February 19, 2009

President Obama Signs Stimulus Bill. The $787 billion stimulus package was made official with the President's signature on Tuesday. The package provides for $4.3 billion dollars to support Smart Grid and other green technology initiatives and places emphasis on solutions – like SmartSynch's – that utilize Internet-based protocols and standards: "The Secretary shall require as a condition of receiving funding under this subsection that demonstration projects utilize open protocols and standards (including Internet-based protocols and standards)…." View the final language of this section of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Read Greentech Media's summary of the stimulus package's impact on the future of green technologies.

SmartSynch Introduces the DCX Smart Grid Solution at DistribuTECH 2009. The DCX (Direct Connect eXternal) is a low-cost external interface capable of communicating via public wireless networks with any device on the electricity grid, from the substation to the meter, wherever remote communications and automation are needed.

The IP-addressable DCX enables utilities to quickly and affordably spot-deploy smart grid applications, including load profile and control, power quality monitoring, distribution automation and monitoring, standby generator/load control and steam monitoring, and support more homeowner-focused smart metering programs such as demand response, demand-side management and real-time pricing. Click here to read more.

SmartSynch's new tradeshow booth debuts at DistribuTECH 2009. It features an interactive display highlighting the role of SmartSynch technology in the emerging Smart Grid. This display will soon be added to SmartSynch.com. Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images of our new booth:

SmartSynch's Bryan Seal crafts an article for Transmission & Distribution World: "Our industry is watching our new president’s every move very closely, particularly when it comes to the smart grid. With the energy goals of the Obama administration, a light is shining on our nation's electricity grid with the imperative to rebuild it into a green, intelligent energy delivery system helped by government support in the neighborhood of billions of dollars. The onus is on us to deliver on this promise, both a daunting task and an incredible opportunity." To read the entire article, click here.

BetaNews recognizes SmartSynch's work with LADWP in a story on Google's development of a new energy monitoring tool: "Utility companies generally form regional monopolies, but evolution in regulatory policies has opened a door for software companies such as Google to get involved. The gradual deployment of 'smart meters' – network-connected power meters capable of maintaining and sharing detailed information about energy consumption – is one of the major areas of development. Since 2004, for example, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has deployed more than 9,000 smart meters provided by a company called SmartSynch." Read more.

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