Comment on FR Doc # 2010-11129 - Communications Requirements

The Newton-Evans Research Company has been involved in the study of data communications usage patterns and plans among American electric utilities for nearly 30 years. Every two years over this period, the company has surveyed American utilities to obtain insight on the use of control systems, substation communications and automation, as well as protection and control systems (relaying). All of our studies, both multi-client research and proprietary projects, contain some topical questions concerning the use of communications methodologies, protocols and plans for future communications. Newton-Evans is capable of serving as a resource for the Department of Energy in its efforts to better understand the requirements of U.S. electric utilities concerning the development of a National Broadband Policy. Newton-Evans has studied related communications-centric “smart grid” topics for most of its nearly 30-year history of involvement with the electric power industry. Currently, Newton-Evans is conducting its 11th bi-annual study of energy management systems, SCADA and distribution management systems. In June we will be undertaking our 10th bi-annual study of substation automation and communications. Last December the company published its latest series of reports on the use of protection and control technology (relaying) inclusive of communications topics. Our recently published report on distribution automation (May 2010) is a communications-centric synopsis of findings from a number of recent studies. The company conducts studies for individual client organizations as well as publishes multi-client reports. Almost all of these proprietary studies also include coverage of communications issues. All of our studies segment communications-related findings based on type (investor-owned, public power, cooperative) and size of utility (above 1 million, 500,000-999,999 etc). Cross-tabulations of findings are available for all survey-based reports. Newton-Evans is also capable of conducting a specific research program under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy to determine the future communications requirements of U.S. electric utilities. Briefing sessions can be arranged to provide DOE staff with topical communications information gleaned from currently available (and soon to be published) research reports. About Newton-Evans Research Company, Inc. Since 1978, Newton-Evans has been conducting business-to-business technical survey research for both multi-client and proprietary studies focused on energy industry automation, information technology, and infrastructure topics such as Smart Grid. The firm also provides business consulting services for clients in the computer, communications, control systems and engineered products areas serving the energy industry. While continuing to serve a broader energy industry audience, Newton-Evans Research Company has developed a special focus on the worldwide electric power industry. Newton-Evans is recognized as a world leader in the technical marketing research of the electric power delivery industry’s use of computers, communications, control systems, and technical equipment and products. A majority of the company’s business is in the conduct of contract research programs, consulting services and market planning services. Newton-Evans provides marketing studies, consulting services and opportunity assessments to companies in the power delivery equipment manufacturing and automation-related services community. The company has also developed a strong consulting practice among value-added resellers, systems integrators and technical consulting organizations. These clients, in turn, provide their products and services to utilities, pipelines and industrial customers. Newton-Evans regularly assists international standards organizations with real-world information concerning communications topics. The company has participated with a number of working groups within CIGRE and IEEE Power and Energy Society.