NXTcomm: Alcatel-Lucent’s Smart Metering Requires Telecom Networks

Telecom and utilities go hand-in-hand now that Alcatel-Lucent has developed a smart metering system for power and water providers.

The equipment maker made the announcement today at NXTcomm. Smart metering is the new way for utilities to better monitor users’ consumption, give customers feedback about their carbon emissions, provide outage notifications, and more. Smart metering has to run over a broadband network, typically one powered by a telecom company.

Regulators are pressuring utilities to get a handle on energy load control, demands and security, explained Peter Johnson, vice president of utilities for Alcatel-Lucent. Smart metering is just one part of the overall goal of going green. And utilities — generally slow to implement new technologies — are looking to existing networks and new, yet proven, equipment to help them achieve those aims. Some utilities are counting on broadband over powerline to deliver their smart metering services, but those are the exception right now, Johnson pointed out.

“One place where telecom providers very much can play is where there are wireless networks,” said Johnson. “There’s an example of one in Europe, where the provider is going to use an existing CLEC network to reach out to smart meters. The network is already there, reaching every house. Therefore, the question is one of putting the M2M interface into the network and connecting the meter to the cellular network, and using that to take their data back.”

All in all, there’s a big chance for telecom providers to branch into new markets, Johnson said.

“A [smart metering] rollout generally has to occur rapidly,” he said. “That’s the opportunity for communications providers.”

Alcatel-Lucent created a real-time data processing system, based on its Open Service Platform, which delivers meter reading and management, and infrastructure and data management. Alcatel-Lucent adapted its technology to fit utility providers’ needs to count kilowatt hours or gallons per minute instead of call minutes. The France-based manufacturer has worked in the utilities market since before the dot-com bust.

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