Electrifying ideas for a smart power grid

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Where the money lies in smart grids

•     Datamining and CRM technologies
•     Database development (SQL Server 2008 and Oracle)
•     Data storage hardware
•     Business analytics and intelligence software and services
•     Workflow analysis software and services
•     Carrier-class networking (upgrades from enterprise-grade)
•     Telecommunications provision (especially wireless)
•     Security and privacy technologies and consulting
•     Marketing and audience development consulting
•     In-home displays and building automation hardware, software and services
•     ZigBee-enabled networking equipment and white goods (for retail)

Where the action is

1. Victoria Australia's most advanced state with its scoping plans and starting a second-generation smart meter rollout (complete 2012). Strong State Government support and direction.
2. NSW Trials underway and start for commercial meter rollout expected over five years from 2012. Energy Australia has 12,000 sensors on its distribution network, 400,000 first-generation "smartish" meters and 7000 second-generation two-way smart meters in a trial.
3. WA Power and water companies especially interested in developments in Victoria and NSW. Expected to beat NSW in its commercial rollout of infrastructure.
4. Queensland Considering its plans after initial budget concerns at the cost of the rollout in its state. Trial next year.

Timeline : advanced meter rollout (Victoria)

The Victorian Government has set deadlines for the implementation of smart meters

• 30 Jun 2010 - 5% meters
• 31 Dec 2010 - 10% meters    
• 30 Jun 2011 - 25% meters    
• 30 Jun 2012 - 60% meters    
• 30 Jun 2013 - 95% meters    
• 31 Dec 2013 - installation complete

source: Victorian Government

What Victoria's smart meters must do

• half-hour interval data
• Remote reading
• Remote activation
• Remote deactivation

Where to go for more information
Keen resellers and integrators would gain an insider's view of the industry from conferences bringing the energy industry together.

August 5-7, Gold Coast
Electricity 2009: The 85th National Electric Energy Society of Australia
Contact: anthony@iamevents.com.au

August 10, Sydney
Power and Electricity World NSW

September 1, Sydney
Automation and Communication Technologies in Power Conference
Contact: jasmin@idc-online.com

October 21-22, Sydney
Metering, billing and CRM 2009

Go here for more information on industry conferences.

Follow on Twitter

• @SmartGridTech - news, market research, strategy, sales, consulting
• @TandDArena - virtual event covering smart grid case studies and news
• @UtilityNewsLink - chatter from the world of utilities
• @sensorstuff - the sensors used in smart grids

Government and industry websites hold information on the laws, policies and directions

• National Smart Metering Program
• Ministerial Council on Energy