Late last week the New York Public Service Commission issued a policy statement that recommends (among other things) that utilities consider using carrier networks for smart grid. Specifically, the PSC stated that “[w]e expect that smart grid technologies will utilize a hybrid of both public and private networks. We urge the electric utilities and communication providers to work together to ensure the appropriate use of commercial facilities, and to limit utility capital investments in dedicated communications infrastructure to those functions where it is appropriate.” Read more »

The New York State Public Service Commission is seeking information to develop cutting-edge regulatory policies that will be needed to encourage the development of the smart grid and the overall modernization of the electric grid.

Chairman Garry Brown says the smart grid promises “the deployment of new technologies that could help utilities become more efficient and help modernize the existing transmission and distribution grid. If done smartly, with a close eye toward future possibilities, this modernization will help utilities streamline and manage their operations while empowering consumers with a far-greater ability to control electricity consumption and costs. This would clearly be a win for all parties.”

In addition to comments from traditional utilities, the Commission is soliciting input from telecommunication companies, computer software and hardware providers, internet developers, consumer advocates and other interested parties as it moves forward with developing its smart grid technology road map.

When the proceedings are finished, the Commission’s findings may be obtained by going to the Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.state.ny.us and entering case number 09-M-0074 or 10-E-0285.