Texas A&M Researchers Seek Product Information From Smart Grid Vendors

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Smart grid technology and software companies are encouraged to submit information about their products for inclusion in a Smart Grid Resource Guide being developed by researchers with the Smart Grid Research Consortium at Texas A&M University.

The consortium, which includes 12 municipal utilities from across the United States, is focused on developing business models that incorporate smart grid technology. The new guide, according to consortium leader Dr. Jerry Jackson, will feature reviews of the latest smart grid technology and software.

Electric smart grids provide integrated communication, automation and control of entire electrical systems, from generating plants to the operation of electric equipment inside homes, commercial buildings and industrial plants.

"We've already interviewed many of the major smart grid product and service providers; however, since there has been such a boom in new companies and products over the past several years, we want to make sure the new guide provides a comprehensive picture of what is out there now and new developments on the horizon," said Jackson, an energy economist and associate professor of construction science at Texas A&M.

Smart grid technology and software providers are urged to contact Jackson at 979.204.7821 or [email protected] to discuss the inclusion of their technologies in both the study and the Smart Grid Resource Guide.

Texas A&M's Smart Grid Research Consortium study is the first to provide utility-specific cost/benefit models that can be applied to evaluate the business case for individual smart grid technologies and utility smart grid strategies.

The results of the consortium's study and the new Smart Grid Resource guide will be presented at a conference being planned for early November with details to be posted on the Consortium Web site. The conference will be open to all interested parties including utilities, regulators, equipment and software providers and others. Conference sessions and panel discussions will address issues of immediate concern to utilities evaluating smart grid investment options.

Additional details on the Texas A&M University Smart Grid Research Consortium are available at http://smartgridresearchconsortium.org/

SOURCE Texas A&M University