UPDATE: Duke Partners With Cisco To Modernize Electric Grid
2009年6月10日 - 3:15AM
Dow Jones News
Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) said Tuesday the utility company is
partnering with Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO) to fast-track Duke's
plans to transform its electric system into a digital "smart
grid."
Duke plans to invest $1 billion in grid upgrades in its Indiana
and Ohio service territory over the next few years, company
spokesman Dave Scanzoni said. The company also has preliminary
plans to modernize the electric system in North Carolina, South
Carolina and Kentucky.
Smart grids use digital technology that allows utilities to
monitor the electric system more closely, improving system
reliability. Such technology also allows customers to monitor their
electricity use and make adjustments.
Cisco, the leading maker of computer networking equipment, will
provide a communications system that can be easily upgraded as
technology improves. Duke and Cisco will jointly evaluate and test
communications hardware and software on Duke's electric grid.
Cisco will also work with Duke to develop and install devices
for home energy management and test durable, weather-proof
communications equipment for Duke's electric substations.
Duke's partnership with Cisco comes as several utilities are
pursuing smart-grid technology in an effort to increase energy
efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy (XEL) has a longstanding partnership
with International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) for smart grid
development, and Michigan utility Consumers Energy, a subsidiary of
CMS Energy Corp. (CMS), is working with IBM to test digital
electric meters.
Duke, based in Charlotte, N.C., will launch a five-year
deployment of smart grid technology in Ohio later this year and is
seeking approval from Indiana regulators to launch a similar
program in that state.
Duke shares recently rose 12 cents to $14.21.
-By Christine Buurma, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-2061;
christine.buurma@dowjones.com