By Kathleen Davis, associate editor
Four thousand attendees. 225 exhibitors. 13 conference tracks. 60 educational conference sessions. 150 knowledgeable speakers. Bountiful chances to network, including the Power Breakfast, the Power Hour and the Wednesday Networking Reception. So many energy industry opportunities all conveniently concentrated in one place. Welcome to DistribuTECH 2006.
This year, the conference visits beautiful Tampa, on Florida’s sunny West coast. From Feb. 7-9, utility engineers, executives, aggregators, consultants, researchers and other industry insiders will gather to debate automation and control systems, equipment, power delivery, T&D systems and water technology. DistribuTECH 2006 will offer industry professionals multiple chances for education and debate starting with Monday night’s Power Hour.
Hit it Home with Networking Opportunities
In 1919, baseball legend Babe Ruth smacked a 587-ft. home run at Tampa’s Plant Field that set a record. In 2006, at Tampa’s Convention Center, attendees will be able to pitch, catch and bring home some new information themselves with DistribuTECH’s many networking opportunities. The 16th meeting kicks off with the Power Hour on Monday night, Feb. 6, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. With light snacks and drinks in hand, one can break the ice with industry peers. On Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. there will be an opening reception to symbolically “cut the ribbon” on DistribuTECH’s exhibit floor, officially opening more than 225 company booths for viewing.
Don’t stay up too late hobnobbing though, as Wednesday morning brings the Power Breakfast bright and early at 7:30 a.m. Attendees can break bread with experts like Emmett Kelly, VP of Government & Regulatory Affairs for Itron and Joe Weiss, executive consultant with KEMA. Each table at the breakfast will feature a different topic. So, there’ll be something for everyone, whether his interests are AMR, security, CIS, asset management, reliability or protocols. And, finally, DistribuTECH offers the appropriately monikered Networking Reception on Wednesday night from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Capgemini, Cannon Technologies, HP, Intel, Thomas & Betts, and TWACS, this reception is one of DistribuTECH’s most popular events, with over 600 colleagues attending just last year.
However, while networking with industry professionals is important, most attendees come to DistribuTECH for the more educational side of the conference, namely the sessions and Utility University courses.
A Varied Choice of Premium Conference Sessions
In the late 1800s, Don Vicente Martinez Ybor brought the cigar industry to Tampa. Before Cuba became the smoker’s powerhouse choice, Tampa turned out 700 million cigars a year. DistribuTECH won’t quite be able to break Ybor’s production record, but the conference will roll out quite an offering: more than 60 informative sessions on 13 different tracks, as well as numerous courses in the Utility University, for attendees to choose from.
Utility University courses begin Sunday, February 5. Morning half-day courses, afternoon half-day courses and full-day courses will be taught both Sunday and Monday. Communications/protocols, distribution and substation automation/SCADA, security, AMR and enterprise integration topics will be available both days. A selection of Sunday’s courses includes “Cyber Security of Control Systems,” “AMR Systems for Water Utilities,” and “Balancing the Cost, Performance and Risk of Distribution Assets.” A selection of Monday’s courses includes “DNP3 Intermediate,” “Introduction to the IntelliGrid Architecture” and “Buy the Right Stuff: How to Select and Acquire the Right AMI System for Energy Utilities.” Visit www.distributech.com for more information on the Utility University courses offered at DistribuTECH 2006.
With these Utility University courses, DistribuTECH is an authorized continuing education provider by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. Attendees are encouraged to check with their state’s governing board to see if courses taken with the Utility University are eligible for professional development hours (PDH). Attendance at a full-day course awards 8 PDH, and a half-day course awards 4 PDH. Certificates of attendance are provided to all attendees at the conclusion of the day.
Conference sessions begin on Monday at 1 p.m. and include topics ranging from distribution automation to T&D business issues. A few highlights:
“-“The Zen of Energy Delivery Business and Technology,” moderated by Hahn Tram of Enspiria Solutions. This session will look at finding the optimal balance to achieve operational excellence for energy delivery utilities. Tram and his panel of experts will discuss how today’s enabling technologies are allowing utility managers to attain balance for their companies “with the harmony of a Zen master.”
“-“Omens of Instability,” moderated by John Redmon of John R. Redmon Inc. The papers in this session will describe the use of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) and the development of a voltage stability index which can predict margins in real-time.
“-“An ISO Perspective on Demand Response “ËœOh, What a Relief,'” moderated by Dick Preston of Comverge. This session will present how independent system operators (ISOs) are using demand response to lower cost and improve reliability, as well as serve as a resource for spinning reserves.
“-“Where’s the Money? Applications for Revenue Enhancement,” moderated by Ralph Abbott of Plexus. This session will examine options for making new technologies “pay off”-using customized technologies to enhance revenue and reduce losses.
“-“Wringing the Benefits out of Water AMR-Water Conservation, TOU,” moderated by Vicki Trees of Hunt Technologies. This session will look beyond the basic metering functions to other applications for water metering and data management.
“-“EMS vs. DMS: Do You Know the Difference?” moderated by Florence Glazebrook of National Grid USA. This session will explore the fundamental differences between T&D management requirements and the physical, electrical and business requirements that drive these differences, helping a company determine which product best serves their needs.
The Monday morning keynote session will also be a compelling and educational experience. Conference organizers have rounded up Charles R. Black of Tampa Electric Co., Terry Winter of American Superconductor, Terry Bowden of ABC Sports and Nora Mead Brownell of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The keynote begins promptly at 9 a.m. Utility Automation & Engineering T&D will also present its annual Projects of the Year Awards during the keynote sessions, recognizing outstanding utility efforts in automatic meter reading, geospatial technologies, T&D automation and T&D engineering.
In Hog Heaven
And, speaking of excellence in engineering, DistribuTECH has one more award in that category. As if networking opportunities, educational conference sessions, bright sunny Tampa days and aromatic Ybor cigars aren’t enough, one lucky attendee will receive the ultimate gift of smooth road mechanics: a 2006 Harley Davidson Fat Boy. To enter, visit the booths of all sponsoring companies and have the official entry form stamped. Then, return the completed form to PennWell’s booth by 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. The drawing for the Harley will be held at 1:30 p.m. The winner will have two minutes to claim his prize, and he must be present to win. For more information and official rules, visit www.distributech.com.
DistribuTECH 2006 offers you one-stop shopping for industry technologies and information: the power of concentration. The staff of Utility Automation & Engineering T&D hopes to see you in Tampa Feb. 7-9. <<
Exhibitors Featured in this Issue
Editor’s note: The following company listings are provided as a courtesy to those DistribuTECH 2006 exhibitors who showed their support of Utility Automation & Engineering T&D magazine by advertising in this issue. Check www.distributech.com for a complete list of DistribuTECH exhibitors.
Advanced Control Systems
Introducing PRISM Real-Time OMS-outage management redefined-along with information solutions based on our PRISM applications platform and Connex substation management: a strategy of true distribution automation, enterprise integration and real-time control.
Aegis Technologies
Aegis Technologies, Inc. is a forward thinking company that is ushering in a New Era in Control System Intelligence. Aegis has developed a comprehensive “Middleware” solution, called the Odyssey Product Series, for control system networks. Odyssey is completely customizable and can be installed on Serial-Based and/or TCP/IP Control Systems and handle Bit and/or Byte-oriented Protocols. As Middleware, Odyssey offers Performance Improvement features including data compression to optimize bandwidth, Comprehensive Logging features that aid in diagnosing communication errors and the most Comprehensive Electronic Perimeter Security available today that not only encrypts and authenticates all communications but also protects external phone line modems.
Avistar
Avistar Inc.’s AP-20 Phase Identification System identifies phase and phase angle in seconds and features a rugged, field-worthy design that allows easy one-person operation.
Badger Meter
Badger Meter, Inc. is a leading supplier of meters and meter reading solutions. Badger’s Recordall meters configured with the RTR or ADE supports RF solutions, ORION, Itron, and Galaxy, and Connectivity to major network providers.
Brooks Utility Group
Brooks UPG is the premier supplier of metering-related products including: meter adapters for converting bottom connected and K base to socket type, meter extender/interbase collars, test switches, meter enclosures, IT enclosures, sectionalizers, primary metering enclosures, security seals and locking rings, meter safety and line test equipment.
Cannon Technologies
Cannon Technologies provides solutions for optimizing energy delivery, through our Yukon Enterprise Energy Services Platform, a web-enabled suite of software, hardware, and communications tools for electric utilities. Call 800-827-7966 or visit www.cannontech.com.
Cellnet
Cellnet is the leading industry provider of real-time AMI and automation solutions. Leveraging the fixed network, intelligent radio, and mesh network technologies, Cellnet supplies gas, water and electric utilities with highly reliable, field-proven products.
CIS Conference
CIS Week offers outstanding educational opportunities for all varieties of utilities and all levels of customer information service personnel. A multitude of interactive sessions conducted by industry experts explain and demonstrate current technologies and proven best practices. For much more information please, visit www.cisweek.org.
Citect
With over 200 water authorities and utilities standardized on Citect solutions, we’re a leader for industrial automation and manufacturing execution systems (MES). Leveraging open technologies, CitectHMI/SCADA and Ampla connect to multiple plant and business systems.
Comverge
A leading provider of demand response and AMR solutions, Comverge offers both direct-sale and solution-based platforms for making your initiatives a success. With six million units in use, Comverge is the power in power technology.
Control Microsystems
Control Microsystems a leading manufacturer of SCADA and remote data monitoring equipment. The company’s SCADAPackTM products combine standard PLC and RTU features with ladder logic programming, flexible I/O, and data logging capabilities. For more information visit www.controlmicrosystems.com.
Datamatic
Datamatic is the single source for cost-effective AMR systems. Advanced meter reading and data collection solutions include the FIREFLY AMR System with ProfilePLUS Usage Profiling, RouteSTAR MVP Enterprise Route Management software and ROADRUNNER Field Computers.
Elster Electricity
Part of the world’s largest multi-utility metering company for electricity, water, and gas metering. Elster provides advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions to help utilities improve revenue cycle services, customer service, delivery reliability, and workforce utilization.
Enspiria Solutions
Enspiria Solutions helps utilities significantly improve the bottom line through operational effectiveness, energy efficiency, asset performance enhancement, and improved customer service. Our consulting and systems integration expertise includes AMR, GIS, OMS, WMS/MWM, and Substation Automation.
Hexagram
The Hexagram STAR Wireless Fixed Network AMR System provides fully automatic meter reading. STAR’s offerings include solutions for today’s electric, water and gas utilities, providing the ultimate in complete, accurate and cost-effective interval meter readings.
Itron
Itron is a leading technology provider and critical source of knowledge to the global energy and water industries. Nearly 3,000 utilities worldwide rely on Itron’s award-winning technology to provide the knowledge they require to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Itron provides a full circle of industry-leading solutions, including electricity metering and meter data collection to forecasting and residential energy management. To know more, start here: www.itron.com.
JCMB
JCMB provides their Data Intelligence expertise to utilities. JCMB offers a unique combination of software and labor services for the purpose of exploiting and sharing Distribution Network Data between GIS/OMS/Design systems.
Logica CMG
LogicaCMG provides global IT solutions, systems integration, consulting, products, and services. LogicaCMG’s Asset and Resource Management (ARM) product suite combines work management, mobile computing, dispatch, scheduling, asset management, compliance tracking, and reporting capabilities into a seamless solution. ARM extends from the office to the field, to the Web, and to your contractor’s office and now to your cell phone. ARM streamlines a utility’s business processes, manages the entire work stream, controls operational costs, and manages maintenance and regulatory compliance activities.
Microwave Data Systems
MDS is a world leader in wireless networking solutions for the SCADA/telemetry, telecommunications, mobile data and online transactional markets. Product offerings include licensed and license-free transceivers for operation in several frequency bands between 150 MHz and 5.8 GHz.
Neptune Technology Group
Reading meters the same way because your options were limited? Not anymore. Neptune’s R900 FOCUS provides accurate consumption, voltage measurements, better range, and higher read success rates. Compatible with our FieldNet and Equinox-MR software solutions, R900 FOCUS is the choice you’ve been waiting for.
OMICRON
OMICRON develops innovative power system testing solutions: the CMC for protective relay, transducer and meter testing and IEC 61850 test solutions, and the CPC 100 for automated substation testing of CTs, VTs, power transformers, resistances and power factor testing with the CPTD1. Also new CT Analyzer, FR1 sweep frequency response analyzer.
Open Systems International
Open Systems International, Inc. (OSI) provides open and high performance SCADA, Energy Management, Generation Management, and Distribution Management Systems for utilities worldwide. OSI will be demonstrating its monarch, Linux and Windows-based system platform and Osiris, a new Linux-based secure Remote Telemetry Unit.
Powel MiniMax
Powel-MiniMax is a world leader in work order automation, field design, and office-based utility decision support applications. The company’s modular Utility Decision Support Platform provides instant, universal access to information needed to optimize business results.
ProgUSA-Programma
Programma Products by GE Energy for testing HV and Med Voltage Circuit Breakers, Relays, Battery Systems and Transformers. Portable primary current injection and new 200A light-weight Micro-ohmmeter.
Satec
New “Ad-On Automation Solution” for keeping existing relays eliminates high replacement costs. One device now provides true target and fault data, adds distributed DFR, SOE, Revenue metering, Power Quality with Dial-out Reporting and Web-Based Access.
Schweitzer Engineering Labs
SEL provides protective relaying, communications, control, instrumentation, encryption, and automation products, systems, training, and services. Products include protective relays, meters, rugged computers and I/O, fault indicators, encrypting transceivers, SCADA, distributed RTUs, and high-speed logic processors.
Sensus Metering Systems
Sensus Metering Systems is a global leader of metering and AMR/AMI system solutions for utilities. The company provides superior water, gas and electric metering solutions for residential and commercial/industrial installations and industry leading AMR/AMI systems featuring the TouchRead, RadioRead, PhonRead, FixNet and FlexNet systems.
SmartSynch
SmartSynch is a leading provider of smart metering solutions for the energy and utility industry. SmartSynch’s SmartMeter System facilitates real-time acquisition of critical usage and rate data from electricity meters via public wireless networks.
Thomas & Betts
System Protection & Control Solutions from Elastimold featuring solid dielectric switchgear & fault interrupters, source transfer packages, arresters, fuses, voltage & faulted circuit indicators.
Click here to view the Conference-At-A-Glance and Sponsors in pdf.
