SmartSynch to Develop New Smart Grid Product

by Sari Krieger, Dow Jones Clean Technology Insight

SmartSynch Inc. said Wednesday that it will develop a new smart-grid product that acts as a "wireless pipe" that can transmit and receive data over public wireless networks.

The Jackson, Miss.-based company's Universal Communications Module will work as an IP-addressable, external interface offering various types of connectivity to smart-grid devices.

SmartSynch recently teamed up with AT&T Inc. to use the telecommunications company's public wireless network for smart-grid communications instead of having utilities build their own network. This new product will go along with the AT&T smart-meter deal as a way for utilities to more quickly and affordably obtain smart-grid communications, according to SmartSynch.

The company said these units can be easily replaced as technology evolves, whereas utilities using proprietary technologies would have a harder time replacing units. SmartSynch said in a statement that Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy Corp. will demonstrate the new product with significant volume in the fourth quarter of 2009.

"The UCM is a 'future-proof' solution designed to meet the needs of our smart-grid initiative, with the flexibility to support the varying requirements of the broad utility market," said David Mohler, chief technology officer and vice president for Duke Energy, in a statement. "It fills a marketplace void for any utility seeking a truly interoperable and open, IP-addressable smart-grid system conducive to remote upgrades as wireless and power technologies advance."

SmartSynch said the technology can be used for a variety of applications, such as retrieving energy usage information and power quality information from residential meters, providing a communications interface for automation equipment and controlling back-up generators for demand-response in commercial and industrial locations.

Last month, SmartSynch and AT&T announced a new pricing structure for utilities to use the company's network for smart-grid communications. The two companies had been using this AT&T-network based smart-meter system at large commercial and industrial buildings and about 35,000 homes across the country in pilot projects. But this new pricing structure makes it more affordable for utilities to roll out the technology for many more residential and small commercial users.

Earlier this month Lewisville, Texas-based New Mexico Power Co. became the first utility to sign a deal with SmartSynch under the new pricing relationship with AT&T.

Utilities across the country have been testing and rolling out smart meters, which allow users to monitor how much power they are using in real time.

The technology also allows utilities to more easily monitor power outages. Smart meters also have the potential to work with smart appliances being developed by companies such as General Electric Co. and Whirlpool Corp. that can be automatically powered down during peak pricing times.

Experts say that customers are more likely to cut down on energy use if they can see how much they're using in real time. Utilities want customers to cut down on peak-power usage because peak power is expensive for the utility, which often has to bring dirtier backup plants online during this time.

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