This session will explore the attributes and requirements of each of the smart grid communication network layers: Home Area Networks (HANs); Metering Networks; Distribution Area Networks; Utility Core Networks. In order to establish network communications criteria for each network layer, utilities will need to anticipate the applications and requirements of Smart Grid applications operating at each layer, specifically as they relate to network attributes, including:

• Capacity
• Latency
• Reliability
• Security
• Scalability
• Manageability
• Industry Standards

Fundamentally, utilities will make a strategic decision for each layer of the network that will meet the communication requirements for Smart Grid applications - both present as well as future.

Chairperson:

Tom Ayers
President and CEO
Tropos Networks

Mr. Ayers joined Tropos in early 2008 with more than 30 years of successful leadership in building high technology companies and delivering advanced solutions to customers. Under his leadership Tropos expanded its market focus into the rapidly growing smart grid market, leveraging the company's market proven solutions sold to utilities and cities.

Speakers:

Michael B. Robinson
Smart Grid Telecom Network Architect
IBM

Mr. Robinson is an IBM telecom subject matter expert helping utilities identify strategies for advancing their Smart Grid capabilities. His Smart Grid Telecom Reference Architecture addresses end–to–end networking issues. Mr. Robinson holds a B.S. in Telecom Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University and an M.A.S. in Wireless Telecommunications from Denver University.

 

James (Jimmy) Bagley, Jr.
Public Services Administrator / CIO
City of Rock Hill

As the Public Services Administrator/CIO for the City of Rock Hill, Mr. Bagley manages Utility Public Works and Information Technology Services Departments. Previously, he was the City's Utilities Director responsible for water, sewer, electric, and storm water. He is a past president of the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers; has presided over the South Carolina Association of Municipal Power Systems Board; is a member of the APPA, IEEE, and Power Engineering Society.

 

Fredric Fletcher
Smart Grid Chief Architect
Open Access Technology International (OATI)

Mr. Fletcher has just begun his career at Open Access Technology as Smart Grid Chief Architect. Prior to joining Open Access Technology International he was Assistant General Manager at Burbank Water and Power. He developed Burbank's smart grid strategy and started its implementation, which was one of the recent winners of a $20 million grant from the DOE. Mr. Fletcher began his career in electric power at Black Hills Power. He was part of the initial staff for Missouri River Energy Services and headed the Operations Department at that utility prior to coming to Burbank.

 

Mike Burns
Director, Marketing
Itron

Mr. Burns' current responsibility is the delivery of Itron's industry-leading AMI solutions to Utilities in the Public Power market segment. His 13 years of experience in the electric utility industry have included multiple positions in Business Development, Product Marketing and Sales at Itron, MicroPlanet Technology Corp., and Schlumberger Electricity Metering. Additionally, in recent years, Mr. Burns has served the industry as a contributor to several organizations and working groups dedicated to defining and advancing the Smart Grid. He also served as a Submarine Officer in the Navy, and holds a BS in Economics from the United States Naval Academy.