Satellite technology is a growing component of utility telecommunications, with the majority of utilities using satellite communications, according to a study conducted by the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC). The study, Strategic Assessment of Satellite Usage in the Utility Industry, is an in-depth analysis of how utilities use a wide-range of public and private communications technologies and how satellite fits into the complex array of communications solutions utilities use to run the energy grid and other critical infrastructure industries.

Based on focus group research with top technologists and industry-wide survey research, the study found that the greatest benefit to utilities from satellite technology is that it enables ubiquitous network connectivity across the utility's service areas. According to the research, satellite's portability—its ability to bring communications connectivity where needed—is a related key benefit. Around 60% of utilities use some form of satellite communications today. In addition, about one-fifth of utilities that are not currently using satellite communications plan to do so with the next two years. Finally, utilities expressed the need to learn more about this communications option.

Strategic Assessment of Satellite Usage in the Utility Industry is a data-rich report that offers in-depth survey results on how utilities use and deploy a range of technology solutions; the key drawbacks and benefit of numerous communications technologies; the benefits and drawback of various private and public networks; how utilities use satellite and the benefits they obtain from the technology and much more. UTC utility members can download this report at no cost. UTC associate members and non-members can purchase the report by visiting http://www.utc.org/research/bookstore. This study was made possible through the sponsorship of iDirect.

To better help utilities understand how satellite technology might fit into the communications mix, UTC is hosting a Webinar on Wednesday, April 4 at 2 PM EDT which will feature Howard Liu and Dan Sias from SCE. Howard and Dan will explain how SCE uses satellite technology – this peer-to-peer knowledge sharing is precisely the kind of information utilities say they need to better understand satellite communications options, according to the study. Sign up for the Webinar, which is free to UTC utility members at http://www.utc.org/utc/webinar-satellite-usage-utility-industry-experience-field-and-utc-study-results.

FierceEnergy named Connie Durcsak, Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) President and CEO, as one of the top 15 “fiercest” experts in the energy industry in 2011. Durcsak was selected for her leadership and advocacy of critical infrastructure communications for energy and water utilities.

"Gaining a spot on the 'Fierce 15' is an honor and a testament to the nature of UTC's work. Robust and secure communications networks are the enabling infrastructures of the intelligent grid. As the voice of critical infrastructure communications, UTC's representation of the industry's interests before policy makers, standards bodies and industry organizations will ultimately help shape utility technology and communications solutions. I am honored to be a part of this progressive group," Durcsak said.

The complete list can be found on FierceEnergy's Webpage.

Now is the time to submit your ideas for presentations at UTC TELECOM 2012 scheduled for May 20-23, 2012 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida. Anyone interested in presenting or anyone that has an idea for a session they want to attend at the meeting should submit their idea online using this form before September 30, 2011.

As long as you are thinking about UTC TELECOM 2012, make sure you add the meeting dates to your calendar. Early discounted registration will open soon and the exhibit hall is selling fast. UTC TELECOM 2012 is going to be a great opportunity for industry education and vendor meetings. Anyone involved in critical communications at utilities needs to attend. If you have any questions about the meeting, visit the Website at www.UTCTELECOM2012.utc.org or email meetings@utc.org.

During UTC TELECOM 2012, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) was presented with the UTC Apex Award for Partnership with Public Safety. However on Tuesday August 23rd Connie Durcsak, President and CEO and Prudence Parks, Director of Government Affairs and Legislative Counsel traveled to Columbus, Nebraska to present the award to the complete NPPD team – specifically Dave Webb, CIO, NPPD and Brenda Decker, CIO, State of Nebraska . Shared systems are a critical aspect of spectrum access for utilities and the NPPD system shows how a successful system can create opportunities for all agencies involved. You can read NPPD's UTC Apex entry here.

(Left to right: Brenda Decker, Dave Webb and Connie Durcsak)

Connie E. Durcsak has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) it was announced today. Durcsak's appointment will be effective on July 1st. She will be joining UTC from PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association where she has served as its Senior Director, Member and Industry Services and as its DAS Forum's Executive Director. She will succeed William R. Moroney, who is retiring on June 30th after serving as UTC's President and CEO since 1998.

Press Release
Letter to Members from UTC Chairman, Ron Beck

The European Utilities Telecom Council (EUTC), in response to the concerns of it's members and other like minded parties within the utility sector, has engaged with the Spectrum Policy Group at the European Commission's Directorate General for Information Society in an attempt to understand the position for utility companies to access additional radio spectrum. Companies responsible for the transformation of existing energy grids into the future smart grids believe wireless services will play a major role in meeting the increased requirements for communications services.

In response, EUTC has decided to host a half day Radio Spectrum Workshop on 21 March 2011 to discuss and debate the issues and benefits of utility companies having access to unified spectrum in support of smart grids. Read more »

The first UTC Fiber Optics Professional (FOP) Level 1, 2, and 3 Certification examinations will take place May 9th and 10th in Long Beach, CA prior to UTC’s annual conference, UTC TELECOM 2011. The program is aimed at utility installers, technicians and supervisors for the UTC FOP Level 1 and for utility engineers, designers, supervisors, and management staff for the UTC FOP Level 2 and Level 3.

Prior to the UTC Certification exam, a preparation course will be conducted by The Light Brigade to prepare those that have not taken formal Fiber Optic training to take the exam. There is also the option to combine registration for the Fiber Optic course and certification with attendance at UTC TELECOM 2011.

The UTC FOP certification is the first of several critical utility communications certifications that UTC will be launching. For more information, please read the complete press release. To find out more about the meeting or to register, visit the UTC Fiber Optics Professional Certification Meeting Web site.

UTC Spectrum Services is pleased to announce that we have rebranded our popular Frequency Guard and License Guard services as Frequency Sentry and License Sentry. The new names better reflect the high caliber defense that these products add to your frequency management. Frequency Sentry is a unique service that notifies participants when applications are filed that are co-channel with, or on adjacent channels to, their designated PLMRS or MAS frequencies, within your own preferred parameters. Most of the time, you notification of potential interfering facilities BEFORE the FCC grants the license. License Sentry enables UTC Spectrum Services to monitor, modify, renew and report on your FCC licenses automatically – taking all the work off of your plate and on to ours. If you are looking for better ways to manage your frequency, look no further than UTC Spectrum Services. Contact us today for a specialized quote at 202.872.0030 or spectrumservices@utc.org.

Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman will speak during the Opening General Session at UTC TELECOM 2010 on May 24, 2010. Other keynote speakers during this session include: Ed Simcox, CEO, Indiana Energy Association, John Baer, President and CEO of the Midwest Independent System Operator, Jeffrey Katz, UTC's Chairman of the Board and Bill Moroney, UTC's Presdient and CEO. The complete program for UTC TELECOM 2010 is available here.

U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra will serve as the Keynote luncheon speaker at UTC's Smart Grid Policy Summit: Aligning Policies for Energy, Telecommunications, the Environment and the Economy  scheduled for April 7th and 8th at the Westin Washington DC City Center. Other top-tier new Summit speakers include:

• John Norris, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Suedeen Kelly, former Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Maureen McLaughlin, Special Assistant to the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Energy

Space is limited for the Summit. Register now to secure your spot at this important event.