NEC Delivers Broadband Over Power-Line
By Manisha Kanetkar | Thursday | 2008-02-28
NEC has launched a new broadband sharing solution that uses power-lines to deliver broadband to different areas of the home.
NEC's Tom Sykes says the difference between this broadband over powerline solution to Home Plugs or similar devices, is that there is an extra unit which is hooked up to the power mains. The one unit can provide broadband over power at 200MB/sec to approximately 64 homes.
The benefits of this solution over DSL, says Sykes, is that people can plug it in anywhere, and it's quick to connect. While it does have a home application, Sykes also sees the product as ideal for use at trade shows or similar events, where people need to hook up several devices, but don't want the metres of Ethernet cabling lying around.
In the home application, however, there will also be benefits for power companies, Sykes says, as they will even be able to use the system to check the electric meter remotely.
"I think this will be a main driver for the technology," he said.
The solution is currently being trialled in Australia, and NEC forecasts it to be more widely available within 12 – 18 months. It is not a solution for new estates, Sykes says, as there are fibre solutions for those houses. The roll out is aimed at existing estates only.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Smart Power meters may switch on advertising in homes !!!
Power meters may switch on advertising in homes
Josh Gordon
February 26, 2008
GRAPHIC: What a smart meter tells you
IF YOU think you are being by bombarded by advertising now, just wait. A new form of spruiking could be coming to your lounge room soon.
Energy companies want to use the State Government's electricity "smart meters" — designed to cut power bills by providing price and consumption information — to send advertising to homes.
The Government has ruled that the new meter boxes must be able to communicate with in-house display units to show householders how much electricity they are using at any time and how much they are paying for it. The information is designed to encourage people to cut back on power use and run energy-hungry appliances such as dishwashers off-peak when tariffs are lower.
Although the display units themselves are not compulsory, The Age understands that power companies are investigating ways to exploit the technology to recover costs. In addition to advertising, a range of other services could be piggybacked on the meters, including sophisticated networks to automatically manage household appliances and even security monitoring.
The Government will begin installing around 2.4 million meters at the end of this year.
The technology, which will replace all mechanical meters by 2011, will also allow energy companies to gather information on the habits of individual households and local areas.
Energy Minister Peter Batchelor suggested that power companies that provided the displays would be free to advertise and offer other services if they complied with marketing laws.
"Technology for in-home displays and other devices will continue to evolve rapidly," Mr Batchelor said.
A spokesman for the Choice consumer group, Christopher Zinn, said real-time information on energy consumption and costs would help householders cut energy bills.
But he said household information must not be misused by retailers, nor should households be forced to receive unsolicited electronic advertising material.
"The important thing is that the consumer has got to have trust that (power suppliers) are not some sort of Big Brother poking around getting information on what you use and when you use it that can be passed on."
Kate Shea, a spokeswoman for TRUenergy, confirmed that the company was exploring using the meters to supply new services and products
Josh Gordon
February 26, 2008
GRAPHIC: What a smart meter tells you
IF YOU think you are being by bombarded by advertising now, just wait. A new form of spruiking could be coming to your lounge room soon.
Energy companies want to use the State Government's electricity "smart meters" — designed to cut power bills by providing price and consumption information — to send advertising to homes.
The Government has ruled that the new meter boxes must be able to communicate with in-house display units to show householders how much electricity they are using at any time and how much they are paying for it. The information is designed to encourage people to cut back on power use and run energy-hungry appliances such as dishwashers off-peak when tariffs are lower.
Although the display units themselves are not compulsory, The Age understands that power companies are investigating ways to exploit the technology to recover costs. In addition to advertising, a range of other services could be piggybacked on the meters, including sophisticated networks to automatically manage household appliances and even security monitoring.
The Government will begin installing around 2.4 million meters at the end of this year.
The technology, which will replace all mechanical meters by 2011, will also allow energy companies to gather information on the habits of individual households and local areas.
Energy Minister Peter Batchelor suggested that power companies that provided the displays would be free to advertise and offer other services if they complied with marketing laws.
"Technology for in-home displays and other devices will continue to evolve rapidly," Mr Batchelor said.
A spokesman for the Choice consumer group, Christopher Zinn, said real-time information on energy consumption and costs would help householders cut energy bills.
But he said household information must not be misused by retailers, nor should households be forced to receive unsolicited electronic advertising material.
"The important thing is that the consumer has got to have trust that (power suppliers) are not some sort of Big Brother poking around getting information on what you use and when you use it that can be passed on."
Kate Shea, a spokeswoman for TRUenergy, confirmed that the company was exploring using the meters to supply new services and products
Monday, February 18, 2008
Taipower certified Aboundi Electric Connect Solution for the utilization of Broadband Access to MDUs
Innovative ‘Electric Connect™’ Power Line Broadband solution eases networking field installation chores for the MDUs.
Publish Date: 2008-02-18
Nashua, NH – February 18th, 2008 – Aboundi Inc. has successfully completed its ‘Electric Connect™’ series of Power Line Networking products live MDU deployment field simulation test conducted at TaiPower’s Electric Power Research Laboratory field facility in Taipei County late in 2007. The ‘Electric Connect™’ Solution has proven its feasibility to offer broadband access for the MDUs by utilizing the existing electrical wiring infrastructure.
The ‘Electric Connect™’ Solution brings a cost effective networking deployment applications solution to the MDUs by utilizing the existing in-premise electrical wiring infrastructure which provides very easy access to broadband service anywhere inside the facility without the need to rewire the “home run” Ethernet cabling.
“Aboundi’s ’Electric Connect™’ series NetBridge™ devices have proven that Power Line Networking is the best networking solution in MDU applications where it allows easy integration with FTTC for broadband access to the end users.” commented Dr. Pu, the Group Leader of Taiwan Power Research Institute. “Aboundi has incorporated advanced Power Line Networking technology which allows the broadband signal to be injected onto the underground electrical wiring system between low and medium voltage transformers through a distance of 200 meters (approximately 600 feet), with more than 120Mbps data speed throughput. At this data rate, it has enough bandwidth to allow broadband networking for multimedia and entertainment distribution networking applications of the future. “Dr. Pu explained.
“Aboundi is most honored to have Taiwan Power Research Institute as our strategic international technical partner here in Taiwan. Taipower has developed extensive knowledge and experience in Power Line Networking related technologies over the years. Its active role in promoting the PLC application allows our ‘Electrical Connect ™’ solution unprecedented opportunities. We will continue to corporate and enhance our relationship with Taipower and through their knowledge and experiences we will further improve our products’ features and qualities in order to satisfy the customers’ demands.“ stated Hong Yu, President and CEO of Aboundi Inc.
Publish Date: 2008-02-18
Nashua, NH – February 18th, 2008 – Aboundi Inc. has successfully completed its ‘Electric Connect™’ series of Power Line Networking products live MDU deployment field simulation test conducted at TaiPower’s Electric Power Research Laboratory field facility in Taipei County late in 2007. The ‘Electric Connect™’ Solution has proven its feasibility to offer broadband access for the MDUs by utilizing the existing electrical wiring infrastructure.
The ‘Electric Connect™’ Solution brings a cost effective networking deployment applications solution to the MDUs by utilizing the existing in-premise electrical wiring infrastructure which provides very easy access to broadband service anywhere inside the facility without the need to rewire the “home run” Ethernet cabling.
“Aboundi’s ’Electric Connect™’ series NetBridge™ devices have proven that Power Line Networking is the best networking solution in MDU applications where it allows easy integration with FTTC for broadband access to the end users.” commented Dr. Pu, the Group Leader of Taiwan Power Research Institute. “Aboundi has incorporated advanced Power Line Networking technology which allows the broadband signal to be injected onto the underground electrical wiring system between low and medium voltage transformers through a distance of 200 meters (approximately 600 feet), with more than 120Mbps data speed throughput. At this data rate, it has enough bandwidth to allow broadband networking for multimedia and entertainment distribution networking applications of the future. “Dr. Pu explained.
“Aboundi is most honored to have Taiwan Power Research Institute as our strategic international technical partner here in Taiwan. Taipower has developed extensive knowledge and experience in Power Line Networking related technologies over the years. Its active role in promoting the PLC application allows our ‘Electrical Connect ™’ solution unprecedented opportunities. We will continue to corporate and enhance our relationship with Taipower and through their knowledge and experiences we will further improve our products’ features and qualities in order to satisfy the customers’ demands.“ stated Hong Yu, President and CEO of Aboundi Inc.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Reliant Launches Energy Saver Partner Program in Dallas
February 14, 2008 1:08 PM EST
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Reliant Energy announced the successful installation and testing of the first demand-response system at a Dallas/Fort Worth residence. Late last year, the company reported that its Houston-based tests were also successful.
"Reducing peak demand delays the need for costly new power plants, conserves resources and, ultimately, helps moderate price," said Glen Stancil, Reliant Energy's vice president of Smart Energy research and development. "This is the first of a number of new products and services we plan to launch this year that will give customers better control and more insight into how they use energy."
The system uses data collected from smart meters, coupled with broadband over power line technology, to communicate with and control Web-programmable thermostats and high-usage appliances in the home. During times of high electricity usage across the state, the system can be used to increase thermostat settings by a few degrees or cycle off air conditioning systems for short periods of time.
The smart electric meters installed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area communicate via broadband over power line technology provided by the Current Group LLC. By using this technology, Reliant Energy is able to offer customers innovative new programs that were not available with traditional meters.
Eligible Houston-area customers have already received mail-outs encouraging them to sign up for the pilot, and installation of the system is under way. Reliant will contact customers in the Dallas area who have the required smart meter for the pilot program by telephone or mail.
Reliant's program, called the Energy Saver Partner, offers customers a free Web-controlled, programmable thermostat (a $250 value), a free 25-point air conditioning inspection (a $75 value), an enrollment bonus and monthly bill credits from May through September.
Reliant's pilot is part of a larger study sponsored by the Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies to develop demand-response programs. Findings from the CCET pilot will be shared with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and retail providers to enable new market tools and demand-response programs.
The Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies is an organization of 19 Texas electric and high-tech companies joined by five universities in a collaborative effort to modernize the Texas electric system. CCET's purpose is to encourage private-sector initiatives that promote growth in high-quality employment, and to lead to scientific breakthroughs in the operation of the Texas electric system.
The state's leading electric market participants have begun a two-year study to assess the technology in Houston and in Dallas. Austin Energy is coordinating results of its own demand response program in Austin. Participants in the Dallas pilot include Oncor, Reliant Energy, TXU Energy, Direct Energy, Current Group LLC and Corporate Systems Engineering. AEP Texas is participating financially in the project.
About Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy, Inc. (NYSE: RRI) based in Houston, Texas, provides electricity and energy services to retail and wholesale customers in the United States. In Texas, the company provides service to more than 1.8 million retail electricity customers, including residential and small business customers and commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional customers. Reliant also serves commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional customers in the PJM (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland) market.
The company is one of the largest independent power producers in the nation with approximately 16,000 megawatts of power generation capacity across the United States. These strategically located generating assets utilize natural gas, fuel oil and coal. For more information, visit http://www.reliant.com.
Source: Reliant Energy, Inc.
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Reliant Energy announced the successful installation and testing of the first demand-response system at a Dallas/Fort Worth residence. Late last year, the company reported that its Houston-based tests were also successful.
"Reducing peak demand delays the need for costly new power plants, conserves resources and, ultimately, helps moderate price," said Glen Stancil, Reliant Energy's vice president of Smart Energy research and development. "This is the first of a number of new products and services we plan to launch this year that will give customers better control and more insight into how they use energy."
The system uses data collected from smart meters, coupled with broadband over power line technology, to communicate with and control Web-programmable thermostats and high-usage appliances in the home. During times of high electricity usage across the state, the system can be used to increase thermostat settings by a few degrees or cycle off air conditioning systems for short periods of time.
The smart electric meters installed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area communicate via broadband over power line technology provided by the Current Group LLC. By using this technology, Reliant Energy is able to offer customers innovative new programs that were not available with traditional meters.
Eligible Houston-area customers have already received mail-outs encouraging them to sign up for the pilot, and installation of the system is under way. Reliant will contact customers in the Dallas area who have the required smart meter for the pilot program by telephone or mail.
Reliant's program, called the Energy Saver Partner, offers customers a free Web-controlled, programmable thermostat (a $250 value), a free 25-point air conditioning inspection (a $75 value), an enrollment bonus and monthly bill credits from May through September.
Reliant's pilot is part of a larger study sponsored by the Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies to develop demand-response programs. Findings from the CCET pilot will be shared with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and retail providers to enable new market tools and demand-response programs.
The Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies is an organization of 19 Texas electric and high-tech companies joined by five universities in a collaborative effort to modernize the Texas electric system. CCET's purpose is to encourage private-sector initiatives that promote growth in high-quality employment, and to lead to scientific breakthroughs in the operation of the Texas electric system.
The state's leading electric market participants have begun a two-year study to assess the technology in Houston and in Dallas. Austin Energy is coordinating results of its own demand response program in Austin. Participants in the Dallas pilot include Oncor, Reliant Energy, TXU Energy, Direct Energy, Current Group LLC and Corporate Systems Engineering. AEP Texas is participating financially in the project.
About Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy, Inc. (NYSE: RRI) based in Houston, Texas, provides electricity and energy services to retail and wholesale customers in the United States. In Texas, the company provides service to more than 1.8 million retail electricity customers, including residential and small business customers and commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional customers. Reliant also serves commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional customers in the PJM (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland) market.
The company is one of the largest independent power producers in the nation with approximately 16,000 megawatts of power generation capacity across the United States. These strategically located generating assets utilize natural gas, fuel oil and coal. For more information, visit http://www.reliant.com.
Source: Reliant Energy, Inc.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Smart Grid to Play Essential Role in BPL Development
Smart Grid to Play Essential Role in BPL Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristy Weinshel
202.833.6815
Washington, D.C. - The future growth of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is tied to Smart Grid development in the energy industry. The concept of Smart Grids is garnering huge interest from utilities and regulators alike, and was highlighted in the recently enacted Energy Act, one portion of which specifically promotes Smart Grid development. BPL likely will be a key technology in utility upgrades over the next decade or more.
According to UTC's latest report, New Directions for Broadband over Power Line: 2007, energy companies are expected to implement Smart Grid plans, BPL is a technology that most are expected to implement. BPL is uniquely positioned to support Smart Grid applications, since it touches the electric distribution infrastructure in ways that wireless technologies do not. For example, it can monitor and control sensors and switches in both overhead and underground environments, a key element in Smart Grid development. To prepare for this, the BPL industry is developing standards for interoperability and coexistence for BPL access (electric infrastructure)and in-home devices. As companies deploy BPL in support of Smart Grids, the overall industry will benefit from increased economies of scale for BPL roll-outs, lowering BPL equipment costs and promoting interoperability between BPL networks.
UTC has been reporting on the status of BPL for the past decade, with the last report released in 2006. As a result, UTC is the recognized authority on the BPL industry and current developments. To address the industry specifically, UTC created the United Power Line Council (UPLC) to support utilities, building owners and technology companies involved in BPL. For more information on our newest report, New Directions for Broadband over Power Line: 2007, please contact UTC Research at 202.872.0030 or research@utc.org.
Utilities Telecom Council
The Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to creating a favorable business, regulatory, and technological environment for entities that own, manage, or provide critical telecommunications systems in support of core services. Founded in 1948, UTC has evolved into a dynamic organization that represents the broad communications interests of electric, gas, and water utilities; natural gas pipelines; other critical infrastructure entities; and other industry stakeholders. Visit www.utc.org for more information on UTC and its affiliates.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristy Weinshel
202.833.6815
Washington, D.C. - The future growth of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is tied to Smart Grid development in the energy industry. The concept of Smart Grids is garnering huge interest from utilities and regulators alike, and was highlighted in the recently enacted Energy Act, one portion of which specifically promotes Smart Grid development. BPL likely will be a key technology in utility upgrades over the next decade or more.
According to UTC's latest report, New Directions for Broadband over Power Line: 2007, energy companies are expected to implement Smart Grid plans, BPL is a technology that most are expected to implement. BPL is uniquely positioned to support Smart Grid applications, since it touches the electric distribution infrastructure in ways that wireless technologies do not. For example, it can monitor and control sensors and switches in both overhead and underground environments, a key element in Smart Grid development. To prepare for this, the BPL industry is developing standards for interoperability and coexistence for BPL access (electric infrastructure)and in-home devices. As companies deploy BPL in support of Smart Grids, the overall industry will benefit from increased economies of scale for BPL roll-outs, lowering BPL equipment costs and promoting interoperability between BPL networks.
UTC has been reporting on the status of BPL for the past decade, with the last report released in 2006. As a result, UTC is the recognized authority on the BPL industry and current developments. To address the industry specifically, UTC created the United Power Line Council (UPLC) to support utilities, building owners and technology companies involved in BPL. For more information on our newest report, New Directions for Broadband over Power Line: 2007, please contact UTC Research at 202.872.0030 or research@utc.org.
Utilities Telecom Council
The Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to creating a favorable business, regulatory, and technological environment for entities that own, manage, or provide critical telecommunications systems in support of core services. Founded in 1948, UTC has evolved into a dynamic organization that represents the broad communications interests of electric, gas, and water utilities; natural gas pipelines; other critical infrastructure entities; and other industry stakeholders. Visit www.utc.org for more information on UTC and its affiliates.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
REGULATORS PREDICT SMART GRID R&D FUNDING FOR BPL
UPLC PowerLine 1-16-08
REGULATORS PREDICT SMART GRID R&D FUNDING FOR BPL
State regulators told Communications Daily this month that the Broadband over Power Line (BPL) industry stands to benefit from funding for Smart Grid R&D provided under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed into law in mid-December. Tony Clark, Commissioner of the North Dakota Public Service Commission and Chair of NARUC's Telecommunications Committee, said that the big driver for BPL communications capabilities for consumers would be utilities first building the system to benefit the operations of the grid itself, with the communications aspect being a "free rider" on the system. James Ervin of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, who earlier headed the NARUC electricity committee, added that, "[t]o the extent that the electric utility is using BPL also for broadband services, the electric utility customers shouldn't be required to subsidize that activity because it provides unfairness among broadband providers." Specifically, the law authorizes $100,000,000 each year from 2008 to 2012 for the U.S. Department of Energy to implement a regional demonstration initiative for Smart Grid in up to five electricity control areas. Both regulators liked the idea of federal funding, but bristled about provisions in the bill that require states to consider Smart Grid investments by utilities. They noted that states already are seeing momentum for Smart Grid, even before the federal legislation, and they resisted federal government intrusion into matters of cost-recovery. In the words of Tony Clark, "[w]hat will drive the state commission to allow recovery on it [Smart Grid] is going to be whether it saves consumers money and is in the public interest." For more information on the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and its Smart Grid provisions, contact the UPLC Legal/Regulatory Department.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGULATORS PREDICT SMART GRID R&D FUNDING FOR BPL
State regulators told Communications Daily this month that the Broadband over Power Line (BPL) industry stands to benefit from funding for Smart Grid R&D provided under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed into law in mid-December. Tony Clark, Commissioner of the North Dakota Public Service Commission and Chair of NARUC's Telecommunications Committee, said that the big driver for BPL communications capabilities for consumers would be utilities first building the system to benefit the operations of the grid itself, with the communications aspect being a "free rider" on the system. James Ervin of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, who earlier headed the NARUC electricity committee, added that, "[t]o the extent that the electric utility is using BPL also for broadband services, the electric utility customers shouldn't be required to subsidize that activity because it provides unfairness among broadband providers." Specifically, the law authorizes $100,000,000 each year from 2008 to 2012 for the U.S. Department of Energy to implement a regional demonstration initiative for Smart Grid in up to five electricity control areas. Both regulators liked the idea of federal funding, but bristled about provisions in the bill that require states to consider Smart Grid investments by utilities. They noted that states already are seeing momentum for Smart Grid, even before the federal legislation, and they resisted federal government intrusion into matters of cost-recovery. In the words of Tony Clark, "[w]hat will drive the state commission to allow recovery on it [Smart Grid] is going to be whether it saves consumers money and is in the public interest." For more information on the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and its Smart Grid provisions, contact the UPLC Legal/Regulatory Department.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASSACHUSETTS ENERGY BILL WOULD REQUIRE SMART GRID PILOT/TIME OF USE PRICING !!!
MASSACHUSETTS ENERGY BILL WOULD REQUIRE
SMART GRID PILOT/TIME OF USE PRICING
This month, the Massachusetts State Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to approve revised energy bill S.2457; which includes provisions for Smart Grid and time of use pricing. By September 1, 2008, section 77 of the bill requires utilities to submit a proposed plan to the state PUC establishing a 6-month pilot program for a "Smart Grid" which utilizes the electric delivery system, advanced "smart" meters, and other advanced technology to operate an integrated grid network communication system in a limited geographic area. According to the bill, each Smart Grid pilot program includes, advanced "smart" meters which provide real time measurement and communication of energy consumption, implementation of phone and e-mail notification systems to warn those customers of high prices so they can reduce their usage accordingly, automated load management systems embedded within current demand-side management programs and remote status detection and operation of distribution system equipment. The bill also necessitates utilities file a proposal by September 1, 2008 for a 6 month pilot program that requires time of use or hourly pricing for commodity service for a minimum of 0.5% of the company's customers. According to the bill, those customers who actively participate in the pilot would reduce peak loads by a minimum of 5%. Under the provisions of the bill, the state PUC would be required to review and approve or modify these proposals on or before January 1, 2009; detailing the operation and results of such programs, including information concerning changes in consumer's energy use patterns, any identified disincentives to the deployment of Smart Grid systems throughout the Commonwealth, an assessment of the value of the program to both participants and non-participants, and recommendations concerning modification or expansion of the programs and further deployment and implementation.
SMART GRID PILOT/TIME OF USE PRICING
This month, the Massachusetts State Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to approve revised energy bill S.2457; which includes provisions for Smart Grid and time of use pricing. By September 1, 2008, section 77 of the bill requires utilities to submit a proposed plan to the state PUC establishing a 6-month pilot program for a "Smart Grid" which utilizes the electric delivery system, advanced "smart" meters, and other advanced technology to operate an integrated grid network communication system in a limited geographic area. According to the bill, each Smart Grid pilot program includes, advanced "smart" meters which provide real time measurement and communication of energy consumption, implementation of phone and e-mail notification systems to warn those customers of high prices so they can reduce their usage accordingly, automated load management systems embedded within current demand-side management programs and remote status detection and operation of distribution system equipment. The bill also necessitates utilities file a proposal by September 1, 2008 for a 6 month pilot program that requires time of use or hourly pricing for commodity service for a minimum of 0.5% of the company's customers. According to the bill, those customers who actively participate in the pilot would reduce peak loads by a minimum of 5%. Under the provisions of the bill, the state PUC would be required to review and approve or modify these proposals on or before January 1, 2009; detailing the operation and results of such programs, including information concerning changes in consumer's energy use patterns, any identified disincentives to the deployment of Smart Grid systems throughout the Commonwealth, an assessment of the value of the program to both participants and non-participants, and recommendations concerning modification or expansion of the programs and further deployment and implementation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
