8:00 Chairperson’s Welcome And Opening Remarks

8:15 OPENING KEYNOTE: Smart Metering Utilization: From Pilot AMI Projects To Full Deployment

The process of installation of smart meters and communications followed by system optimization, data management and data storage is not an easy one, but the process gets even more complex when companies prepare to transition from pilot project to full deployment. Learn how to identify and resolve operational, technical and regulatory issues pertaining to full AMI deployment. During this interactive session you will learn how to:

• Identify and carry out necessary operational changes: assets retrofitting, IT systems upgrade etc.
• Manage regulatory requirements pre- and post- presenting the projects for stimulus funds
• Select and deploy new technology across the whole supply chain

Lawrence M. Oliva
Director, Tariff Programs & Services, Customer Service Business Unit
Southern California Edison

9:00 KEYNOTE: Consumer Advocacy: Building Effective And Efficient Pricing Structures

Utilities can create real markets for electricity with processes that vary by the minute but the consumer groups have often resisted flexible pricing. What is the best choice for a utility between mandatory, default or voluntary flexible structures?

• Select the most suitable pricing strategy based on internal and external factors
• Implement dynamic pricing and present its advantages to internal and external stakeholders
• Build an open dialogue with customers and present them with clear benefits of smart meters

Jessica Brahaney Cain
Director, CL&P Plan-It Wise Energy Program, Northeast Utilities
CP&L

10:45 PANEL DISCUSSION: Communication Network Technology, Part 1: Utilities’ Take-Aways

As utilities prepare for the real time demand response, issues of reliability, scalability and cost will continue to dominate the conversation. Reliable communication network is a must to ensure data is transmitted in real time and avoid retrofitting. Attend this panel discussion and gain knowledge about:

• Various communication technologies currently used in the US: fixed RF, power line and cellular
• What types of communication technology have proven to be successful
• Challenges and solutions

11:30 PANEL DISCUSSION: Communication Network Technology, Part 2: Technology Providers’ Take-Aways

It is not a secret that benefits from communication network technologies are yet to be seen leaving utilities questioning the validity of all the benefits they were promised. But, what is the actual stage of technology development and what answers can solution providers give to those who question the benefits of offered technological advancements? During this panel discussion you will cover the following:

• Consumer perceptions and understanding of smart meter technology
• Real-time data retrieval and analysis: what really works?
• What are the next steps that utilities can take to increase the effectiveness of deployed technologies

Representative of Tendril

Andy Zetlan
Smart Grid Solutions
Telvent Utility Group

1:15 DOE UPDATE: SGIG Projects

This interactive session will provide you with the latest updates on Smart Grid Investment Grants and will cover the following aspects:

• What the negotiation process looks like
• Data collection for project management and performance
• Data Collection for metrics and benefits
• Cyber security

Invited:

Eric Lightner
Head of Smart Grid Force
DOE

2:15 PANEL DISCUSSION: Building Strategic Partnerships With Suppliers And Vendors To Optimize Spend And Improve Cost Structures

At a time when many utilities move away from AMR to AMI the importance of strategic partnerships with technology providers and meter manufacturers is increasing in geometric progression. However, making the right choice of various components necessary for effective smart metering programs is not an easy task. Attend this interactive session and learn how to:

• Perform an in-depth analysis of an existing supply chain to identify all necessary components for change and replacement
• Identify criteria for vendors’ selection: price, time line, efficiency and consumer preferences etc.
• Identify next steps to execute any necessary changes

3:45 Roundtable Discussions: Leveraging Government and Private Funding for Smart Metering Investments

After most of the federal government funding has been allocated, the questions arise – what are the next steps for the rest of the utilities regardless of whether they are municipal or privately owned? This session will cover the future of smart grid economy and different ways utilities can utilize carious funding opportunities currently existing in the market. Join this panel and learn how to:

• Identify cost of new generation, information requirements for customers and tax laws
• Set time frame and identify benefits and costs of the projects
• Select a project within the constraints of limited finances
• Leverage strategic partnerships to spread the costs

4:45 Leveraging Cutting Edge Technologies To Increase Efficiency Of Collecting, Managing And Storing The Massive Volume Of Data Generated By Smart Metering Devices

There are a number of communication technologies proposed for use with smart metering systems, including wireless short-range communications, mobile communications and communications over wireless sensors networks. In order to store the collected data utilities can utilize SCADA and other data storage technologies. The question is, what technologies have proven to be successful and can bring the most benefits to both the utilities and the customer? During this interactive session we will cover the following aspects:

• What utilities can learn from other industries that have been deploying data collection and storage solutions: IT, retail
• Common challenges and potential pitfalls and how to eliminate bottlenecks
• How to balance outsourcing with in-house solutions: criterion for comparison

Anna Grau
Performance Analyst
Puget Sound Energy

5:30 Close Of Day One