UTC Awards Recognize Importance of ICT Networks to Grid Reliability, Resilience

25 Aug UTC Awards Recognize Importance of ICT Networks to Grid Reliability, Resilience

WASHINGTON—Aug. 25, 2020 – The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) marked the launch of its first virtual annual Telecom & Technology conference by announcing numerous awards to utilities and personnel who demonstrated initiative, perseverance, and innovative thinking throughout the past year.

UTC’s awards recognize the importance of utility Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems and the employees who build, operate, and maintain these systems to support the reliability, resilience, and safety of the nation’s electric systems. From storm response to day-to-day reliability, ICT networks can also provide opportunities for communities to enhance economic prosperity, provide innovative new services, and support health, education and access to critical services.

“Congratulations to all of our winners this year,” said UTC Chairman of the Board Greg Angst of CenterPoint Energy. “2020 has been an especially trying year for our world and our industry. Yet time and again, our incredible workforce has risen to the challenge to provide our essential utility services in the midst of unprecedented challenges. These awards go to the heart of what makes UTC so special—the people, the utilities, and the vendors who make up our membership. Every day our members work hard to support reliable, resilient, and affordable energy and water services to people and businesses. It is an honor to recognize a select few for their service.”

The 2020 UTC Award Winners are:

• APEX Award – Recognizes individual accomplishment and organizational commitment for outstanding projects undertaken by utility telecom workers.
  • WINNER: Ameren Services, for completing a communications network overhaul to accomplish the following:
    • Provide robust wireless coverage of entire service territory (65,000 sq. miles)
    • Provide strategic, scalable wireless capability for new technologies
    • Simplify operations from 15-20 wireless networks to 1-5
    • Reduce operational costs below what’s required to maintain 15-20 networks
    • Utilize the current IP/MPLS backbone and management system

• Dondanville Award – Established in 1989, named in honor of UTC’s first President & CEO, Russell V. Dondanville. It recognizes an individual’s extraordinary service and dedication to UTC over the years through active participation in numerous Association activities.
  • WINNER: Brett Kilbourne, General Counsel and Vice President, Policy, UTC
• Meehan Award – Established in 1998, the Meehan Award is named in honor of UTC’s first Exec. Director Charles M. (Mike) Meehan. It recognizes individuals for their extraordinary leadership in projects during the past year that greatly furthered the interests and objectives of UTC.
  • WINNER: Sheila Wells, Nashville Electric Service
• Connie Durcsak Visionary Award – Recognizes an individual at a member utility who has personally exemplified and embodied the visionary spirit for our industry that Connie modeled herself.
  • WINNER: Ron Beck, Central Lincoln Public Utility District
• Chairman Awards – These awards are given in appreciation for service to UTC during the past calendar year.
  • WINNERS: Ron Beck, Central Lincoln Public Utility District; Dr. Andreas Breuer, Innogy S.E; Dewey Day, Pacific Gas & Electric; Kevin Huff, Salt River Project; Paul Lambert, East River Electric Cooperative; Tom Perry, UTC; Sheryl Riggs, UTC; Matt Schnell, Nebraska Public Power District; Sheila Wells, Nashville Electric Service

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About UTC
The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: UTC.org