TMCnet's Smarter Utility Week in Review

- Alert), developer of computer hardware systems and enterprise software products, has introduced Oracle Utilities Operational Device Management. This software is meant to aid utilities in managing the change, configuration and inventory of smart grid assets for operational efficiency. Oracle Utilities Operational Device Management was developed to meet the asset management needs of "smart devices," allowing the software to act as a middle man between traditional devices and more complex devices."The addition of 'smart devices' into the utility infrastructure is changing business operations across the enterprise. Utilities have been challenged to manage these new operations efficiently as traditional asset management systems cannot handle the complexity," commented Rodger Smith, senior vice president and general manager of Oracle Utilities, adding, "Oracle Utilities Operational Device Management helps manage the intricacy of smart devices with more speed, accuracy and cost savings, which will lead to greater operational efficiencies for utilities."

And finally, during a summer of record heat and drought (did we all just think, climate change?), U.S. electric utilities are helping customers save money on energy and savor some winnings—just for visiting their social media sites. We did a strictly casual survey of utilities’ sites on Facebook (News - Alert)—where they have, perhaps, the biggest social media presence—and found the following: At the Arizona Public Service page, Energy Activist Steve Nash is waiting to give guests “13 Energy Assists” (on the order of, “Replace old incandescent bulbs with CFLS”); as well as the use of a carbon calculator (for ratepayers only); and a listing a events where you can meet him in the flesh (including the Maricopa Home and Garden Show in Phoenix on August 3). Xcel Energy of Colorado offers an “Efficiency Proficiency Test” tied into a sweepstakes. The utility says, “’Like’ this page and test your energy Efficiency Proficiency ... you can enter for a chance to win $1,000 toward new ENERGY STAR (News - Alert) appliances.” We presume that include air conditioners! And at the TXU Energy (Texas) website, the hotter the weather gets, the richer the winners of an ongoing sweepstakes become. The jackpot rises along with the temperature–up to $10,000. With the heat at 104 degrees this week in Texas, it’s almost like striking gold. The success of these programs is strictly debatable. Duke Energy (News - Alert) (North Carolina) has become one of the largest utilities in the nation since its merger with Progress Energy. Yet, the Duke Youtility page on Facebook has only 3,271 “Likes,” as of this week—and most of the recent comments are complaints about power failures and rate increases. However, it’s probably better to have a social media presence than to be missing in action. Most customers become interested in their electricity only when it doesn’t work, experts say—but then, they hit your social media sites by the thousands. Asking them to “Like” you at that point might be a stretch.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.

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