Presentation Abstract: "Making the Right Choices for the Smart Grid Communication's Network" A fundamental requirement for a smart grid is the implementation of a secure, pervasive, high-performance, reliable and resilient communications infrastructure. This infrastructure should enable secure communications among all active grid sensors and elements to enable data acquisition, analysis and automation of grid management, and restoration activities. Smart grid represents an evolving and dynamic environment where new applications will need to communicate in unique and highly reliable ways. More often than not, companies are using WiMAX and RF Mesh networks to support smart meters, distributed grid management and demand/response systems. There are many reasons for this choice, ranging from an attractive initial cost of ownership to capital expenditures that can be recouped through rate increases, but is it the right choice? As utilities consider whether to build their own WiMAX and RF Mesh networks, or turn to an outsourced, more public network, they must consider a number of factors that relate to the functional and technical requirements for the communication network, including: Is it reliable and resilient? Can 100 percent coverage be achieved? Can 99.9 percent smart meter reads be achieved? Is the infrastructure future-proofed? Can it protect the utility from cyber security threats? This presentation will go in depth into these areas to provide real-world experiences. Speaker: Jay Cappy, Managing Principal, Verizon Business, Global Energy & Utility Practice Mr. Cappy has 20+ solid years of achievement and diverse professional experience in a number of industries including energy, utilities, manufacturing, automotive, telephony (wireline and wireless) and cable. At Verizon, he is a trusted advisor with key clients, provides strategic guidance, oversees solution engagements, and is a thought leader and enterprise architect. Mr. Cappy was previously a managing director at BearingPoint, Inc. in their Cross Industry Solutions Group where he was a subject matter expert in management consulting and systems integration. Prior to his current job he was a senior manager in the management consulting practice of Ernst and Young, LLP from 1996-2000. He held various other positions at other consulting and telecommunication companies since 1988. Mr. Cappy has received numerous awards as a top performer and for technical excellence and teamwork in these roles. [back to Program Agenda]