Australian Energy Sector at Forefront of Modernisation Utilities Worldwide at a Strategic Crossroad: Highlighting the Need for 21st Century Smart Grid

Singapore, Singapore, August 24, 2012 --(PR.com)-- “Utilities worldwide are at a strategic crossroad: the 21st century economy cannot rely on a 20th century grid,” says Daria La Valle, Programme Manager for Smart Utilities Australia & New Zealand. “Customers continue to demand greater reliability and cost containment, even as their lives become more electricity-intensive. Add to this the continued growth of renewable power generation and the introduction of emerging technologies like EVs and HANs and it is clear the industry faces numerous challenges.”

“Our programme is developed for and by the industry,” continues La Valle, “new this year is the Smart Utilities Australia & New Zealand Advisory Committee, consisting of 41 key utility industry professionals, offering their elaborate expertise and fresh industry insights to ensure the programme covers those topics that are of real interest to utilities in the region.”

Topics / Challenges to be discussed at Smart Utilities Australia & New Zealand include:

How can we make sure that smart technologies deliver benefits for both the utility and the customer?
How can we engage and educate consumers to take an active role and be more energy efficient?
What lessons can be learnt from regional and international utilities’ smart grid trials and initiatives?
How can we ensure that new technologies like renewables, electric vehicles and smart homes are an opportunity instead of a threat for utilities?
To what extent can water utilities learn from their electricity counterparts by looking at new ways to improve efficiency and sustainability?

Speaker Highlights include:

Felicia Brady, General Manager Program Delivery (Acting), Origin Energy, Australia
Dr. Robert Simpson, Consultant, Demand Management and Sustainability, Ausgrid, Australia
Peter Bryant, General Manager, AMI Services, CitiPower Pty & Powercor Australia Ltd
Glenn Walden, Group Manager, Emerging Opportunities and Technology Development, Ergon Energy Corp Ltd, Australia
Naokatsu Akioka, Smart Energy House Project, Engineering Department ,Osaka Gas, Japan
John Theunissen, Director Smart Networks, SP AusNet, Australia
Cameron O’Reilly, CEO, Energy Retailers Association of Australia (ERAA), Australia

Bob Heile, Chairman, ZigBee Alliance, USA
Ken Thompson, Manager, Water Quality and Non-Revenue Water, Yarra Valley Water, Australia
Andrew Chapman, Water System Manager, South East Water Limited, Australia

The 10th Smart Utilities Australia & New Zealand is the region’s largest conference and exhibition for electricity retailers, distributors and water utilities focusing on new ways to improve reliability, quality and security of supply in a cost-efficient, environmentally and customer friendly way.

At the multi-track conference, carefully selected utility professionals will present updates on their latest project experiences, results and steps forward. International case studies from the USA, Europe and Asia will encourage participants to stay tuned with the latest innovations and successes. Forward-thinking technology providers and think tanks will explain how the evolution of smart technologies and smart appliances will have an impact on utilities’ current business processes and investment strategies.

The targeted, large scale exhibition will provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to get informed about the latest technologies and solutions to make their next steps more successful and to better prepare themselves for the ultimate Smart Grid.

Event dates and location -
Conference: 20-22 November 2012
Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Australia
Event website: www.smartutilities-ausnz.com

For more information, interviews and media accreditation -
Marketing Communications: Marj Cuijpers, Clarion Events Pte Ltd
Email: marj@clarionevents.asia
Tel: +65 6590 3970
Fax: +65 6223 9196