| This week's sponsor is Elster. |  | | consumer satisfaction - improved asset management - increased energy efficiency - www.elster.com |
Today's Top Stories
1. Larger wind turbines effective but risky
2. PG&E satisfies 33% of NTSB safety actions
3. Dominion CEO: Merchant power stations no longer a fit
4. Island leaders want renewable energy action
5. PG&E solar depends on permits, CPUC approval Also Noted: Spotlight On... Germany experiencing profound PV market shift
Hurricane costs; global energy needs and much more... Utilities feel the wrath of hurricane season
The summer season, and its potential for searing temperatures and humid air, signals the possibility for all varieties of weather systems -- many of them severe. High winds, rain and lighting can down trees and flood roads. These elements punish and wreak havoc on grid infrastructure and repairing storm damage can negatively impact budgets of utilities and customers alike. And there is little technology can do to help utilities prevent outages when up against fierce natural elements. Feature Utilities go retail
Energy is an important pillar of the connected home market, and big box retailers are capitalizing on emerging trends to converge upon the energy market. The proliferation of smart appliances, smart meters, and devices such as smart thermostats as part of the connected home will be further driven by growth in smartphone and tablet applications that allow users to more easily monitor, manage and control these technologies while away. Feature Advanced solar roof racking solutions mitigate PV system cost
Photovoltaic solar rooftop installation raises a number of challenges that could slow widespread adoption among homeowners and businesses, including maintenance of roof water-tightness; roof warranty; continuous operation; aesthetics; stability; durability of materials; and high costs of labor. The benefits to utilities are huge, including being a low-risk investment that encourages energy efficiency and conservation, and reduces dependence on the electricity grid. Feature News From Across the Energy Industry:
1. Sophia automatically detects cybersecurity issues
2. Smart grid requires IT, OT integration
3. Wireless power spurring technology innovation
| This week's sponsor is Aricent. |  | Webinar: Why Companies Fail to Unlock True Value from Smart Meter Solutions
Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 11 am ET / 8 am PT -Last chance to register! In this webinar, we will examine how the choice of the AMI communication network is dictated by a myriad of factors, the shifting perceptions of the meter data management system and associated applications. We will also discuss how smart meters can move beyond being a 'commodity' and add true value to consumers and companies alike. Register Today! |
Today's Top News 1. Larger wind turbines effective but risky
| This week's sponsor is Clasma Events. |  | | Since 2007-globally recognized as the must-attend event dedicated to the modernization of Smart Grid. |
2. PG&E satisfies 33% of NTSB safety actions
The National Transportation Safety Board is reporting that Pacific Gas and Electric Company has completed just four of the safety actions -- or one-third -- recommended by the board as part of its response to the 2010 San Bruno pipeline accident. So far, the utility has established a more comprehensive emergency response procedure to large-scale emergencies on gas transmission pipelines which includes identifying a single person to assume command and specifies duties for all others involved; development and use of troubleshooting protocols and checklists; and periodic tests or drills to verify that the procedure works. Eight actions remain. The utility expects to close two more actions by early 2013, including validating the maximum allowable operating pressure on all of its transmission lines. For more:
- see this article
- see this article Read more about: Pacific Gas and Electric Company, National Transportation Safety Board
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3. Dominion CEO: Merchant power stations no longer a fit
Dominion has announced its intention to sell three fossil fuel-fired merchant power stations.  | | Dominion's Elmwood Power Station. | The facilities being sold include Massachusetts-based 1,536 MW Brayton Point Power Station and two Illinois-based facilities – 1,158 MW Kincaid Power Station and 1,424 MW Elwood Power Station. Dominion's CEO says the plants are well-operating and well-maintained with state-of-the-art emissions controls currently being used or in the process of being installed and are fully compliant with stringent, new federal air regulations. So why sell? "As we have said for some time, Dominion continually reviews its assets to ensure they still fit strategically and support our objectives to improve return on invested capital and shareholder value," said Thomas F. Farrell II, Dominion's chairman, president and CEO. The sale proceeds will be used to reduce the company's debt and invested into the company's regulated business as part of what the company believes to be "the best path forward for shareholders." The sales should be completed in the first half of 2013. For more:
- see this article
- see this article
- see this article
- see this article Related Article:
Dominion steadily moving away from coal Read more about: Dominion, Power Station, Merchant Power Stations, Brayton Point Power Station
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4. Island leaders want renewable energy action
Ministers and representatives of island countries and territories are calling for action on renewable energy to secure a safer and more prosperous future, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Comparative isolation, small market size and reliance on fuel imports leaves islands highly exposed to global economic fluctuations. But islands can learn from each other's experiences in solving energy problems, contends IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. "Most islands around the world today depend for the majority of their energy needs on imported fossil fuels, which are expensive at the best of times and subject to drastic price fluctuations," Amin said. "At the same time, we have found examples where island states have decisively overcome particular energy challenges by turning to renewables." For more:
- see this report Related Articles:
IRENA touts "Renewable Revolution"
World's sustainable future is uncertain Read more about: renewable energy, Island Countries, Energy Challenges
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5. PG&E solar depends on permits, CPUC approval
Pacific Gas and Electric has signed a power purchase agreement with SunPower for delivery of the 100 MW/AC Henrietta Solar Project in Kings County, Calif. The project is expected to create approximately 200 jobs during construction and inject $72.7 million into the local economy. Once all of the necessary permits are complete, the site will utilize the SunPower Oasis power plant using high-efficiency, 435-watt SunPower solar panels. A solar tracker positions the panels to track the sun during the day, resulting in up to 25 percent more energy capture over fixed-tilt solar power systems. If approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, the project should provide the enough power for approximately 36,000 average California homes. Construction of the project will begin in 2015, and should be fully operational by late 2016. For more:
- see this article Related Article:
SunPower solar panels to power Ford Focus owners' homes Read more about: Solar power, Pacific Gas and Electric
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Also Noted SPOTLIGHT ON... Germany experiencing profound PV market shift This year marks the most profound change to the German solar market since the passing of the country's Renewable Energy Act more than 10 years ago. The world's largest photovoltaic market, Germany is experiencing a change in power from a feed-in tariff market to cost-competitive grid-parity. Report Quick news from around the Web >Hurricane Isaac cost the energy industry up to $1 billion. Article
>Wind could meet global energy demand up to 100 times over. Article
>The U.S. shale glut could mean a gas shortage for the Mexican energy industry. Article
>Saudi Arabia puts energy efficiency on its radar. Article > Why Companies Fail to Unlock True Value from Smart Meter Solutions In this webinar, we will examine how the choice of the AMI communication network is dictated by a myriad of factors, the shifting perceptions of the meter data management system and associated applications. We will also discuss how smart meters can move beyond being a 'commodity' and add true value to consumers and companies alike. Register Today!
| > GridWeek 2012 - October 2,4 - Washington, DC Globally recognized as the must-attend gathering dedicated to the modernization of our global Smart Grid. For more information and to register, click here! > GridComms - October 22, 2012 - London, UK GridComms is the global Smart Grid event focused on Smart Grid Communications infrastructure. From deploying and securing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to building smart cities, this show is aimed at bringing communications professionals together to discuss innovation, application, and management of smart grid networks. This event will showcase technology innovation, network and data management, customer engagement technologies, and industry collaboration. For more information and to register, visit www.gridcomms.com. > OilComm 2012 Conference & Exposition - November 6?8 - Houston, TX OilComm features content focused on communications solutions to remote drill sites as well as viable options for offshore platforms. Join oil and gas professionals to learn from experts, discuss challenges faced, and explore the latest solutions from top companies. Register HERE!
| > White paper: Smart Planning for Smart Grid AMI Mesh Networks Mesh networks must be properly designed to operate within the constraints of mesh routing protocols and capacity limits This white paper shows how planning/analysis techniques can deliver reliable and scalable networks and outlines best RF design practices to optimize for performance and cost. Download today! > White paper: Cyber Security and the Energy Sector Utilities face many security challenges today. AT&T and Sierra Wireless are working together to provide strong and proven security technologies enabling utilities with a secure and flexible two-way communications infrastructure to connect and communicate in real time. Download now. > Whitepaper: Creating Your Smart Grid: A How-to Guide The smart grid promises to bring unprecedented opportunities for both utilities and consumers, improving safety, reliability, efficiency and security. But how do we create the smart grid? What are the technologies to consider? How do the various technologies interoperate? How do we get the traditional applications to work well with the new ones? Download this How-to Guide today! | |
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