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.