22 October 2009
GE Brings Together Ecosystem of Companies to Deliver a Smart Grid Solution for Today and Tomorrow
ATLANTA--Thursday, October 22, 2009-- GE Energy Services announced today th at SP AusNet, one of Australia’s largest utilities, will be the first in the world to implement GE’s WiMAX fourth-generation (4G) smart grid solution. Working with other top-tier technology and telecommunications companies, GE is introducing a game-changing smart grid solution to deliver revolutionary security and reliability benefits to nearly 700,000 Australian households, while helping SP AusNet prepare for the future of smart grid innovation —from plug-in cars to solar on rooftops.
“SP AusNet is installing a highly capable smart grid communications system,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president of GE Energy
Services’ transmission and distribution business. “This smart grid solution will help the utility enjoy the immediate benefits of smart metering, while providing them with a powerful platform to readily adopt additional smart grid technologies to further improve energy efficiencies, improve reliability, empower consumers with information and integrate cleaner energy sources.”
Because the solution is based on open standards, GE was able to work with a consortium of leading, open standards-based technology companies to deliver this holistic solution to SP AusNet. GE is providing the meter communications technology across the entire netwo rk, while supplying half of the project’s smart meters. GridNet supplied the PolicyNet network management system software suite to manage the meters, controllers, switches and other devices throughout SP AusNet’s smart grid network. Motorola is providing the communications infrastructure.
The Victoria state government has mandated its entire service area be upgraded to smart meters by 2013. In addition to meters, future functionality is an important benefit for Australian utilities. Australia’s Department of the Environment, Water,
Heritage and the Arts expects the country to have 10 million households in 2020, resulting in a 56% increase in energy demand. At the same time, the Australia government aims to reduce carbon emissions by 10% and increase renewable generation to 20% by 2020. The GE smart grid infrastructure being installed today will help meet those goals while improving reliability in the face of increasing demand.
GE’s WiMAX smart grid solution will give SP AusNet the option to provide variable pricing throughout the day—enabling consumers to manage their energy usage and save money by moving energy-intensive activities to lower-cost, off-peak periods. With the right rate structure, SP AusNet could spread demand more evenly throughout the day and offset the need for new power generation.
This solution also will enable utilities to monitor the health and status of smart grid devices in real-time, helping ensure consistent reliability for customers. As one of the industry’s most secure, standards-based, scalable 4G technologies for smart grid, the GE solution will lay the foundation for a host of advanced smart grid applications
—from plug-in vehicles, to advanced grid control, to alternative energy sources, such as solar on rooftops.
In addition to offering advanced protection and tampering prevention, the technology also will exceed industry standards to deliver “government-grade” security benefits, based upon requirements and standards set forth by the U.S. Department of
Defense, to help maintain the effectiveness of computer security and computer system controls.
“The smart grid requires secure, proven, scalable, open standards-based solutions,” said Ray Bell, CEO and founder of
GridNet. “We are delighted to collaborate with our smart grid ecosystem partners to bring this industry-leading, open market, smart grid solution to utility customers, worldwide. SP AusNet’s decision to standardize on this infrastructure is powerful validation of its capabilities.”
"Smart grid applications are a great example of the power and flexibility of WiMAX technology," said Bruce Brda, senior vice president and general manager of wireless networks for Motorola's Home & Networks Mobility business. "By teaming with
SP AusNet, GE and GridNet, Motorola's WiMAX solution provides an innovative way for SP AusNet to implement an advanced metering infrastructure."
Smart meter installation begins over the coming months and runs through 2013.

Through industry collaborations, GE will deliver one of the broadest portfolio offerings in the industry to modernize the electrical systems from the power plant to the consumer. From smarter appliances and technologies for plug-in hybrid vehicles, to providing renewable technologies and smart meters, GE’s innovation and leadership is delivering integrated, large-scale smart grid deployments, leveraging technology synergies and delivering results. www.itsyoursmartgrid.com
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About GE Energy
GE Energy ( www.ge.com/energy ) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2008 revenue of $29.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE’s corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.
About GE
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com
. GE is Imagination at Work.
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