Included in this report is a definition of the Act, clarification of which utilities are affected and associated compliance deadlines and how frameworks and tools employed make compliance possible. In UTC's view, the Act is good for utilities and IT departments.

As more critical infrastructure companies are encouraged to consider abandoning their private wireless systems in favor of commercial service offerings, utility company decision-makers are facing many challenges in planning for the next generation of communications systems. Cost, spectrum availability, reliability and security concerns, availability of trained staff, and growing reliance on data applications are among the factors contributing to re-examination of wireless solution options. Until now, no objective analysis tool existed for critical infrastructure entities to evaluate the impact on their communications and their operations in general of switching to commercial communications systems versus upgrading tried and true private networks.

To address this issue, a "first of its kind" wireless options study by UTC Research and highly esteemed consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton (sponsored by M/A-Com and Motorola) seeks to:

• Summarize the role wireless communications play in utilities
• Review regulatory trends impacting utility communications
• Review leading private and commercial product offerings and highlight key features and functionality
• Present alternative business models
• Establish a set of decision levers and evaluation criteria for selecting a new system or provider
• Highlight key challenges facing both private and commercial service vendors

Completed for the fifth year, The 2004 UTC Fiber Rate Study is the latest version of this popular UTC Research report. This study is an industry leader in the assessment and analysis of prices for fiber and fiber-based services within the wholesale telecommunications industry. It has broad value across the industry for carriers and service providers, owners of infrastructure, analysts and investors.

Key Issues and Analysis:

• Price points for dark fiber, bandwidth and wavelength services
• Trends in wholesale service pricing
• Trends in demand for wholesale products
• Trends in contract terms for wholesale products
• Analysis of various markets, classes by population tiers
• The effects of bankruptcy/distressed assets on the wholesale market
• Wholesale market overview: Changes in customer segments and purchasing/sales processes

Recent downward trends have affected all segments of the economy, but the utility communications market has remained stable, and the potential exists for the market to rebound to a spending rate of $3.6 billion within the next year. This report will outline the technologies and services utilities plan to purchase through 2005.

Survey respondents indicated that a budget allotment at least similar to 2003 spending for communications equipment and services was in place for 2004, and 75% indicated that a increase in spending was predicted. Over one third (33%) of those indicating an expanded telecom budget in 2004 expected the increase to exceed 30% over the next few years.

Key Report Findings:

• The overall market for utility communications equipment and services is expected to increase dramatically in 2004 and beyond.
• Utilities spent $2.8 billion on telecommunications services and products in 2003.
• Nearly 90% of utility's telecommunications spending is projected to occur in the areas of transport, LAN/WAN, Internal Voice Systems, leased lines and SCADA.
• The most significant industry trend noted by utility members is migration to IP networks. This movement affects every aspect of communications networks, including digital microwave and WAN/LAN.

Some utilities may want to investigate the potential of BPL in a more detailed – and customized – manner. To support this need, utilities can subscribe to a customized report that includes both the industry overview report and the syndicated study. In addition, financial modeling will be customized to the specific characteristics of the service territory of any such utility and UTC Research will provide a customized report and one-day session devoted to that study sponsor, either at the utility’s or UTC’s offices.

Utilities are increasingly intrigued by the potential of the Broadband over Power Line market, expected to peak at 2.5 billion annually worldwide by 2010. Advances in BPL technology allow for high-speed, broadband communications over voltage lines, yielding great market opportunities. Ultimately, utilities will need to build a comprehensive BPL market entry strategy in order to reap the benefits of this burgeoning business.

**Special Offer** Purchase your copy of the BPL Syndicated Study today, and we will include a FREE regulatory update created by UTC/UPLC counsel and regulatory experts, when news from the pending FCC decision on radiated emissions standards breaks!

Industry Overview Report
This report goes into detail about the key issues and economics of the power line field. The report runs 82 pages and covers the following topics:

• Overview of the BPL industry
• Comparison with other access technologies
• Introduction to North American BPL vendors
• Overview of BPL activities
• High level results of BPL business case
• Key regulatory issues
• Strategic options for utilities
  

  Members:	$500
  Associate Members:	$500
  Non Members:	$750
  	Order report online

Comparable to the study released a year ago, the syndicated study goes into tremendous detail about all of the different aspects that must be considered as part of a BPL deployment. Those who purchase this syndicated study also will receive the industry overview report. The syndicated study runs approximately 312 pages in length and includes the following:

• The above Industry Overview
• Overview of alternative access technologies
• Cost comparison with alternative access technologies
• Detail on vendor systems and architectures
• Discussion of key advantages and disadvantages of different architecture types
• Overview of North American BPL trials
• Overview of European BPL activities
• Technical and design characteristics of BPL systems and their capabilities
• Detailed business case results for multiple architectures
• Financial potential of differing operating approaches
• Financial impact of delivering utility applications via BPL
• Overview of different retail applications that can be offered with BPL architecture
• "Game theoretical” analysis of competitive potential of BPL market entry
• Detail on regulatory issues and their financial impacts
• Strategic approaches in deploying BPL systems
  

  Members:	$3000
  Associate Members:	$3000
  Non Members:	$5000
  	Order report online

The events of September 11, 2001 shocked and confounded our complacent nation, taking away forever the belief that we are invulnerable to terrorist attacks within our own borders. No facet of our society can afford to ignore the possibility of malicious interference with the normal operations of daily life, and this includes the operations of the nation’s critical infrastructures. Indeed, utility infrastructure represents a national Achilles heel. The question of how best to protect utility infrastructures from a telecom/cyber perspective, what initiatives and organizations are currently working toward this end, and what the industry itself should do is the focus of this study. The UTC Research department composed a comprehensive report including an overview of homeland security efforts of import to utilities. The analysis examines the National Strategy, pertinent activity within the Department of Homeland Security and utility-focused Federal government and private sector initiatives. Security requirements of SCADA and communications networks are discussed, Information flow is traced and the potential technical benefits from National Laboratories are explored. Finally, a systematic program for securing utility critical infrastructure is identified by the UTC through a series of recommendations. These steps fall into two broad categories: "private sector policy and processes" and "company-focused recommendations". A sample timeline is presented for reference. For the company seeking to implement a new security program or to upgrade an existing one, the UTC Homeland Security report is an invaluable guide covering practical recommendations and a reference source for following Federal and DHS policy and indicators for the future.

The United Telecom Council presents primary and secondary research into the aging work force phenomenon and its effects upon the utility industry. The combined results of massive numbers of "Baby Boomers" approaching retirement and shrinking pools of qualified young people include loss of knowledge, detrimental effects upon business operations, and intensely competitive hiring practices. UTC analyzes the results of a survey completed by Human Resources representatives of membership utility companies. Anticipated retirement rates, effects upon business and mitigation strategies are discussed at length, forming an assessment of the current industry preparedness for work force exodus.

For some time, utilities of all types have looked to telecommunications as an avenue of potential business activity. The entry into the space has shown many flavors, with a diverse set of deployment activities and features, as shown below:

• Utilities involved - investor-owned, municipal, cooperatives Technology platforms - fiber, wireless, broadband over powerline, satellite
• Customer segments - municipal offices, schools, medical facilities, large enterprises, carriers, residences
• Geographic focus - metro, regional, long haul, point-to-point

During the recent years of economic challenge, businesses have made hard decisions in order to manage distressed bottom lines. Support services, including internal telecommunications and IT, though operationally vital, have often been eyed in efforts to cut costs and trim the fat. This paper discusses current IT and Telecom organizational trends and migrations. With the objective of benchmarking internal IT and telecommunications organizations within utilities, UTC conducted personal interviews, a survey and secondary research to assess the current status of such departments. This study will be of use to distribution and communications engineers and managers in preparing their organizations for competitive advantage as the economy recovers.

Use this valuable report on utility shared services to benchmark your costs and compare your own challenges and the means of resolving them with the experiences of the industry at large Shared Services is a complex, dynamic, and extremely important area of operations within utility businesses. Shared services represent a significant source of service to utility business units, as well as cost to the parent utility. Additionally, due to increasing pressures in the industry to cut costs and provide better service to the business units, shared services organizations are being pused to reduce costs, improve SLAs, and provide better service options for telecom and IT services. These issues, as well as concerns about organizational trends, cost implications, and allocation methods require detailed understanding on the part of utilities of their options and their operations.

UTC Research and Telcordia Technologies has released the "2003 Utility Telecommunications Benchmarking Study." This study represents the first targeted utility telecom benchmarking study of its type published in the marketplace. The report characterizes current technical capabilities, internal cost structures for network operation, management organization, capital and technology trends. The findings of the report will serve as a valuable tool for utility telecom professionals seeking to better understand and benchmark costs for capital and O&M expenditures against industry peers.

Findings of the report include:

• Economic uncertainty fostering an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary approach
• Respondents identified Enterprise WAN as a growth segment. Over half of respondents anticipated continued expansion to substations in next 12-18 months
• While there is limited large-scale telecom budget growth, topics such as security and customer care are high priorities in today’s utility business climate