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Monday, September 14, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Registration
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Seminar: Communications Modernization in Utility Networks: Prepare for the Future – Part 1
Today’s utility communications infrastructure that connects substations to control centers consists of a variety of legacy facilities – leased lines, wireless and dial-up. Devices in substations are connected to communications servers with proprietary interfaces. The result is high cost and complexity and low flexibility and reliability. Driven by external and internal forces, the business of utilities is changing. This session will arm you with the knowledge you need to meet these challenges, gain an understanding of the drivers of change, explore new technologies and standards to help you manage change, discover how to gracefully deploy new, scalable telecom devices and protocols while maintaining and integrating your legacy gear.
Dean Campbell, Chief Technology Officer, LightRiver Technologies
Mike Ososke, Senior Director of Optical Solutions, LightRiver Technologies
Aaron Havrilla, Director, Data Products and Solutions, LightRiver Technologies
Presentation
10:30-10:45 a.m.
Networking Break
10:45 -12:00 p.m.
Seminar: Communications Modernization in Utility Networks: Prepare for the Future – Part II
Learn about major manufacturers product plans to meet your unique needs including certifications, interfaces and protocols. Get in-depth technical discussions on how different technologies and products can prepare you for the future of communications in utility networks
Dean Campbell, Chief Technology Officer, LightRiver Technologies
Mike Ososke, Senior Director of Optical Solutions, LightRiver Technologies
Aaron Havrilla, Director, Data Products and Solutions, LightRiver Technologies
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Smart Grid Tutorial - Understanding Smart Grid Infrastructure?
The vision of a Smart Grid infrastructure is based on digitized information and digital communications. Smart Grid encompasses all aspects of the electricity system from Asset Security, Real time outage management, workforce mobility, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Station Monitoring and so on. Smart Grid is the driving force that will foster major transformation that will have a significant impact on planning, supply, design, workforce, maintenance, operations and electricity users.
This session will address key areas of considerations of a Smart Grid Infrastructure: What is Smart Grid? What are the challenges in designing the Smart Grid? How to efficiently implement and manage a Smart Grid infrastructure?
Arthur Locke, Regional Vice President, North America Utilities, Alcatel-Lucent Presentation
Michael Little, Regional Sales Manager, GE Digital Energy-Communications Presentation
Gil Bar-Noy, Vice President of Business Development, Alvarion LTD Presentation
2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
Wireless Technology Enabler for Utility Applications - Case Study
WiFi is often seen as a wireless communication system less reliable and less secure. On the other hand, this technology provides some benefits; think about roaming: bidirectional cellular phone (cellular/WiFi), EV-DO modems including WiFi access point, saving cabling inside substations, generating stations and temporarily site offices. This presentation summarizes the different drivers for this technology inside Hydro-Quebec, the list of real needs and other business opportunities, and the chosen method to select the equipment.
Yvan D'auteuil, Telecom Architect, Hydro Quebec Presentation
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Networking Break
3:15 – 5:00 p.m.
Challenges of Smart Grid Networks
Smart Grid is the core foundation of an infrastructure that will support utilities current needs and enable future applications while ensuring the reliability, security and sustainability of the power grid. Smart Grid infrastructure encompasses many challenges in a variety of areas including the requirements for open standards, enhancement of workforce knowledge, fostering the synergy between multi-disciplinary teamwork, developing equipment that are robust and reliable and mostly designing a sustainable architecture model that will be cost effective, support clean energy and enhance security. While the challenges are enormous, Smart Grid offers many opportunities for both the utilities and their suppliers. This session will address the challenges of Smart Grid Networks.
Eduardo Bresani, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Toronto Hydro Presentation
James Trueman, Technical Sales Consultant, Vecima Networks Presentation
Kevin Suitor, Vice President-Corporate Marketing, Redline Communications Presentation
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
UTC Canada Board of Directors Meeting & Dinner (PRIVATE MEETING)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Registration
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Opening Remarks & Welcome Address
Please join us as we kick off the 2009 Canadian Utility Telecom Conference and welcome you to Halifax!
Murray Matiowsky, Chairman UTC Canada - Manager- Communications, Manitoba Hydro
Rob Bennett, President & CEO, Novia Scotia Power Presentation
William Moroney, President & CEO, Utilities Telecom Council Presentation
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Address
Utilities today are facing a storm of issues driving fundamental changes in the way they operate, interact with their customers, and plan for the future. What will the utility of the future look like, how will it operate, and how will utilities evolve to their desired future state? The transformation to the Smart Grid is a key element of this evolution and will enable utilities to address many of the issues they are facing, including the transition to renewable energy, addressing growth in energy consumption and peak demand, providing customers with more information and control, and providing quality and reliable electric service. This keynote session will look at these compelling industry issues, as well as exploring how an intelligent network will enable the Smart Grid and provide an evolutionary path to the utility of the future.
Helle Kristoffersen, Senior Vice President, Vertical Market Solutions, Alcatel-Lucent Presentation
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Technology Leadership Forum
This session is aimed to provide Technology and Business Leaders within the Utility with insight and vision of the next generation utility networks. This session will discuss best practices in addressing Smart Grid Infrastructure, Cyber-Security, Broadband Communications infrastructure, Network Management and beyond. This session will address the technology strategy that will foster successful business operations.
Kamal Ballout, Assistant Vice-President, Solutions and Technical Sales, Vertical Markets, Alcatel-Lucent Presentation
Victor Tavares, Juniper Networks Canada Presentation
Paul Burnett, Motorola Canada Presentation
12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Landscape of Mobile Radio Technologies – Advantages and Disadvantages
This session will provide a high level comparison of various "open standard" technologies e.g. TETRA, P25, MPT and DMR and will highlight their advantages and disadvantages. This session will also cover the business aspects of radio mobile technologies along with key considerations in identifying users' needs and implementation cost. In addition, this session will address TETRA design objectives with a brief overview of features, product compliance, worldwide markets, users and the future.
William P. Fredrickson, Global Utility Sector, Tait Radio Communications. Presentation
Roger Dowling, Director & Board Member TETRA Association Director - Market Development Sepura PLC Presentation
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Mobile Radio Technology – Utility Perspectives -Case Studies
Mobile radio technology has paved the way for utility advancement in telecommunications as a business solution, strategic planning and reduction in operational expenditures. This session focuses on how Toronto Hydro and BC Hydro have embraced mobile radio technology to increase productivity, improve safety and reduce carbon footprint. Hear how these two utilities have leveraged the different technologies to help their organizations succeed.
Sam Zurzolo, Manager – Product Strategy & Execution, Toronto Hydro Presentation
Jose Manuel Martin, Executive Vice President & COO, PowerTrunk Inc. Presentation
Sol Lancashire, Telecom Architect, BC Hydro Presentation
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Networking Reception - Exhibit Hall
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Registration
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
UTC Canada Membership Meeting
*This meeting is open to members of UTC Canada as well as those wishing to join UTC Canada.
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
10:30 – 12:00 a.m.
Regulatory Update
UTC Canada advocates on a multitude of diverse and widespread legal and regulatory issues on behalf of our members. This legal and regulatory update is devoted to conveying the latest results of UTC Canada efforts as well as areas we are watching for future action. Speakers also will discuss future issues UTC Canada may want to address and take suggestions from members.
Stephen Acker, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Barristers & Solicitors Presentation
Michael Christensen, Manager, Fixed Wireless Communications, Industry Canada Presentation
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
NERC Standards Compliance & Enforcement Process– Manitoba Hydro Case Study
NERC has over 100 standards of which Manitoba Hydro has identified 91 applicable standards that it must comply with to meet industry security and reliability objectives for the North American electricity supply grid. Michelle will provide an overview of how Manitoba Hydro has addressed these NERC standards including the methodologies used to monitor and enforce compliance requirements and readily respond to NERC's audit requirements.
Michelle Rheault, P.Eng., Reliability Compliance and Performance Engineer, Manitoba Hydro Presentation
2:30 – 2:45
Networking Break
2:45-3:45 p.m.
Tutorial – Introduction to MPLS - Next Generation Backbone for Utility Applications
This session introduces Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) as a key technology for delivery of IP services. It highlights the key benefits and applications, answers basic technical questions on functionality, and communicates the depth and breadth of MPLS solutions. The session provides an overview of MPLS applications such as virtual private networks (VPNs), traffic engineering, quality of service (QoS), operations administration and maintenance (OAM) and security aspects of each solution.
Dave Jirku, Consulting Systems Engineer, Cisco Systems Canada Presentation
3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Utility Guide to MPLS Implementation Part I
Today's electric utilities are migrating to new IP based multiservice applications and transport for SCADA, voice, video, and tradition business data. At the same time, the control and monitoring system networks that operate these infrastructures are among the most vulnerable targets for hackers, extortionists and disgruntled or ineffective employees. The session highlights how organizations progressively rely on off-the-shelf operating systems and internet working technologies including MPLS and VPLS networking. The presenter also examines cybersecurity architecture related best practices and issues pertaining to latency, availability and compliance in addition to planning mitigation of new threats including worms, viruses and application-level attacks.
Victor Tavares, Sr. Systems Engineering Manager-Canada, Juniper Networks Presentation
Utility Guide to MPLS Implementation Part II
Learn how and when to begin network transformation with IP/MPLS. The onset of increasing Ethernet transport demands on your TDM network requires action. This action will shape the future of your network as new user requirements are addressed and quality of service levels maintained. The session will touch on how utilities are trying to balance between the need for convergence and complicated compliance mandates and the approaches used by different utilities across North America.
Kamal Ballout, Assistant Vice-President, Solutions and Technical Sales, Vertical Markets, Alcatel-Lucent Presentation
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Networking Reception
Thursday, September 17, 2009
7:45 – 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
7:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration
8:30 – 8:35 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Murray Matiowsky, Manager-Communications, Manitoba Hydro
8:35 – 9:35 a.m.
Control Systems Management - Challenges and Opportunities
From isolated networks accessible only by a manned truck roll to completely managed networks that allow remote control from your cell phone – how do you get the right information to the right person at the right time without compromising your network? This session will touch on all the major issues involved, including: centralized vs. distributed monitoring, alarms, as well as control issues.
Gary Johnson, Vice President Business Development, Bayly Coastom Presentation
9:35 – 10:35 a.m.
MPLS Utility Case Study - AltaLink's MPLS Project – A Review of Progress To-Date
As IP networking becomes more prevalent in the utility environment, utility networks need to adapt to accommodate new services. As a result, AltaLink has initiated a project to upgrade its current ATM telecom/network technology and replace it with MPLS. This session will review the planning and initial engineering involved with deploying MPLS technology in the utility environment and discuss successes and failures encountered along the way and the corporate and organizational changes needed as they move to a more service-based organization.
Richard Hird, Manager, Protection Control & Communications , AltaLink Presentation
10:35 – 10:45 a.m.
Networking Break
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
MPLS Utility Case Study - Hydro Quebec's MPLS Project - Migration Toward a Truly Converge MPLS Network
This presentation will introduce Hydro-Quebec's existing IP network and its limitation in terms of services and shared resources. Hydro-Quebec operates multiple separate IP networks to satisfy the needs of its internal groups. Deploying new networks to answer new and increasing demands becomes a big challenge in terms of maintenance, scalability and service offering. Hydro-Quebec has decided to implement a new technology that enforces the enterprise's security policies and advocates resource sharing for both its core business and administrative applications. MPLS is the technology that has been selected.
Kamal Medjdoub, Telecom Architect, Hydro Quebec Presentation
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wrap-Up - Closing
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
User Group Meeting - Meeting the Smart Grid Challenge
In today's business, economic, regulatory, and political environment, utilities face numerous challenges. Utilities are facing regulatory, political, and public pressure to reduce carbon emissions, deploy Smart Meters, increase energy efficiency, meet NERC CIP and other regulatory requirements, improve grid reliability, migrate to SmartGrid applications, improve physical and cyber security, and meet a growing and increasingly variable demand for electricity. Alcatel-Lucent, an experienced and trusted intelligent network partner in the energy and utility market, will host a Post-UTC Canada seminar to review strategies and solutions to address the challenge of Smart Grid as well as reviewing the many benefits of an IP / MPLS network. The seminar will include presentations from utility experts from a number of technology partners with proven Smart Grid solutions available in the Canadian market. Specific strategies and solutions for meeting NERC CIP requirements, deploying a network to support Smart Meters, improving physical and cyber security, supporting a mobile workforce, and implementing SmartGrid applications will be covered. Examples and case studies of deployed solutions will be shared to demonstrate the effectiveness of these proven solutions.
Presentation and discussion will be facilitated by Alcatel-Lucent.
12:00 – 3:30 p.m.
User Group Meeting - Substation Automation, The Nuts & Bolts – How to Migrate from Here to the Future
You’ve heard about the possibilities of Smart Grid and many opportunities associated with it. This luncheon session will provide the pieces to put it all together, seamlessly integrating legacy technologies with IP and provide a smooth migration path into next generation networks. Topics covered will include:
- Networking options for integrating serial devices and serial over Ethernet communications
- Building a redundant, scalable, and secure network architecture for substation and Smart Grid communications
- Incorporating AMI Metering into your network infrastructure
- Providing a secure integrated framework for your communications, both physical and cyber aspects
- Overall network management & Security options – security does not have to be counterproductive (includes NERC/CIP discussion)
Lunch will be provided. Presentation and discussion will be facilitated by
- Jeff Beauchaine - GarrettCom Regional Manager, Eastern Canada
- Renee Schaefer, GarrettCom Area Manager
