UTC Research Reports

New Directions for Broadband Over Power Line: 2007
The future growth of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is now tied to Smart Grid development in the energy industry. The concept of Smart Grids is attracting enormouse interest from utilities and regulators alike, and case studies in this report provide examples. Find out the latest BPL developments in this comprehensive report.

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Advanced Metering Infrastructure - "Smart" Metering Meets the Smart Grid
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is the next generation of Automated Meter Reading, but also much more. In addition to providing meter reading, AMI can bring significant benefits both to utilities and their customers. AMI makes dynamic pricing possible and makes data more readily accessible for operating, maintenance and planning decisions over the long term. With the New Energy Independence and Security Act and regulators pushing for measures to empower energy consumers, AMI can be the first step to achieving a smarter grid for many utilities. An with the potential of a strong return on investment, its a great technology for utilities to implement now.

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Smart Grid Applications - A Guide To Automation Applications and Vendors

This report helps energy and water companies understand the role of different applications to help create a technology implementation "roadmap." The report includes comprehensive vendor descriptions and contact information for each application.

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New Wireless Technologies for Utilities

Not only must future utility communications systems do more at a lower cost, they must use limited spectrum more efficiently. This important research examines all option to help utilities to invest in the latest wireless technologies that support new applications while simplifying network and application integration.

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The State of Utility Fiber Networks 2007

Fiber-optic technology is widespread among utilities. However, many currently focus on "capital deepening" rather than expanding the fiber network and often only expand capacity through tradeoff agreements. But Fiber is a critical aspect of utilities communications plans. Keep up with the industry-wide changes through this comprehensive report authored by KEMA, Inc. for UTC.

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Wireless Attachment Market Report 2007

Based on a survey conducted among investor-owned utilities, cooperatives and municipalities, this report provides important information for utilities who wish to use their infrastructure to add to their bottom line. Learn from case studies of utilities in this field, and from the measures they have taken to establish a successful business.

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NERC CIP Standards: Ten Steps to Compliance

The NERC CIP Standards were established in response to increasing concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure cyber networks. This invaluable report guides utilities through the maze that the standards represent for many.

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Next Steps to the Next-Generation Utility

With and increasingly aging infrastructure, all utilities are having to face the next steps they need to take to invest in the next generation infrastructure. This 180-page report will help guide energy and water utility managers through the critical investment cycle, and the immense financial ramifications, that will take precedent over the next two or more decades.

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Substation Communications: Enabler of Automation

Are you looking at better ways to run your substation? Then this report is for you. It examines the big picture behind automating your substation, and elevating it as a critical element in order to move towards more intelligent infrastructure and bringing it up to speed with the demands of the 21st century.

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Utility Use of Satellite Communications in Emergency Response
Are you looking for innovative and socially relevant uses for your satellite system? Then this report was made just for you. This report evaluates the benefits and constraints associated with the use of mobile satellite communications by utilities in emergencies. Its timing of this report is excellent, as the FCC currently is investigating communications preparedness and response based on

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A SELECTION OF PRE-2007 REPORTS

Opportunities for Electric Utilities: Broadband Over Power Line
These days, businesses are looking at BPL not just as a means towards diversification, but a necessity to survive and thrive in the changing landscape of utility telecommunications. BPL development is now at a crossroads, since large-scale commercial deployments are underway and smart-grid applications are driving increased utility interest in the technology. This study, a joint effort by SHS Technologies and UTC, examines these opportunities will present the most complete, accurate and up-to-date industry information about the state of this industry.
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Fiber Rate Study 2004

Completed for the fifth year, The 2004 UTC Fiber Rate Study is the latest version of this popular UTC Research report. This study is an industry leader in the assessment and analysis of prices for fiber and fiber-based services within the wholesale telecommunications industry. It has broad value across the industry for carriers and service providers, owners of infrastructure, analysts and investors. Key Issues and Analysis: * Price points for dark fiber, bandwidth and wavelength services * Trends in wholesale service pricing * Trends in demand for wholesale products * Trends in contract terms for wholesale products * Analysis of various markets, classes by population tiers *The effects of bankruptcy/distressed assets on the wholesale market *Wholesale market overview: Changes in customer segments and purchasing/sales processes
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Telecom that Utilities Buy 2004

Recent downward trends have affected all segments of the economy, but the utility communications market has remained stable, and the potential exists for the market to rebound to a spending rate of $3.6 billion within the next year. This report will outline the technologies and services utilities plan to purchase through 2005. Survey respondents indicated that a budget allotment at least similar to 2003 spending for communications equipment and services was in place for 2004, and 75% indicated that a increase in spending was predicted. Over one third (33%) of those indicating an expanded telecom budget in 2004 expected the increase to exceed 30% over the next few years. Key Report Findings: * The overall market for utility communications equipment and services is expected to increase dramatically in 2004 and beyond. * Utilities spent $2.8 billion on telecommunications services and products in 2003. * Nearly 90% of utility's telecommunications spending is projected to occur in the areas of transport, LAN/WAN, Internal Voice Systems, leased lines and SCADA. * The most significant industry trend noted by utility members is migration to IP networks. This movement affects every aspect of communications networks, including digital microwave and WAN/LAN.

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Roadmap to Best Practices for Wireless Collocation
Is your utility involved, or interested, in offering facilities to wireless providers? Do you want to know how to make your siting business more attractive to wireless carriers and improve the bottom line? Then this paper is a must-read! The project was initiated by the UTC Wireless Business Opportunities Committee and investigates streamlining collocation business processes and finding industry consensus. It also looks at new opportunities as emerging technologies evolve.

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WiFi WiMAX for Utilities: A Primer 2006
As Wi-Fi technology approaches maturity and enjoys extreme popularity and unanticipated success, it has been joined by a heftier companion, WiMAX. An update of the 2003 Wi-Fi for Utilities primer could not have come at a better time, as it explores ways in which the energy industry is beginning to use Wi-Fi and WiMAX in primary and backup communications.

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