The Department of Energy (DOE) has long recognized the importance of incorporating broadband and other interactive communications technologies into ongoing efforts to modernize America’s electrical "grid"—our system for generating and transmitting electrical power.  As a result, DOE is studying and will report on two critical issues arising from this integration effort: the evolving communications needs of electrical utilities, and the data access and privacy issues arising from the use of interactive Smart Grid technologies. 

On May 11, 2010, DOE published two Requests for Information that provided background information, outlined proposed areas of study, raised potential questions, and requested public comments.  Today, DOE expands upon these ongoing information-gathering efforts by announcing that it will host two public meetings to discuss these issues.

The first will be held on June 17, 2010, and it will focus on the communications needs of electric utilities, and how they may evolve as Smart Grid and other advanced technologies are deployed.  It will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. at the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E069, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.

At this time, expected participants include: Becky Blalock, Senior Vice President and CIO, Southern Company; Lynne Ellyn, Senior Vice President and CIO, DTEnergy; James Ingraham, Vice President of Strategic Research, Electric Power Board of Chattanooga; Kyle McSlarrow, President and CEO, National Cable & Telecommunications Association; Roy Perry, Director, Strategic Assessment CableLabs; Jim L. Jones, Vice President and CIO of Great River Energy in Minnesota; Commissioner Sherman Elliott from Illinois Commerce Commission; and Mike Lanman, President - Enterprise and Government, Verizon Wireless.

The second will be held on June 29, 2010, and it will focus on data security, privacy, and access issues arising from the use of interactive Smart Grid technologies.  It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m. at the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E069, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.

Links to the Public Notices announcing the meetings: