Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013 - (Page 15)

Inside Tracks... Insider Perspectives on Utility Automation events in the past year have shed a critical light on utilities and the Smart Grid, it’s interesting that you predict that consumer backlash is on the decline. What are your thoughts here? Murray: That’s a fair question, and to be clear, there will always be groups of consumers that will simply never be in favor of adopting more technology or increasing the availability and granularity of energy data. However, in light of major events that bring attention to the current limitations of our electric grid, it’s clear that consumers are beginning to see that the benefits of Smart Grid often outweigh the negatives, whether real or perceived. This backlash is also often regionally segmented as evidenced by accounts from consumers in the places hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy, where the court of public opinion is now coming down in favor of smart meters. People in these regions have experienced firsthand the challenges of living without power and the frustration of an aging grid that can’t provide their utility with immediate, automated communication and management tools. Compare that with areas like California and Colorado, where pockets of suspicion of smart meters by consumers remains as strong as ever. uhQ: Are utilities responding appropriately to this backlash? Murray: To combat consumer backlash, utilities in California, Colorado and in other geographies have continued to focus more on educating consumers about the benefits of smart meters. Indeed, education supported by facts from trusted third-party research has proven to be the best approach to stamping out rumors about health and privacy risks. Alternatively, some utilities are taking a more punitive approach, and charging opt-out fees for consumers who prefer to keep their old technology. In 2013, Smart Grid detractors will continue to lose ground in the battle for hearts and minds. More specifically, logic will start to trump emotion as the populace as a whole comes to realize that the evolution of technology is an inevitability that utilities are neither immune to, nor can either utilities or consumers afford to ignore. In fact, in our mobile society, we have much more to fear from the ubiquity of cell phones and wireless computing devices than from behind-the-scenes optimization technologies like AMI and Demand Management. By adeptly and honestly addressing consumer concerns such as privacy, security, and cost, utilities can expect to continue to earn more knowledgeable supporters of Smart Grid. uhQ: I’d say that you get at least a passing grade on your predictions, Eric. It will be interesting to see how the rest of 2013 plays out before we can give you an ‘A’, however. In the meantime, do you have any closing comments on what to expect? Murray: In considering my predictions for 2013, I thought back to how our industry has evolved quite rapidly in the past decade and yet often still clings to reluctance to change. While we on the technology side are eager to employ breakthrough advancements, those on the utility side are often more methodical in technology adoption. We can’t expect to revolutionize the grid overnight, but the progress we’ve already made is incredible and should inspire us to forge ahead together. uhQ Author Profile Eric Murray is president and CEO of Tantalus Systems, Inc., a Vancouver, BC-based technology company that has been recognized as the fastest growing Smart Grid company in Canada. Prior to joining Tantalus, Eric held senior executive positions with ABB and GE, where he developed strategic initiatives in industry segments including utilities, primary manufacturing, and communications. Eric is a professional engineer and holds a B-Eng. from the Royal Military College and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. www.UtilityHorizons.com Q2 - 2013 • UTILITY HORIZONS • 15  http://www.UtilityHorizons.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013

Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013
Publisher’s Message
Contents
The Queue
Automation Rising!
Inside Tracks
Focal Point
Automation and Innovation at Epcor Water Services
BLeading Edge: Advanced Technology Perspectives
Consumer Engagement: The Future Goes Mobile
Demand Response: Why the Future Is in the Cloud
Building Paths to Smarter Water Management
Bullet-Proofing Your Scada System Against the Evil-Doers
Education Matters
Standard Bearings
Regulation De Rigueur
On the Horizon
Purviews
Intersections
Eventualities
Thinking It Through With Sparky Flamedrop
Loose Ends

Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013

https://www.nxtbookmedia.com