Utc News

Utilities Technology Council Congratulates Redl upon Senate Confirmation for NTIA Slot

WASHINGTON – Utilities Technology Council President and CEO Joy Ditto issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of David Redl to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration: “Congratulations to David Redl upon his confirmation to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Energy and water utilities across the country require spectrum to deliver their critical services reliably and safely. On behalf of the Utilities Technology Council and our members, I look forward to working with Administrator Redl on issues related to spectrum sharing and broadband expansion.”

UTC Congratulates FERC Nominees McIntyre, Glick on Senate Confirmation

WASHINGTON –Utilities Technology Council President and CEO Joy Ditto issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed the nominations of Kevin McIntyre and Richard Glick to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Kevin McIntyre and Richard Glick for their confirmations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). As they know, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of energy is the agency’s first and foremost responsibility. On behalf of the Utilities Technology Council, I look forward to working with incoming Commissioners McIntyre and Glick, along with Commissioners LaFleur, Powelson, and Chatterjee, on issues related to cybersecurity, reliability, and the need for strong and resilient utility communications networks.”

UTC CEO Congratulates Pai Upon Senate Reconfirmation

WASHINGTON—Utilities Technology Council President and CEO Joy Ditto issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate reconfirmed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai:   “On behalf of the Utilities Technology Council and our members, congratulations to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai. Our members are key players in crossing the ‘Digital Divide’ and we look forward to continuing our work with the Chairman and his colleagues at the Commission. Energy and water providers rely on strong, resilient communications networks to provide their essential services across America. The FCC plays a critical role in assuring that our members have access to needed spectrum so their networks can operate without interference. We commend Chairman Pai for his leadership and are excited to move forward."

UTC, Utilities Oppose Expanded Use of 6-GHz Spectrum Band

WASHINGTON – Expanded use of mid-band spectrum by new wireless broadband services could interfere with critical utility networks used for the reliable operation of the nation’s electricity grid, the Utilities Technology Council told federal regulators. Allowing these services into the 6 GHz spectrum bands might also inhibit the use of “smart” electricity technologies that could revolutionize how consumers use and consume power, UTC comments to the Federal Communications Commission said. UTC represents critical electricity, water, and gas utilities who own and operate their own telecommunications systems. Utilities rely on their networks so they can update, modernize, repair, and restore their services that provide essential energy and water resources. The Edison Electric Institute joined in the comments as well. The FCC is inquiring whether it should...

UTC Taps Thormeyer as Director of Communications, Advocacy

WASHINGTON – The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) has hired Rob Thormeyer as its first Director of Communications and Advocacy. Thormeyer, who started Aug. 29, will be responsible for media relations, messaging, and developing a strategic communications plan for the organization that will be a critical component of UTC’s advocacy efforts. UTC is the global association at the nexus of the energy, utility and telecommunications industries. Representing critical energy and water providers, UTC advocates for the information and communications technology (ICT) needed for the safe and reliable delivery of these vital services. Reporting to Sharla Artz, UTC’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Policy and Cybersecurity, Thormeyer will help lead outreach to the press, allied associations, and key D.C. stakeholders. “This is such a dynamic time to…

UTC Congratulates Redl on NTIA Appointment

On behalf of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) and our utility members, we congratulate David Redl, chief counsel of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, on his nomination to be the assistant secretary for Communications & Information at the Department of Commerce and the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Utilities across the United States require spectrum in order to deliver power reliably and we look forward to working closely with Mr. Redl and the Administration on important spectrum issues to continue driving the investment in utility communications.  UTC has worked closely with NTIA on issues such as spectrum sharing and broadband in the past, and we will continue to do so under Mr. Redl’s leadership.

UTC Foundation Grant to UNC Charlotte EPIC First Donation to Support Education for Smart Grid Workforce

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2017 — The UTC Foundation, the charitable arm of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC), presented its first grant to the Energy Production & Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at UNC Charlotte. The contribution was given at an awards dinner on Wednesday, May 10th during the UTC Telecom & Technology conference in Charlotte. The UTC Foundation chose EPIC for its inaugural donation due to the outstanding Smart Grid technology and telecommunications work of the school, which aligns perfectly with the charity’s vision of supporting and promoting educational institutions and programs that connect students with utilities and critical infrastructure-related interests. The UTC Foundation’s new chairman, Neil Broyles of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, said of the contribution, “This UTC Foundation donation to the UNC Charlotte Energy…

UTC Launches the UTC Foundation at Telecom & Technology 2017 in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and WASHINGTON, D.C.,  May 9, 2017 — The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) announced the launch of its new charitable arm, the UTC Foundation, at the annual Telecom & Technology conference in Charlotte, N.C. The UTC Foundation is a non-profit organization with the mission of sponsoring educational incentives and programs to attract, retain and support top technology and telecommunications talent to foster the future workforce in critical infrastructure industries. Foundation Chair, Kathy Neilson of Great River Energy, said of the event, “We are thrilled to officially launch the UTC Foundation in Charlotte at UTC Telecom and Technology. Technology and telecommunications is an exciting area in a changing utility industry and the foundation’s mission is to encourage young people to enter this exciting industry. We are looking forward to interacting with students through the foundation…

UTC Announces 2017 Award Winners Industry Leaders Honored at Telecom & Technology Conference–

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and WASHINGTON, D.C., May 11, 2017  — Utilities Technology Council (UTC) held its annual awards dinner last night in Charlotte at the UTC Telecom & Technology 2017 conference. The celebration dinner, sponsored by Fujitsu Network Communications, honored utilities and individuals who have shown extraordinary initiative throughout the past year. The UTC Awards pay tribute to the critical role of information and communications technologies in delivering essential energy and water services to communities throughout the world. The various UTC awards recognize that in emergencies, utility communications technology saves lives, protects property, speeds restoration, and puts communities on the path to recovery; While every day, utility communications provide opportunities for communities to enhance economic prosperity, provide innovative new services, and support health, education and access…

UTC Installs New Chairwoman and Board Officers

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2017 — At the annual meeting of the membership of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC), the Board of Directors approved new officers for the 2017-2018 board-year. The meeting was held in conjunction with UTC Telecom & Technology conference in Charlotte. Outgoing Chairman, Matt Schnell from Nebraska Public Power District stated, “To be successful in any organization takes a lot of hard work and dedication from a team of people. We accomplished a lot this past year and have set a path forward to continue to provide outstanding member value in the years ahead. The member-led committees and the Executive Board have done outstanding work building membership participation, establishing new technology projects, and providing new learning experiences for UTC members.” Schnell followed with,…