Black & Veatch Launches Smart Utility Service Offering

Black & Veatch, announced it has launched a new set of service offerings, Smart Utility, to provide full-scope solutions in the development and implementation of today’s Smart Grid technologies.

"The Smart Utility service offerings bring together all aspects of technology that enable utilities to provide additional services to their customers, enhance the security and reliability of electric infrastructure and implement renewable power initiatives," said Martin Travers, President of Black & Veatch’s Telecommunications Division. "Black & Veatch has extensive experience in providing energy, management consulting and telecommunications services to utilities and provides clients a single-point of contact for all their needs."

The service offering includes such elements as front-end consulting, design, operations and customer delivery initiatives. Smart Utility also can assist utilities in obtaining regulatory approvals for Smart Grid technology implementation.

The Smart Utility offering fosters more efficient energy usage and cost controls in delivery of reliable and sustainable energy supplies to commercial and residential customers. This includes a web-based interface capability for end-use energy customers.

Development of Black & Veatch’s Smart Utility typically begins with the establishment of a robust, well-planned telecommunications network to provide high-quality power system operation capabilities. The Smart Utility approach is to utilize advanced technologies designed to enhance electric infrastructure reliability, reduce power consumption during peak demand times and facilitate connection of distributed generation sources, such as photovoltaic arrays or small wind turbines.

Travers said technology upgrades associated with Smart Utility include automated meter reading through wire line or existing wireless networks, development and implementation of back office information technology systems and applications, new power generation – both traditional and distributed, substation automation and other electric distribution services.

"Black & Veatch has been serving electric utilities for more than 90 years," added Rodger Smith, President of Black & Veatch’s Enterprise Management Solutions Division. "Smart Utility provides our clients with a single resource for implementing the next generation of the U.S. electric infrastructure to help address a nexus of issues including energy assurance, safety and security, sustainability and climate change."