Utilities Telecom Council and Verizon to Study Communication Needs of Utilities

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2010 – The Utilities Telecom Council and Verizon will conduct a first-of-its-kind study on the information and technology required to support the nation’s utilities.

The study will focus upon providing the utility industry with safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy grids. The push to use electricity more efficiently and the emergence of smart grid technology are prompting utilities to seek the best means to harness this technology. William Mooney, UTC president and CEO, said “To be successful, utilities and their technology partners will need to have a common understanding of the technological, operational, and financial factors that are the foundations for all the communications needs of utilities.”

Verizon Wireless’ president of enterprise and government markets said that both groups share a common goal, and that “Verizon will play a critical role delivering the advanced solutions that meet the specific needs of our utility customers. This survey will be a catalyst in creating a deeper dialogue between our two industries so that we can identify and address current industry concerns and opportunities.”

The study will consist of focus group discussions with telecom leaders and experts with UTC member companies, in-depth questionnaires, and additional research about the problems facing utility telecommunications. At the study’s projected completion in September, Utilities Telecom Council will publish a report with recommendations to its utility members.