Symposia Sponsor:
Internet Protocol-based technology is extending into every corner of telecom and information networks. IP capabilities increasingly are enabling cost-effective and flexible solutions for a wide variety of utility applications, both wired and wireless. But such systems are not without challenges. These sessions will explore where and when an IP-based solution can be the best one, and look at some applications you may not have considered, as well as discussing issues surrounding the integration of IP into legacy networks.
Monday, June 1
8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast Networking
ROOM: Cayman Court
9:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
International Workshop
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Pre-Conference Tutorials
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch
ROOM: Montego D-F
4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Grand Opening of UTC EXPO 2009
ROOM: Mirage Event Center Halls A/B
This is the grand opening of UTC EXPO 2009. Join us for food, drinks, friends and fun in the exhibit hall. This is your first chance to meet and greet the vendors. We encourage all attendees to spend some time learning the layout of the exhibit hall and planning what vendors you need to spend more time with over the next two days.
Tuesday, June 2
8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast Networking
8:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Opening General Session
ROOM: Mirage Events Center C2/C3
The Grand Opening General Session of UTC TELECOM 2009 will set the tone for UTC’s Annual Conference with a clear vision of where our industry is headed and what UTC is doing to help every member excel in these critical times. Michael Yackira, President and CEO of NV Energy, UTC TELECOM 2009’s host electric company, will give us his view of where the industry is headed along with the importance of information communications technology in achieving those goals. Also addressing the Opening General Session will be Rusty Williams, UTC’s Chairman of the Board and Manager of Information Systems Planning and Engineering for Southern Company Services, who along with the Chairs of UTC’s Divisions and Independent Operating Units, will focus on UTC’s vision of the year ahead and how your association is changing to help you through these extraordinary times. Whether you are from a utility or technology partner, full registrant or exhibitor, this is the essential session for you at UTC TELECOM 2009. Do not miss it!
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Next Generation IP Communications to Substations – Case Study
ROOM: Antigua
Kathleen Nelson, Telecommunications Engineer, Great River Energy Presentation
Chano Gomez, Vice President of Technology and Strategic Partnerships, DS2 Presentation
Great River Energy (GRE) has deployed a broadband, high speed, licensed IP communication system to approximately 600 electrical substations and switches covering about 44,000 square miles of its rural service area. In addition to allowing high–speed SCADA applications to the substations, this has provided remote network access to field crews throughout GRE's service area. In this session, you will hear how the utility designed and implemented this network, as well as the future applications planned, from those directly involved in the project.
UTC Regulatory/Legislative Update – Spectrum and Infrastructure
ROOM: Jamaica
Jill Lyon, Vice President & General Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council Presentation
Will smart grids lead to dedicated spectrum? How will new telecom services change the pole attachment landscape? As always, there are many regulatory issues and proceedings that will have an impact on utility networks. Issues continue to affect your legacy systems, while new proceedings have possibilities for wireless broadband, telemetry and new technologies. Given the new direction in Washington, UTC is focusing on the energy side of regulation more than ever before as a way to get members' needs understood – particularly in regard to smart grid implementation. From land mobile to microwave, towers to cybersecurity, this session from UTC's Legal/Regulatory Department will go over the broad landscape of UTC's policy work -- including our continued search for critical spectrum – and help you navigate other events during UTC TELECOM 2009.
IP Telephony Deployment – A Utility Case Study
ROOM: Montego A
Charles Bagley, Manager- Networking, PacifiCorp Presentation
Utilities continue to invest in upgrading their IT infrastructure, while at the same time leveraging existing telecommunications assets. Join us for this case study that outlines PacifiCorp's progress in converting 170 sites to IP Telephony that builds voice on top of its existing data network. The presentation will outline the project approach, technology architecture, problems encountered, and lessons learned. A particular focus will be on utility–specific needs, and touch on Pacificorp’s current and planned integrations with radio and metering systems.
Preparing Your Utility's Response to a Pandemic
ROOM: Montego B/C
Scott Mix, Manager - Situation Awareness & Infrastructure Security, North American Electric Reliability Corporation/NERC Presentation
With the recent outbreak of H1N1 (more commonly known as swine flu) and the legitimate scare as well as media hype surrounding the possible pandemic, many utilities were prompted to review their own pandemic response plans to make sure they remain applicable. As the world grows even more interdependent, the very real threat of a pandemic remains. This presentation will discuss the current viral outbreak in the context of a full pandemic and the implications for the utility sector. The presenter will review NERC's Electricity Sector Influenza Pandemic Planning, Preparation and Response Reference Guide published in 2006 and attendees will have a chance to discuss their own utilities plans in light of a pandemic.
11:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
UTC EXPO 2009 Open
ROOM: Mirage Event Center Halls A/B
During this exclusive exhibit hall time, attendees can take their time meeting and renewing acquaintances with the many vendors on the exhibit hall floor. This is a great time to see what product and services are available for the projects you have planned in the upcoming year. To make things even more exciting, UTC will offer regular drawings for cash prizes – you must be present to win!
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch in UTC EXPO 2009
ROOM: Mirage Event Center Halls A/B
4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
VoIP – A Case Study
ROOM: Antigua
Barry Wood, Manager- Voice Systems, Duke Energy Presentation
Utilities are putting more and more focus on the use of IP–based technologies– including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony. Is this a good idea? Are you addressing all the security and reliability concerns? This session presents a case study on how one utility chose and implemented a VoIP solution. Come hear the current status of the project , what was learned along the way and next phases of the project.
Utility Remote Metering Today
ROOM: St. Thomas A
Mike Burns, Smart Grid Applications / AMI Business Development, Itron Presentation
John Ratliff, Technical Director, Aclara Presentation
The evolution of remote metering is here. There are targeted objectives in metering and its host of technologies and services, including cost savings, energy and demand reduction, labor reduction, better monitoring and tracking, greater accuracy, greater security, better consumption and data reports, and more intelligent performance analysis. Find out how the benefits can directly apply to your utility.
Washington Roundtable
ROOM: Jamaica
Prudence Parks, Federal Legislative Representative, Utilities Telecom Council
Rita Wells, Manager/Scada and Process Control Systems, Idaho National Laboratory Presentation
Daniel C. Hurley, Jr., Director, Critical Infrastructure Protection, U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Presentation
It’s a whole new Washington now and different things are becoming a priority! UTC’s Public Policy Division and staff are working with Congress, the Department of Energy, The Department of Homeland Security, NTIA, the Gridwise Alliance and others and you should hear what policymakers are doing that could have a profound effect on your utility and its systems. Finish your educational day with some inside information from our Washington guests in this important session.
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
UTC Gala
ROOM: Mirage Events Center C
The UTC Gala is a great way to unwind after a full day of education and the exhibit hall. The event, held in The Mirage Hotel and Casino includes food and fun. Come ready to have fun before you kick off the rest of your evening in Las Vegas!
Wednesday, June 3
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
POWER HOUR SESSION: Home Area Network Standards
ROOM: Antigua
Greg Angst, Consulting Engineer, CenterPoint Energy
Presentation
Utilities are looking beyond the meter towards Home Area Networks (HAN), as part of a larger smart grid strategy to communicate with individual devices and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles(PHEVs) that are plugged in. Standards are being developed to promote interoperability and to encourage competition and product development in this emerging new market. This session will examine the issues and the opportunities for HAN standards, as well as the stakeholders that are leading the standards effort.
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
UTC Apex Award Presentation Ceremony
Sponsored by Motorola
ROOM: Mirage Events Center C2/C3
Join us as we present this year’s winners of the UTC Apex Award. Breakfast will be served as we honor the best in utility telecommunication projects. Attendees will get to hear what other utilities are doing in support of their communities, and how communication systems and the professionals responsible are helping to guide the way. Following this year’s UTC Apex Award presentation, there will be a special guest speaker to address the larger role of utility telecommunication professionals in the industry.
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Networking Break
9:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Creating a Smart Utility Network of Networks
ROOM: Montego D/F
Fred Fletcher, Assistant General Manager, Burbank Water & Power – Board Chair, UTC’s Smart Networks Council
Dan Havens, Vice President of Engineering, IPKeys Technologies LLC
Edward Allitt, Principle Staff Scientist, C4ISR Sector, IPKeys Technologies LLC
Combined Presentation
With the advent of micro and decentralized generation, utilities are increasingly changing delivery infrastructures so that they can reap the benefits of technological and regulatory changes. Other developments, such as wind farms and plug–in hybrid vehicles, will likewise force utilities to further design and manage delivery –– as well as infrastructure and consumer billing –– in new and innovative ways. All of these developments are propelling utilities to embrace smart IP network technologies while eyeing the creation of a Smart Utility Network of Networks (SUN2), an industry–wide, interconnected IP communications network. SUN2 will enable the faster deployment of smart energy networks by supporting multiple applications including but not limited to distributed– and micro–generation of energy, sharing of customer usage data, and sharing energy with other distribution utilities without the need to interconnect via a third–party transmission network. This session will feature an outline of the benefits of SUN2 highlighting work done by UTC’s Smart Networks Council.
Convergence & Integration of Utility Legacy Devices Using IP
ROOM: Antigua
Emmanuel Duvelson, Product Marketing Manager, RFL Electronics Inc. Presentation
Dave Christophe, Director, Alcatel-Lucent Presentation
IP Technology offers the greatest opportunity for voice and data convergence, a critical need for the utility of the near future. The challenge: how do you integrate utility legacy devices into a modern, IP– based communications infrastructure and take best advantage of its benefits? IP technology has proven to reduce cost and increase productivity by allowing collaborative communications. This session will look at how the technology can bridge the gap of existing and emerging technologies and how you can integrate utility legacy devices. Come to hear different ways in which utilities can integrate both their legacy devices and modern IP–based devices into a common, rapid and efficient communications platform.
State PUCs – the Real Smart Grid Battleground
ROOM: Montego B/C
Paul G. Afonso, Co-Leader, Boston Government Law & Strategies Group, Brown Rudnick Presentation
State public utility commissions have the real power when it comes to how your utility develops its smart grid initiatives and how much you can recoup from rate base increases. This session will discuss the different initiatives in play in different states and how emerging regulatory trends will shape the overall rollout of the Smart Grid nationwide. This session will also touch on possible national mandates from the new administration and how these will likely play out in different states. This debate has a huge impact on your utility so you won’t want to miss this session.
Bridging the Gap: Business & Financial Aspects of Information Communications Technology (ICT) Issues
ROOM: Montego A
Matt Zafuto, WW Solutions Offering Executive,IBM Global Energy & Utilities Industry, IBM Corporatation Presentation
Mark Miller, Solutions Operations Director, Cisco Systems Presentation
Telecom and IT are the two components of an integrated ICT sector, but ICT convergence goes beyond technology. The utility industry needs to look at new ways to improve its business processes. From an IT perspective, business applications are more collaborative and communication driven. The focus of defining the future of telecom and networking has shifted towards Internet Protocol (IP), mobile communications and high–speed broadband networks. This session will focus upon the challenges and opportunities in the utility industry to deliver a homogeneous environment for time–sensitive and traditional IT applications, the critical role of addressing ICT convergence and the set of skills required for continued success.
10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
UTC EXPO 2009 Open
ROOM: Mirage Event Center Halls A/B
This is your final opportunity to get to know the product and service vendors in the Exhibit Hall. Make sure you get to see everything on the floor today! UTC will continue to raffle off cash prizes, including the grand prize, before the exhibit hall closes. Don’t forget, you have to be present to win!
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch in UTC EXPO 2009
ROOM: Mirage Event Center Halls A/B
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Interoperability Using Multiple Wireless Technologies
ROOM: Montego A
Christian Beauregard, Senior Advisor - Wireless Data Solutions, RadioIP Software, Inc. Presentation
Lynn Hunt, Business Analyst, Industry & Public Sector, Alcatel-Lucent Presentation
In today’s cost-sensitive environment, successful utility companies provide optimal customer service by integrating company-wide mobile data technologies. This session will cover the solutions available to achieve interoperability among networks, applications and devices to allow mobile data communications over both IP and non-IP wireless networks. A case study will be presented on a large US based electric utility using disparate wireless network technologies for their mission-critical mobile data operations. Through unified communications, these applications are made available regardless of the end-user's location, network or device.
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Networking Break
2:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Next Generation Open Standard Digital Mobile Radio
ROOM: Montego B/C
William P. Fredrickson, Vice President- Global Utilities, Tait Radio Communications Presentation
This session will provide an overview of the next generation open standard digital voice and data network (ETSI DMR – Digital Mobile Radio). The session will explore the features inherent in the technology that enable improved voice communications as well as mobile data applications. Attendees will be briefed on FCC rulings and the applicability of DMR to provide both narrowband 12.5 KHz compliance and 6.25 KHz equivalency. A discussion of the pros and cons of DMR as an open standard will be included. The presentation will explore possible technology migration strategies that enable enterprises to scale their implementation to match budgets and operational needs while future proofing the investment.
Real–Life Utility Smart Meter Projects
ROOM: Montego D/F
Richard Bertolo, Project Director, Distribution Business Development, Hydro One Networks Presentation
Tom Moses, IT Architect, San Diego Gas & Electric Company Presentation
Rusty Williams, Manager-Planning & Engineering, Southern Company Services Presentation
Smart meters are best–known part of smart grid, empowering consumers while providing utilities with much more data about energy use to promote overall energy efficiency and conservation. Critical for any utility to enable its smart metering/smart grid strategy is to have a telecommunications network that provides ubiquitous connectivity throughout its operating territory. Come hear how leading utilities are implementing this strategy over their entire service territory – including rural areas. This session will feature case studies from utilities on their projects to date.
Enterprise IT for Critical Infrastructure
ROOM: St. Thomas A
Dan Draughn, Managing Director, RCC Consultants Presentation
Matthew Girard, Senior Director of Market Development, Encore Networks Presentation
Kris Jarrett, Vertical Sales Specialist, Alcatel-Lucent Presentation
Ethernet to the substation; IP communications for critical infrastructure control networks; seamless integration for traditional enterprise IT and telecommunications functions: these are key issues that every utility is facing in one fashion or another today –– or will face soon. This session will focus on the role of traditional enterprise IT functions as they specifically are applied in critical infrastructure organizations, how their role is changing and how your utility can take advantage of these changes. This session will also discuss the financial implications of enterprise IT and how to address this in a utility environment.
4:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Networking Break
4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
Legal/Regulatory Update – ARRA Funding Opportunities for Utilities
ROOM: St. Thomas A
Brett Kilbourne, Director of Regulatory Services & Associate Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council Presentation
Prudence Parks, Federal Legislative Representative, Utilities Telecom Council Presentation
Thanks to the landmark economic stimulus package, the rush is on to capitalize on the grants, loans and matching funds available for Smart Grid projects and technology as well as broadband initiatives. Utilities are at the center of the action. Learn the big picture view of the funds available, the parameters for successful applications and the important deadlines for getting in on the action. Your association has been busy identifying and working with those on point at DOE, USDA’s RUS, NTIA and the FCC -- you should take advantage of what it has learned in order to get a leg-up on the application process.
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
UTC Awards Dinner
The UTC Awards Dinner celebrates the achievements of specific individuals through the presentation of Chairman’s Awards, as well as UTC’s most prestigious personal awards – the Dondanville and Meehan awards. The event is a semi–formal sit down dinner that kicks off with cocktails. You won’t want to miss it as we congratulate some of your peers on a job well done.
Thursday, June 4 – IN DEPTH WORKSHOPS
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
UTC Annual Membership Meeting and Breakfast
ROOM: Mirage Events Center C2/C3
UTC’s Annual Membership Meeting is a great way for you, the members, to get caught up on what UTC is planning for the upcoming year. This capstone features the UTC Division Chairs as they present their agendas and get you involved and excited about the many projects UTC is planning. Plus, this is your chance to vote on the next UTC Chairman of the Board! Whether you’ve been a member for awhile or are just thinking about joining, this is a great session to really pull together everything you’ve learned and see how UTC fits in the mix.
9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Networking Break
9:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Building the Business Case – Financial Analysis of Smart Grids Workshop
ROOM: St. Thomas A
David Shpigler, President, The Shpigler Group Presentation
Financing a project is always one of the major sticking points driving investment decisions. Proving the long–term financial benefits of these projects is often difficult, considering there is little precedent from other utilities to prove the worth of next–generation improvements. This session will discuss the financial implications of making the investment in the next–generation utility, highlighting the financial benefits that can accrue alongside the operational benefits. You can manage financial expectations while still getting your next–generation projects on the high–priority list for tight capital dollars.
Process Control Systems Workshop: SCADA and Beyond
ROOM: Montego A
Rita Wells, Manager/Scada and Process Control Systems, Idaho National Laboratory
Kenneth Rohde, Cyber Security Researcher, Idaho National Laboratory Presentation Part 1 & Presentation Part 2
Whether you call it DCS, SCADA or something else, critical infrastructures don’t function without control systems to monitor vital functions and shut down operations when danger arises. How well do you understand what these systems do and how they are changing? There are new technologies available that can improve system functions. This workshop is designed to provide the basics of control systems; to examine the many security issues facing them; and to cover efforts to move to the next, more secure, generation of technology.
Follow the Money Trail: Navigating the Economic Stimulus Funding Maze
ROOM: Montego B/C
Mike Meyer, Project Manager, Black & Veatch Presentation
Ken Van Meter, Principal, Lockheed Martin Presentation
Shirley Fujimoto, Partner, McDermott, Will & Emery Presentation
Once you know what’s available under the ARRA, how do you put together a successful application? This workshop will go beyond the basics to focus on navigating the complex government funding maze. Speakers will discuss both the content perspective – to comply with the specific FOA requirements issued by DOE, NTIA and RUS – and the procedural standpoint, making sure the right form is used and deadlines are not missed.
