Press
Virginia Commonwealth University, Dominion to Partner on Micro-grid Project for VCU School of Engineering
Mar 29, 2012
RICHMOND, Va., March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Virginia Commonwealth University and Dominion, one of the nation’s leading energy providers, will partner to use the VCU School of Engineering’s West Hall as a five-year test site for efficient energy technologies and research as a micro-grid project.
VCU and Dominion signed an agreement that calls for the use of Dominion experts, VCU engineering faculty and Facilities Management personnel and third-party products and services to gather and share power-consumption data. The project will make continuous, real-time energy adjustments to the building, lights and equipment to save energy and lower costs. It is expected to reduce energy costs by $20,000, or 4 percent, annually.
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said, “Leading the way in addressing sustainability challenges is one of the core themes of our Quest for Distinction strategic plan. Working with Dominion on this project is a wonderful opportunity for VCU to provide a powerful example of environmental responsibility while delivering valuable data for the development of more efficient energy technologies.”
Paul Koonce, chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power, said, “This project with VCU Engineering will open doors for the establishment of energy-saving micro-grids in many other locations such as universities, military bases and industries. Using the latest technology to collect data on electricity use at the outlet will help us fine-tune the delivery of electricity to where it is needed when it is needed, reducing waste, saving energy and saving money for the customer.”
VCU and Dominion, through its Alternative Energy Solutions group, will split the $500,000 cost of the project, which includes the installation of hardware, control systems and solar panels to enable both parties to gather voltage data and analyze energy volume, timing, noise and cleanliness, as well as establish energy usage trends and equipment performance.
VCU’s Facilities Management staff will install 230 portable voltage monitors from Dominion’s technology partners to manage electrical usage and reduce peak power consumption. EDGE(SM) technology, a product developed by Dominion, will be installed to capture energy and demand savings while the other technologies will predict power consumption and power reduction potential, send notifications prior to peak events and control and verify power reduction.
“We’re excited to create a working model that can be used by students and researchers to investigate and create innovative methods for maximizing energy conservation and cost savings,” said Ed Bennett, executive director of Physical Plant and deputy for Facilities Management at VCU. “We foresee this as an extension of our efforts to predict and save future maintenance costs based on equipment energy analysis.”
Dominion’s technology partners include Greenlet Technologies of Israel (www.greenlet.net) and Power Tagging Technologies of Boulder, Col., (www.powertagging.com). Greenlet’s pluggable outlets, which can be installed by consumers, automatically communicate with a utility’s central management system to help utilities control power consumption of individual pieces of equipment. Power Tagging’s Grid Location Aware™ technology is a grid resident solution for granular command and control of electrical distribution.
About VCU and the VCU Medical Center: Virginia Commonwealth University is a major, urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research. Located on two downtown campuses in Richmond, VCU enrolls more than 31,000 students in 211 certificate and degree programs in the arts, sciences and humanities. Sixty-nine of the programs are unique in Virginia, many of them crossing the disciplines of VCU’s 13 schools and one college. MCV Hospitals and the health sciences schools of Virginia Commonwealth University compose the VCU Medical Center, one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers. For more, see www.vcu.edu.
About VCU Engineering: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering, located in Richmond, Virginia, opened in 1996 and houses three state-of-the-art engineering facilities, the School offers more than 300,000 square feet of the highest quality classrooms and laboratory space. Driven to be the national model for innovation in engineering and research, the School offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees in mechanical, nuclear, biomedical, electrical, computer and chemical and life science engineering, and computer science. Interdisciplinary research opportunities are offered through the Center for Nanomaterials and Characterization, the Institute for Engineering and Medicine, the C. Kenneth and Dianne Harris Wright Virginia Microelectronics Center, and the da Vinci Center for Innovation. For more, see www.egr.vcu.edu
About Dominion: Dominion (NYSE: D) is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 28,200 megawatts of generation, 11,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,300 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates the nation’s largest natural gas storage system with 947 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company’s website at www.dom.com
SOURCE Dominion
For further information: Joan Izzo, Director, Communications and Marketing, VCU School of Engineering, +1-804-827-3984, jlizzo@vcu.edu, www.news.vcu.edu; or Jim Norvelle, Director-Media Relations / Generation, Dominion, +1-804-771-6115, jim.norvelle@dom.com
AUSTIN, Texas, March 15, 2012 – AUSTIN, Texas, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Today, the Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI) announces 25 semifinalists for the third annual Utility Technology Challenge.
These 25 are recognized for exceptional promise in the areas of: pollution monitoring and reduction, HVAC, transportation, distributed generation, building and energy efficiency, energy storage, natural gas, smart grid, and transmission and distribution.
| 3H Company |
PaceControls |
| 7AC Technologies |
Power Tagging |
| APRS |
Primus Power |
| DERP Technologies |
PureSense Environmental |
| Digital Lumens |
Pythagoras Solar |
| Dynamo Micropower |
Retroficiency |
| EnerVault |
Simple Energy |
| Enlighted |
SolaBlock |
| FirstFuel Software |
SustainX |
| Ideal Power Converters |
Varentec |
| Luon Energy |
WegoWise |
| MicroPlanet |
Xergy |
| Nextek Power Systems |
|
CTSI partnered, this year, with TechConnect, Fraunhofer TechBridge, Department of Energy, and Kauffman Foundation to award three organizations with $100,000 in pilot-demonstration funds for the testing of their solutions. Additionally, three companies will win ‘Top Solution’ recognition awards. From the 25 semifinalists, 15 will move on as finalists to present in Santa Clara, California this June at the Clean Technology Conference.
Deming Center For Entrepreneurship Names Power Tagging Executive To Advisory Board
The CU-Boulder Deming Center for Entrepreneurship has appointed accomplished business leader Steven Berens to its board of advisors.
Boulder, CO – November 1, 2011 – Power Tagging’s Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder has been named to the CU Deming Center Advisory board. The advisory board selects entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and service providers that are active in startup and fast-growth companies or entrepreneurship organizations. The board serves as a communication forum between the entrepreneurial business community, the Leeds School of Business and the College of Engineering and Applied Science. The board’s objective is to generate ideas for growth and direction for the Deming Center. It also provides expertise in entrepreneurship, venture capital financing, business operations and entrepreneurship research; and provides a source of professional contacts and job opportunities for entrepreneurship students.
“We are pleased to add prominent business leaders from the community to our Board of Advisors. Mr. Berens demonstrated success in multiple startups and corporate endeavors making him an excellent addition to our advisory board” said Paul Jerde, executive director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship. “The success of companies like Power Tagging provide a symbiotic benefit to the Deming Center and the business community.”
“It is an honor to be named alongside such an esteemed group of business leaders,” commented Steven Berens, chief marketing officer, of Power Tagging. “The Deming Center has long been recognized as a leader in the entrepreneurial community and is a shining example of how industry and universities can collaborate.”
Mr. Berens’ involvement with the Deming Center includes serving as a founding corporate partner of the CU Cleantech Foundation. CU Cleantech is dedicated to building upon the University’s leadership in cleantech and renewable energy research and commercialization capabilities. The organization was founded in 2011 with the purpose of positioning the University as the main regional hub of innovation and commercialization within the rapidly expanding cleantech ecosystem. The collaborative initiative fosters entrepreneurship, industry involvement and student opportunities. CU Cleantech continues to add new members as the Colorado community of industry joins together to demonstrate leadership and foster cleantech growth.
About the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship in the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder
The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at the Leeds School of Business advances the University of Colorado at Boulder’s nationally-known program in entrepreneurship education through collaborative initiatives with the business community and across campus. The Deming Center is at the heart of why the Leeds School is consistently ranked among the top 25 programs for entrepreneurship. Deming Center students get cutting-edge business and entrepreneurship courses; access to specialty programs in cleantech, bioscience, and natural/organic products; a rich connection of cross-campus opportunities; and engagement with the Boulder region’s network of successful, innovative entrepreneurs. http://Leeds.colorado.edu/deming
Field hearing focuses on clean energy
By Michael Davidson
BOULDER – Local business leaders and Boulder officials touted the city’s efforts to cut energy use and discussed how it could serve as a model for the nation Monday morning at a forum attended by some of Colorado’s leading politicians.
…
The federal government could help business in two ways, said John LoPorto, president and chief executive of Power Tagging Technologies Inc., a Boulder-based company. First, it can help by working to rationalize the mishmash of current regulations, created in part because each state regulates utilities differently. A strong push from Washington could help states give utilities and industries the flexibility to adopt new technologies.
“We really need federal guidance. We need federal advocacy,” LoPorto said.
A second benefit would be a program providing loan guarantees that will help get promising projects started, he said.
» Read Full Article
Power Tagging Wins APEX Top Technology Product of the Year Award
Momentum continues as Power Tagging receives acclaim for unique, innovative and cost effective solutions
Denver, CO — July 14, 2011 — The Colorado Technology Association has announced Power Tagging as the “Technology Product of the Year” award winner from over 100 applicants. The prestigious award recognizes technically innovative solutions that solve real world problems in a manner that provides benefits to its customers. Power Tagging, a leading provider of solutions that enable Utilities to deliver energy efficiencies through intelligent grid management, has now garnered its second major award in the past 30 days. The Colorado Technology Association announced Power Tagging as the winner this week at its annual APEX award ceremony at the University of Denver.
“Power Tagging is taking a leading edge approach to managing the smart grid. They have been dedicated to improving the overall efficiency between energy providers and their end users,” explained Su Hawk, President of the Colorado Technology Association. “They believe the Smart Grid can be achieved by delivering a strong rate of return for Utilities, energy savings for consumers, and flexibility for the future. Their technology is amazing and truly deserving of this Award,” she continued.
Power Tagging’s unique Grid Location Awareness™ technology enables multiple Smart Grid applications that maximize electric Utilities’ ability to manage their distribution grid. Recent on-grid demonstration projects continue Power Tagging’s momentum as the future of Smart Grid communication. The technology provides a schematic, real-time view of the distribution grid. Power Tagging’s foundational offerings enable Utilities to maximize energy efficiency while not changing the behavior of electricity consumers.
“It is exciting to be recognized by our peer community,” said Steven Berens, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, Power Tagging. “The competition this year was extraordinary. The Colorado Technology Association’s validation of our unique and innovative solution is inspirational to our entire team.”
» More Power Tagging Awards
About the Colorado Technology Association:
The Colorado Technology Association is the technology industry leader in uniting and growing Colorado’s information technology industry by providing advocacy, education, business connections, and information, while supporting economic development, unification of technology stakeholders, and larger recognition of the industry and the people involved to develop and promote Colorado’s technology industry. Since 1994, the Association has been involved in legislative issues and public policy to represent the information technology industry in Colorado, and has provided a number of annual programs, events and connections to support business success. For more information on the Colorado Technology Association please call (303) 592-4070 or visit www.coloradotechnology.org
APEX “Technology Product of the Year” - This award is presented to the company whose technology-based product consistently delivers value. The product must demonstrate a high level of technical innovation and a sustained ability to survive in the marketplace. The winning product of the year will give its customers an exceptional return on investment, cost savings, or migration path for future enhancements.
About Power Tagging
Power Tagging is the leader in next generation intelligent grid solutions for the 21st century. Power Tagging’s solutions enable energy efficiency for Utilities that provide tangible and cost effect saving for Utilities and the customers they serve. Power Tagging’s rapidly growing team is focused on delivering excellent solutions that fundamentally transform what is expected from the power grid. Power Tagging leverages its patent-pending technology that digitally injects “tags” into the flow of electric power to drive solutions in grid mapping, fault resolution, electric vehicle integration, demand side management and grid cyber security. By working with Utilities, the stewards of the power grid, Power Tagging solutions are ready for immediate adoption and maximum impact.
Power Tagging Announced as Winner of CTSI’s Best Utility Technology Challenge
By Calvin Azuri
Power Tagging, a provider of Smart Grid Communication technologies, has won the Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries (CTSI) Organization’s Utility Technology Challenge, which was held at the Technology conference this week in Boston. Power Tagging beat competition from more than 100 companies to win recognition for its ‘Top Utility Solution.’
The Utility Technology Challenge recognizes the industry’s top technology solutions. The mission of the challenge is to bring forward technological solutions which can be utilized by different utility agencies. It also paves the way for introduction of newer projects that encourage implementation of clean technologies and provide cost-effective adoption.
» See Full Article
Power Tagging’s Smart Grid Solution Wins the CTSI Award for its foundational Technology that Enables High Value Applications for Utilities and Their Customers
Boulder, CO and Boston, MA — June 16, 2011 — Power Tagging, a leading provider of Smart Grid Communication technologies, has been named winner of the Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries (CTSI) Organization’s Utility Technology Challenge. The mission of the Utility Technology Challenge is to identify and showcase the top technology solutions that can be adopted by utilities and municipalities – leading to more testing and pilot projects and faster adoption of clean technologies.
“The competition for the Best Utility Technology was extraordinary,” said CTSI CEO Patricia Glaza. “Power Tagging demonstrated a game-changing Smart Grid communication technology, and we are excited to recognize their unique achievements.”
At the Clean Technology conference this week in Boston, MA, CTSI identified and showcased the top technology solutions that can be adopted by utilities, leading to more testing and pilot projects of cost-effective, clean technologies. The review committee selected Power Tagging from more than 100 companies for distinction as the ‘Top Utility Solution’.
“It is exciting that we have been selected by such a prestigious panel of judges who are experts in the utility industry,” explained Power Tagging’s President and CEO John LoPorto. “This recognition of our technology further validates our strong belief that the smart grid can deliver real benefits to our utility customers, and in turn their customers, and drive a new level of clean technology for the future.”
Power Tagging’s on-grid projects continue to demonstrate to Utilities the value of its Grid Location Awareness™ technology and a new level of granular data for granular control. Power Tagging is leveraging its CTSI award to expand its deployment base and drive smart grid adoption to rapidly support high value applications like energy efficiency, peak reduction, electric vehicle charging and cyber security.
About CTSI
The Clean Technology & Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI), a 501c6 non-profit industry association, represents the organizations developing, commercializing, and implementing energy, water, and environmental technologies. Clean technologies offer much needed solutions to growing resource security and sustainability concerns and are critical to maintaining economic competitiveness. CTSI brings together global leaders for advocacy, community development, networking, and information sharing to help bring these needed technologies to market more rapidly. Visit http://www.ct-si.org for more information.
Power Tagging Goes Digital to Enable Smart Grid 3.0
Providing a real-time schematic map of the electrical grid
Colorado Springs, Colorado – Power Tagging is a smart grid communications startup out of Boulder, Colorado that uniquely tags energy streams to track power flow. I spoke with Steven Berens, the Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, at the Global New Energy Summit on Tuesday.
Berens sees his firm as helping the smart grid enter the next stage of its growth — Smart Grid 3.0.
- Smart Grid 1.0 saw the start of bidirectional communications with an IT-leveraged technology. It was location-agnostic, used batch/bulk data, and had limited applications.
- Smart Grid 2.0 saw a measure of grid intelligence with grid-specific communications. It’s location-aware, works in real time and supports multiple applications.
- Smart Grid 3.0 will be grid-aware and provide grid command and control. It will be location-specific, work in real time, and support an application ecosystem.
» Read Full Article
By Jeff St. John
A lot of people talk about moving from the world of old school power grid automation technology — the siloed and batch-processed utility grid systems — to a grid that works like the Internet, uses applications overlaying the network, and runs in real time (call it Smart Grid 2.0). But next up could be the era of “Smart Grid 3.0,” which could user in a whole new level of interactivity and interoperability.
At least, that’s the idea behind a white paper released this week by startup Power Tagging, one of the 10 Big Ideas companies at our Green:Net conference, which kicks off this week on April 21 (the day before Earth Day). In simple terms, if Smart Grid 2.0 is bringing utility grid communications to Internet standards, 3.0 is stepping it up to include mobile devices, location-based services, and critically, an ecosystem of applications that can run across multiple utility networks
» Read Full Article
GigaOM recognizes Power Tagging for its Smart Grid that Analyses the Rapidly Approaching Revolution of the Distribution Grid.
Boulder, CO—April 19, 2011— Power Tagging, a leading provider of next generation smart grid communications technologies, continues to be recognized for its Smart Grid 3.0 Vision focused on updating the distribution grid into a smart, reliable, and cost-effective system. The company has received awards and recognition from leading industry news sources and associations in the last 30 days including GigaOM’s “Big Idea” and CTSI’s “Best Utility Technology.” Today Power Tagging released its Smart Grid 3.0 Vision in a white paper that can be downloaded from its website.
After receiving the prestigious GigaOM Big Idea recognition award, Power Tagging was selected to present its Smart Grid 3.0 Vision at the annual Green:Net Conference. “The Smart Grid is a big challenge for Utilities,” explains GigaOM’s Earth2Tech Editor Katie Fehrenbacher. “Big challenges need big ideas and we are pleased to see companies like Power Tagging apply a visionary blueprint that is grounded in a simple premise.”
Smart Grid 3.0 focuses on making energy smarter as it travels throughout the distribution grid. “Utilities are seeking smart grid solutions that provide quantifiable returns to consumers,” explained Power Tagging’s Chief Marketing Officer Steven Berens. “The next decade requires that the delivery of energy address multiple applications that can provide the foundation for a truly smart grid.”
The Smart Grid 3.0 paper is free to the public and can be downloaded at www.powertagging.com/smart-grid-3.
Companies to Present in Boston at TechConnect World June 14-16
AUSTIN, Texas, April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI) and its committee of utility and system integrator technologists from Lockheed Martin, Austin Energy, National Grid, Northeast Utilities and the City of Anaheim would like to recognize the 2011 Top 15 Utility Solutions.
Over 100 companies spanning the clean energy spectrum applied into the annual Utility Technology Challenge competition designed to match promising new technologies with testing, demonstration, and early adoption partners. The following 15 emerged as the organizations with the strongest business plans and most compelling solutions to the real-world customers evaluating them:
7 AC Technologies, Massachusetts
EcoFactor, California
Electric Pipeline Corporation, New York
Energy Compression, Inc., Massachusetts
EnerVault, California
Ideal Power Converters, Texas
Innosepra, LLC, New Jersey
Minesto, Sweden
NovaThermal Energy, Pennsylvania
Plasma Gasification Corp., Texas
Power Tagging, Colorado
Tropos Networks, California
V&R Energy Systems Research, Inc., California
XTreme Power, Texas
“Northeast Utilities focuses on advancing a growing portfolio of energy solutions to address New England’s long-term energy and environmental goals. I believe we have selected promising technologies that could help us strengthen that portfolio. I look forward to the opportunity of working with them in the Utility Technology Challenge,” said Camilo Serna, Northeast Utilities director of strategic planning and energy productivity.
These semifinalists will attend TechConnect World in Boston on June 14 and present their technologies in a quick pitch session to the evaluation committee, investors, corporate partners, and utilities. A panel of judges will award the top three companies with interviews in their companies and potential testing and demonstration opportunities.
“Our goal at EcoFactor is to help utilities provide their customers with a money-saving residential energy management service that does not require a sacrifice in comfort or change in behavior,” said Scott Hublou, co-founder of EcoFactor and SVP of products. “It is an honor to be chosen as a Top 15 Utility Solution by a committee of leaders in the energy industry, as it further validates our approach and ability to propel consumer adoption of energy efficiency in the residential sector.”
To learn more about the Challenge, visit http://ct-si.org/services/cleanTest/challenge.html. To register for TechConnect World and attend the event, visit http://www.techconnectworld.com/Cleantech2011/.
Emma Ritch | March 16, 2011
At the Cleantech Forum this week, startups seeking funding did their best song and dance. Here are some highlights.
Power Tagging: Who Needs Cellular?
Power Tagging has developed hardware and software to track the flow of energy on the grid—a solution that could be deployed to utilities without the need for additional cellular, fiberoptic, wireless or radio frequency communications technology.
CEO John LoPorto says this gives the Colorado-based company a significant cost and reliability advantage when compares to traditional smart grid plays. The technology can be used for demand reduction, grid mapping, grid security, outage notification, distributed automation, and voltage regulation.
» See Full Article
By Katie Fehrenbacher | Mar. 16, 2011
Can the power grid get smarter without using additional communication networks, like cellular or radio frequency? As it turns out, yes, according to a startup called Power Tagging, which makes hardware, and software to help utilities monitor and keep tabs on the grid via the power line itself. At the Cleantech Forum in San Francisco on Tuesday, Power Tagging CEO John LoPorto gave a presentation on the company’s technology and said Power Tagging is looking to raise a $25 million Series B round to lower the cost of the system and find more utility customers.
» Read Full Article
March 15, 2011 | By Beth Potter
…Among other things, the technology can pinpoint peak periods when energy is more expensive and help customers and companies regulate voltage to help them save money.
Power Tagging currently has 25 people, but plans to start hiring more in the next few months with a goal to approximately double in the next 12 months, said Steve Berens, chief marketing officer.
“We have been maintaining a slow-growth mode. As we have gotten more market traction … our next round of funding is expected to come in the next few months. That will help push it forward and create a new round of hiring,” Berens said.
» Read Full Article
Power Tagging Selected by NSF Amongst Hundreds for Commercialization Phase Funding
Boulder, CO, and Washington D.C.—March 15, 2011—Power Tagging, a leading provider of next generation smart grid communication technologies, today announced that the company has been awarded an additional grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Power Tagging’s first NSF award came in the fourth quarter of 2009. The additional NSF award follows a year of rapid growth that includes multiple successful grid deployments and lead investments from top utility Dominion Power and a Strategic Partnership with Lockheed Martin.
“We are excited by Power Tagging’s ability to turn its leading-edge technology into a market ready offering,” said Matt Futch, Utilities Program Manager, Colorado Governor’s Energy Office. “Power Tagging has demonstrated exemplary progress towards commercialization of a technology that enables utilities and end users to enjoy the benefits of greater grid efficiency as well as cost savings.”
The additional NSF award will assist the growth of Power Tagging’s grid components including development of its VirtuGrid™ database that provides the intelligence hub for all its deployments. The company is also expanding its development of grid intelligence devices that incorporate state of the art digital signal processing, amplification and high voltage analog circuit design.
“We are encouraged by the NSF’s continued support for our technology,” said Power Tagging’s president and CEO John LoPorto. “We are proud to fulfill on the foresight that the NSF had in Power Tagging’s unique value in the market. The NSF continues to be a leader in defining and encouraging the development of technologies that promote savings, efficiency and customer value.”
Power Tagging’s recent success is built on its focus of delivering Smart Grid solutions that deliver a strong rate of return for utilities, energy savings for consumers and flexibility for the future. Utilities interested in Power Tagging are seeking a Smart Grid without the need to capitalize a new, secondary communications network. Power Tagging technology leverages the existing infrastructure to reduce the cost of deployment. Along with affordability, Power Tagging’s Grid Location Aware™ solutions bring a host of benefits that make the electric grid inherently smart.
» The National Science Foundation
by Greg Neichin | March 2nd 2011
We are less than two weeks away from this year’s annual Cleantech Group San Francisco Forum – March 14th through 16th – so it is timely that this week’s Pitch of the Week comes from the exciting crop of companies presenting at the Forum’s Entrepreneur Showcase.
Founded in 2007, Power Tagging, of Boulder, Colorado, is rare amongst smart grid startups in that it is actually focused on the grid. If that statement seems counter-intuitive or downright confusing, consider that the vast majority of venture capital dollars flowing into companies popularly labeled “smart grid” has been directed into vendors developing energy management solutions for consumers or those specifically focused on the communication aspects of advanced metering. While these applications are undoubtedly important, they are only pieces of what would constitute a truly smarter grid. Despite this wider opportunity, few startups have dared to tread deeper into the world of touching real electrons.
»Read Full Article
CEO John LoPorto speaks to w3w3’s Larry Nelson in a one on one interview about Power Tagging, Smart Grid, and entrepreneurship.
» Listen to the interview at w3w3.com
Power Tagging Selected for Multiple Conferences that Showcase its Rapid Growth
The Prestigious Venture Capital in the Rockies (VCIR) and the Highly Selective CleanTech Forum Choose Power Tagging
BOULDER, CO, and SAN FRANCISCO, CA February 8, 2011– Power Tagging, a leading provider of next-generation Smart Grid communication technologies has been selected to present its business plan at the VCIR and the CleanTech Forum. The selection of Power Tagging follows a year of rapid growth and market traction. Power Tagging’s success is built on its focus on delivering Smart Grid solutions that deliver a strong rate of return for utilities, energy savings for consumers and flexibility for the future. Power Tagging has taken a fresh, unique approach to the smart grid as is evidenced by its support from large industry players.
By creating a platform for true grid intelligence, Power Tagging has enabled a host of applications, not technically possible, or financially feasible in the past. The company has developed a patent pending technology for tagging or fingerprinting energy on the power grid. This embedded grid intelligence provides foundational benefits for Smart Grid applications including Distribution Automation, Conservation Voltage Regulation, Demand Side Management and Fault Isolation and Resolution. In addition to a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, Power Tagging previously raised $5 million dollars in its “A” round of financing from large strategic investors.
“Power Tagging is expanding its investor base to support its rapidly growing market deployments and build out its solution partnerships and portfolio,” said John LoPorto, President and CEO. “Power Tagging is excited to bring new levels of grid intelligence to its utility customers and their consumers.”
To accelerate the migration to a Smart Grid, Power Tagging has successfully piloted its offering with four electric utilities. These utilities are seeking a Smart Grid without the need to capitalize a new, secondary communications network but rather, leverage the existing infrastructure to reduce the cost of deployment. Along with affordability, Power Tagging’s Grid Location Aware™ solutions bring a host of benefits that make the electric grid inherently smart.
“We are excited that Power Tagging Technologies will be presenting as part of our Entrepreneur Showcase. Their unique solution creatively addresses the challenges utilities face in controlling distribution resources and speaks directly to the convergence of cleantech and IT that we are seeing in the marketplace.” Sheeraz Haji, CEO of Cleantech Group.
About VCIR
Venture Capital in the Rockies (VCIR) is the region’s oldest and best-attended venture capital conference and will hold its 28th annual VCIR Winter edition in Beaver Creek, Colorado in 2011. Along with the annual VCIR Fall conference, the two VCIR conferences encompass the premier venture investing conferences in the Rocky Mountain region and are among the most respected venture conferences in the country. Creating a dynamic marketplace for ideas and investment, both editions of VCIR invite 35 to 40 companies seeking investment to present to panels of venture investors, as well as an audience of other entrepreneurs, CEOs and professionals servicing the venture community. More information can be found at www.vcirwinter.com
About Cleantech Group, LLC
The Cleantech Group, the leading global research and advisory firm focused on cleantech innovation, pioneered the clean technology category in 2002. Today, it helps its clients make critical business decisions by providing the latest market intelligence through subscription-based research, custom advisory services, and global networking events. The company’s growing international client base includes global corporations, investors, entrepreneurs, governments, and service providers. Details are available at http://www.cleantech.com.
Smart Grid Reality Check
The Promise Still Holds, Despite Early Missteps
By Ken Wilson
At the substation there is no information about what is happening other than a meter that shows the power being delivered to each feeder. At the home or business there is no information at all, unless someone physically goes and looks at the dial spin on the power meter, usually outside the building. The customer’s meter is read monthly by either a person on foot or a vehicle driving down the street with a radio receiver. And outages are only discovered when the customer calls the Utility when the lights go out.
This is a dumb grid.
What if we had two way communication between the Utility substation and the customer’s point of use? What efficiencies could we gain and what energy savings could capture. Smart Grid is the term that is being used to describe a power grid that can be intelligently controlled to provide a wide range of benefits.
Using the Grid Itself
A game changing invention from Power Tagging Technologies, in Boulder, Colorado, will likely usher in a new generation of smart grids. Power Tagging has developed a method of using the power line itself for smart grid communication and control from the customer meter clear to the substation. Efforts to put Broadband over Power Line (BPL) either failed to get signals through transformers on the grid or caused problematic radio interference. Power Tagging is able to adaptively put enough signal over the power line, at low frequencies, to do all of the smart grid applications discussed above. The first application for the Power Tagging module will most likely be Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR).
The power company is required to provide a base voltage to each customer between 114 V and 126 V. To avoid having the voltage too low at the last house on a feeder run, the utility sets the voltage a bit high. The Power Tagging modules will constantly monitor voltage and send results back to the substation, where the voltage can be lowered to meet the minimum standard, while conserving energy. Trials have shown that the Power Tagging idea works and that utilities can save about 5% of their generation by implementing CVR with the Power Tagging solution. And for an encore, Power Tagging will be able to do smart charging of EV’s, V-to-G, DSM and all the other goodies that smart grids promise.
»Read Full Article
Smart Grid Creating High-Tech Jobs in Colorado
Rep. Polis, Power Tagging Leadership discuss Smart Grid job-creation for Coloradans
October 12, 2010 — BOULDER, Colorado — Power Tagging, a leading provider of next-generation Smart Grid communication technologies, today hosted a briefing and discussion to accentuate the opportunity for Colorado job growth and business opportunities in and around the emerging Smart Grid industry.
“Jobs creation is the number-one challenge facing Coloradans today,” said Rep. Jared Polis (D-2nd District), who participated in the briefing. The Second Congressional District includes parts of Boulder, Summit, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, and Clear Creek counties. “Power Tagging’s 500% job growth during 2010 shows that jobs can be created by focusing vision, passion, and creativity to fill a market need. I commend Power Tagging for creating technologies that not only drive job-creation but also can lower the cost of electricity for all consumers.”
Around the world, utilities, equipment manufacturers, and governments are spending tens of billions of dollars on Smart Grid projects. This spending is translating directly into high-paying, high-tech jobs along Colorado’s Front Range, which some have dubbed the Smart Grid Corridor.
“Power Tagging is pleased to play an active role in bringing Smart Grid jobs to Colorado,” said Power Tagging President and CEO John LoPorto. “We have developed a revolutionary technology that places a digital fingerprint on electricity. Based on our backlog and market demand, we expect to create about 300 high-tech jobs over the next three years.”
“Our Smart Grid solutions will improve the lives of Coloradans by creating hundreds of high-tech jobs and by keeping our state at the forefront of this fast-changing industry,” LoPorto added.
Power Tagging’s high-profile partners, including Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Dominion Resources (NYSE:D), and the National Science Foundation, show that its solutions are ready today for the electric grid, LoPorto said. “Our recent agreement with Lockheed Martin, a Fortune 50 company, will enable us to collaboratively deliver our enhanced Smart Grid solutions.”
LoPorto recently participated in a successful trade delegation to Europe organized by the State Department and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. At international conferences held in Finland and Denmark, LoPorto discussed the company’s patent-pending Smart Grid technologies. “The Smart Grid solutions we are developing in Colorado are gaining world-wide attention at a rapid rate,” he said. “There is a strong need for solutions that embed intelligence into the power itself and which provide a platform for safe, secure, and private Smart Grids that deliver bottom-line results for consumers and utilities.”
The success of Power Tagging’s contribution to the recent Nordic Smart Grid delegation visits follows an invitation by Gov. Ritter for CEO John LoPorto to join the Colorado Venture Capital Investment Advisory Committee. By focusing the efforts and experience of nearly two dozen proven entrepreneurs, the VC panel seeks to attract new investment in several innovative Colorado industries, including clean energy, bioscience, aerospace and information communications technology. The panel will advise the Colorado Office of Economic Development on ways to support increased investment and job creation in these four vital Colorado industries.
» Read More Here…
Power Tagging CEO Joins Governor Ritter and State Department for Smart Grid Delegation to Nordics
LoPorto Affirms Rapid Job Growth, Global Interest in Power Tagging’s Solutions
October 7, 2010 – BOULDER, Colorado—Power Tagging, a leading provider of next-generation Smart Grid communication technologies, announced the recent conclusion of a successful delegation led by the Governor of Colorado and the U.S. Ambassador to Finland. John LoPorto, president and CEO of Power Tagging, accompanied Governor Bill Ritter and Ambassador Bruce Oreck to speak at two important events held in late September and early October, further highlighting the opportunity for solutions driving the Smart Grid economy.
“The Smart Grid solution we are developing in Colorado is gaining world-wide attention at a rapid rate,” said LoPorto. “There is a strong need for solutions that embed intelligence into the power itself and which provide a platform for safe, secure and private Smart Grids that deliver bottom-line results for consumers and utilities.”
“Growing the innovative aerospace, bioscience, renewable energy and information communication technology industries will help create jobs today and drive our economy forward,” commented Gov. Ritter. “The unique ability for Power Tagging to digitally fingerprint energy provides a complete solution that leverages Colorado’s strong technology base.”
On Oct. 4, LoPorto spoke on the topic of “Nordic & U.S. Smart Grid Policy—Opportunities and Challenges” at a Smart Grid symposium held at IBM’s headquarters in Helsinki, Finland. The U.S. State Department invited LoPorto to discuss PTT’s revolutionary, patent-pending Smart Grid technology at this prestigious international event.
Prior to the Helsinki event, LoPorto spoke on a panel titled, “Powering the Cities with Smart Energy” at the World Climate Solutions 2010 conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The success of the Smart Grid delegation visits follows an invitation by Gov. Ritter for LoPorto to join the Colorado Venture Capital Investment Advisory Committee. By focusing the efforts and experience of nearly two dozen proven entrepreneurs, the VC panel seeks to attract new investment in several innovative Colorado industries, including clean energy, bioscience, aerospace and information communications technology. The panel will advise the Colorado Office of Economic Development on ways to support increased investment and job creation in these four vital Colorado industries.
About Power Tagging
Power Tagging is the leader in next-generation Smart Grid communications for the 21st century. Power Tagging’s rapidly growing team is focused on delivering excellent solutions that fundamentally transform what is expected from the power grid. Power Tagging leverages its patent-pending technology for digitally “tagging” electric power and attached devices to drive solutions in grid mapping, fault isolation, electric vehicle integration, demand side management and grid cyber security. Supported by agreements with Dominion Resources, Lockheed Martin and the National Science Foundation, Power Tagging solutions are ready for immediate adoption and maximum impact.
Boulder Firm’s Technology Embeds in Electron Flow
By Mark Jaffe
The smart grid is all about managing power supplies through better communication, and Boulder-based Power Tagging has technology that lets the electricity do the talking.
“We embed a digital signal deep in the flow of electrons that can be read through the noise,” said John LoPorto, chief executive of privately held Power Tagging. “It lets us do all kinds of cool things.”
The technology has attracted the interest of aerospace giant Lockheed Martin Corp. and Dominion Resources Inc., a Virginia- based utility, which has invested $3 million in Power Tagging.
“We see Power Tagging as a unique real-time technology,” said Paul Wyman, manager of Lockheed’s energy-solutions business.
Power Tagging also received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
The companies are working on a pilot project in Virginia that involves Dominion’s conservation-reduction-voltage product, Lockheed’s command-control software suite and Power Tagging’s communication technology.
The aim of the program is to better manage voltage all the way to the home. With better management, Dominion estimates it can get a 4 percent energy reduction, company spokesman Jim Norvelle said.
» Full Article
Power Tagging and Lockheed Martin Enter Agreement to Cooperate on Smart Grid Offerings
Power Tagging Demonstrates Continued Momentum Strategically Aligning with a Fortune 50 Corporation
Boulder, CO—September 14, 2010— Power Tagging, a leading provider of next generation smart grid communication technologies announced the signing of a cooperative agreement with Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) to develop enhanced distribution management and smart grid command and control systems.
The cooperation agreement between Power Tagging and Lockheed Martin provides opportunities to expand the ability to deliver intelligence to the grid in a proven, cost-effective and readily deployable manner, thereby driving solutions in a variety of applications for Utility providers and their customers including real-time grid mapping, fault resolution, electric vehicle integration, and grid cyber security.
“Power Tagging’s unique communications technology strategically fits with Lockheed Martin’s SEEsuite Smart Grid Command and Control™ portfolio of applications,” said Jim Kohlhaas, vice president of Energy Initiatives for Lockheed Martin. “Our combined technologies will add significant value to our utility and Government customers providing them with significant energy savings and increased efficiency of electric distribution, operations, and delivery.”
“We are encouraged to be working with Lockheed Martin. Smart grid companies must develop reliable products with a strong ecosystem of providers,” said John LoPorto, Power Tagging’s President and CEO. “Utility providers can view the strategic agreement as a valuable relationship and vote of confidence in our joint solutions.”
Power Tagging’s expertise in green-tech, grid cyber security, energy conservation has been recognized with grant support from the National Science Foundation and partnerships with leading Utility providers, electric vehicle providers, and major chip manufacturers.
About Power Tagging
Power Tagging is the leader in next generation smart grid communications for the 21st century. Power Tagging’s rapidly growing team is focused on delivering excellent solutions that fundamentally transform what is expected from the power grid. Power Tagging leverages its patent-pending technology for digitally “tagging” electric power and attached devices to drive solutions in grid mapping, fault isolation, electric vehicle integration, demand side management and grid cyber security. Backed by a leading Utility and the National Science Foundation, Power Tagging solutions are ready for immediate adoption and maximum impact.
The addition of Power Tagging to Project Get Ready further bridges the gap between electric utilities, electric vehicle manufacturers and consumers
Boulder, CO— September 9, 2010—Power Tagging Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of next generation smart grid communication technologies, has been invited to join the Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) Project Get Ready technical advisory board. The project is a national non-profit initiative helping cities prepare for plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). The addition of Power Tagging to the project’s Technical Advisors brings a practical grid perspective to the burgeoning project.
“We are excited to have Power Tagging on board,” explained Matt Mattila, RMI transportation consultant and manager of Project Get Ready. “Power Tagging’s ability to incorporate electric vehicles into the current infrastructure of the electric grid is key to seamlessly transitioning EVs into the consumer market.”
By providing a real-time, schematic map of the electrical grid, Power Tagging allows electric utilities to control their energy distribution and integrate electric vehicles. Much like a SIM card in a cellular phone, Power Tagging’s EV solution incorporates a Vehicle Intelligence Module™ (VIM™) which can communicate ubiquitously over the power distribution grid, linking drivers to utilities, which are a cleaner source of fuel.
“We see Project Get Ready as a ground breaking effort toward a rapid adoption of electric transportation that results in cleaner, quieter, cheaper transportation and reduces dependence on both foreign oil and our own national oil reserves,” explained John LoPorto, President and CEO, Power Tagging. “Advising RMI’s Project Get Ready is natural extension of our technology.”
About Power Tagging
Power Tagging is the leader in next generation smart grid communications for the 21st century. Power Tagging’s rapidly growing team is focused on delivering excellent solutions that fundamentally transform what is expected from the power grid. Power Tagging leverages its patent-pending technology (that digitally “tags” both electric power and attached devices) to drive solutions in grid mapping, fault resolution, electric vehicle integration, demand side management and grid cyber security. By working with utilities, the stewards of the power grid, Power Tagging solutions are ready for immediate adoption and maximum impact.
About RMI and Project Get Ready
Rocky Mountain Institute® (RMI®) is an independent, entrepreneurial, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. RMI drives the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. RMI’s research and consulting staff works with businesses, communities, and organizations around the world in three interconnected practices: the built environment, energy and resources, mobility and vehicle efficiency. RMI’s work incorporates a unique blend of whole-system thinking, integrative design, end-use/least-cost analysis, and an interdisciplinary knowledge of advanced technologies and techniques. For more information, visit www.rmi.org.
Project Get Ready
A non-profit initiative led by Rocky Mountain Institute, in conjunction with a wide array of partners and technical advisers aimed at getting cities throughout North America ready for plug-in vehicles. Specifically, Project Get Ready is building a dynamic “menu” of strategic plug-in readiness actions, including a business case for each action and a web database of plug-in activities. They also function as the convener for cities and technical players to discuss lessons learned and best practices for EV adoption. For more information, visit www.projectgetready.com
» Project Get Ready
Roy G. Perry Brings Operations Expertise To The Power Tagging Board of Directors
Former Dell Manufacturing and Operations Executive Delivers Credible Focus as the Company Ramps to Volume
BOULDER, CO – September 7, 2010 Power Tagging Technologies, a rising leader in Smart Grid communications recently announced the addition of industry veteran Roy G. Perry to its Board of Directors. As Power Tagging positions itself for rapid growth, the ex-Dell manufacturing executive will bring a substantial level of experience and expertise in manufacturing and operation processes.
“As we continue to meet the accelerating demand for our grid resident communications for electric utilities, we are excited to have Mr. Perry whose expertise in high volume manufacturing will help drive our growth,” said John LoPorto, president and CEO, Power Tagging. “His experience will be a strong asset and welcome addition to our Board of Directors.”
“A market proven technology like Power Tagging can be further bolstered by a strong operational focus,” explained Mr. Perry. “It is exciting to be working on a truly transformational technology that can benefit an entire industry.”
Mr. Perry has an impressive background of executive managerial roles with IBM, Allied Signal, Dell and StorageTek. He is an influential leader and has earned a variety of distinctions in engineering and manufacturing. In addition to his corporate career, Mr. Perry has several entrepreneurial pursuits including product design, manufacturing, and supply chain consulting. His experience in successfully building large-scale manufacturing and deployment processes makes him an impressive addition to Power Tagging.
Roy Perry is currently serving as Chairman and President of Prairie View A&M Foundation (www.pvamf.org), an Independent 501(c) (3) non-profit foundation supporting Prairie View A&M University. Like all entrepreneurial engineers, he has recently been interested in Smart Grid technologies. Power Tagging, however, particularly caught his eye as an efficient and cost effective solution that demonstrates an ROI for electric utilities.
Power Tagging Expands Management Team with Key Utility Industry Executive
Bernheim joins Power Tagging as Smart Grid Solutions Take Shape
BOULDER, CO – August 9, 2010– Power Tagging, the leader in grid resident communications for the next generation of the smart grid, announced that it has appointed Rick F. Bernheim as the Vice President of Engineering and Operations. Mr. Bernheim joins at an exciting time that represents an inflection point for Power Tagging as it meets a rapidly growing demand for its offerings that benefit electric utilities as well as consumers
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“Rick’s leadership and track record of taking multiple start-ups through successful exits as well as his Utility industry experience, further strengthens our Power Tagging team,” said Power Tagging CEO John LoPorto. “We are energized to have Rick onboard as we continue to deliver smart grid communications and applications to electric utilities.”
Previously, Bernheim served as the Vice President of Research and Development for JDSU CommTest, and General Manager of JDSU’s Cable Television Network Division. Prior to JDSU, Bernheim served as the Chief Operating Officer at SmartSynch, Inc., recently ranked as a top Smart Grid Company to Watch by Smart Grid News. Bernheim also served as Vice President of Engineering at Harris Communications Corporation within the Microwave Communications Division, where he lead an internationally based organization of 185 engineers with an operating budget of $26 million. As the Vice President of Engineering at Wavtrace, Inc., he contributed to the company’s turn-around and rapid increased valuation leading to its acquisition by Harris in 2000. Bernheim has also held various management positions at France Telecom, Comstream, GE, RCA, Cylix Communications, Transworld X-ray Corporation, and Philips Medical Instruments.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with such a game changing offering,” said Bernheim, “Power Tagging technology has the unique ability to transform the electrical grid as we know it today. Simple, effective communications that are cost effective provide true value to utility providers.”
… Energy magnate Dominion Resources (NYSE: D) completely validated the smart grid when it took a stake in Power Tagging Technologies. Dominion said its new friend has “the technology that will play a key role in transforming infrastructure into a truly smart grid.” ….
» Full Article Here
… Perhaps the best chance for the Front Range to build the hub of a national economic sector is in the burgeoning field of alternative and clean energies, an industry with a strong presence in eco-friendly Boulder.
“There’s really no reason Colorado shouldn’t become the Silicon Valley of clean energy,” said John LoPorto, chief executive of Boulder-based Power Tagging, which is developing “digital tags” to track and record information traveling over power lines. “I don’t know that there are any natural limits.”
Most successful Boulder and Colorado tech companies in the past were engineering-oriented and ultimately succumbed to larger competitors on the coasts, but clean tech is wide open, LoPorto said. The presence of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden and its National Wind Technology Center south of Boulder are major advantages, he said.
“I think you may see a reversal of fortunes,” he said. “We will see Colorado companies making the acquisitions, and the headquarters will be here.” ….
» Full Article Link
Smart-Grid Technology
By Lyla D. Hamilton
In 2009, shortly after Power Tagging Technologies Inc. emerged from stealth mode, CEO John LoPorto presented the company’s smart-grid solution at an industry conference.
Before he could return to his seat, a utility company executive intercepted him. Draping an arm around LoPorto’s shoulder, he drawled, “You boys gonna need some money? Let me buy you a drink.” Since then, Dominion Resources of Richmond, Va., among the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, has invested $3 million in the fledgling company.
The smart grid promises efficiency, automation, monitoring, dispersed energy production and two-way flow of real-time information. Its projected costs are formidable. The Massachusetts-based Brattle Group estimated that U.S. utilities alone will spend about $1.5 trillion on infrastructure between 2008 and 2030. Microsoft Corp.’s 2010 Worldwide Utility Industry Survey found that half of utilities have not even begun smart-grid implementations. Costs and return on investment are the main barriers to action.
“We want to get out in front of these companies before they invest in unnecessary fiber-optic cable and cellular towers,” LoPorto said. “We have faster, better solutions, and the capital investment is orders of magnitude lower.”
The key to lower cost is using wires already in place rather than a separate communication channel, a feat that a Power Tagging white paper describes as the Holy Grail of electrical grid architects since the middle of the 20th century.
The new technology incorporates Power Tagging Modules, small digital signal processing systems attached to the grid, plus power amplifiers and coupling subsystems. Tagging gives a unit of energy an encrypted digital fingerprint.
Until the inception of this technology, LoPorto said, “Utility companies couldn’t tell one unit of energy from another.” They can now identify the power a particular device consumes, produces or conducts. It’s possible, for example, to determine whether the energy comes from coal, solar or wind. That supports auditing of cap-and-trade programs and renewable energy credits.
A centralized database manages the identifiers of each module, monitors the schematic location of the devices and manages data for smart-grid applications.
Power Tagging’s target markets include utilities, defense contractors and the automotive industry.
Late next year, Dominion will start installing 2.4 million meters using Power Tagging’s iPod-size modules. Applications include grid mapping, fault isolation, security and integration of electric vehicles.
“Electric companies can only map the grid literally by following the wires,” LoPorto explained. That’s impractical when wires are underground. Global positioning coordinates are imprecise, he added. Locations shown in design schematics are often inaccurate. A device equipped with a Power Tagging module can report its location and status.
With the new technology, utilities can better manage overloads and detect and resolve outages. Devices monitor, report and respond to circumstances such as disconnection or unauthorized activity. On a muggy August afternoon, a utility could identify specific overloaded circuits.
“Instead of shutting off all air-conditioners in the state, the utility can respond on a more granular level,” LoPorto explained.
Utilities can also handle outages more efficiently.
“The utility will know the power is out even before you notice that your clock is flashing,” LoPorto said. Today, when subscribers report outages, utilities dispatch personnel to the four corners of a problem area and then triangulate to identify the specific issue. With the new technology, tagged devices can pinpoint the location of the failure and even identify the faulty equipment. The utility then knows exactly where to send a vehicle carrying the appropriate replacement device.
Other applications include demand-side management capabilities for energy, notable among them real-time information to energy users about the price and sources of power they consume.
Some smart-grid models use wireless communications, which raises security and privacy issues. “A 14-year-old with a laptop can intercept wireless communications,” LoPorto claimed.
The Power Tagging system transmits only the encrypted signatures of digital fingerprints. “Customer data isn’t on the wire,” LoPorto said. “It’s encrypted and in a database at the utility.”
According to LoPorto, Power Tagging technology will accelerate adoption of electric vehicles by eliminating the need for a network of charging kiosks analogous to gas stations. Every electrical outlet can be a charging station, he said. With Power Tagging technology embedded in silicon as a Vehicle Identification Module, electric-powered vehicles identify themselves when plugged into an outlet. They report the amount of electricity consumed. The utility bills the subscriber.
Not a subscriber? Not a problem. Power Tagging offers reconciliation services like those in the cellular phone industry. Utilities can collect even when drivers charge their batteries at locations outside the system to which they subscribe.
Today’s electric vehicles can travel just 100 to 200 miles before exhausting their batteries, which deters many potential buyers.
» Link to Article
The Investment Validates Power Tagging’s Progressive and Proven Solutions to Smart Grid Challenges.
Boulder, CO—January 19, 2010— Power Tagging, a leading provider of next generation smart grid communications technologies, today announced that it has closed its first round of outside funding. On the heels of the company’s first commercial pilot deployment and a National Science Foundation grant, Dominion Resources (NYSE: D), a leading energy provider has led the financing round. The driving force for the Dominion Resources investment in Power Tagging is the ability to deliver intelligence to the grid in a proven, cost-effective and readily deployable manner. Power Tagging’s technology can enable smart grids at a fraction of the cost of existing technologies. To date, Power Tagging’s self-funded development along with the new investment launches the company to its next stage of growth.
In addition to the investment aspect of the partnership, Dominion and Power Tagging will also work together on commercial deployments in areas such as real-time grid mapping, fault isolation, electric vehicle integration and grid cyber security. Cooperative development of applications means that customer needs are prioritized while the stability of utility operations are addressed and enhanced.
“Dominion is excited to support and partner with Power Tagging,” said Mary C. Doswell, senior vice president-Alternative Energy Solutions for Dominion. “We see this as the technology that will play a key role in transforming infrastructure into a truly smart grid.”
“We’re excited to be working with Dominion,” said John LoPorto, Power Tagging president and CEO. Smart grid companies must develop reliable products in concert with forward-looking utility partners that work to meet the needs of the grid for the next century.”
In the Smart Grid of the future, electric power will be measurable, traceable, and auditable much like data is on the Internet today. To enable this futuristic vision, Power Tagging has created a revolutionary technology that enables encrypted digital “tags” to be attached to grid-resident devices. These Power Tags can also be used to identify the power these grid-resident devices consume, produce, or conduct. For the first time, the grid, and even the power itself, has embedded intelligence.
Grid Location Aware™
Power Tags make the power grid “Grid Location Aware™”. This awareness is linked to each device’s real-time schematic location on the grid. Grid Location Awareness produces many benefits for Smart Grid systems, and many of these benefits are impossible to achieve with previous approaches to Smart Grid deployments. The economic and technological breakthroughs that Power Tagging has developed address all these issues and more. To learn more about the Power Tagging solutions visit www.powertagging.com.
About Power Tagging
Power Tagging is the leader in next generation smart grid communications for the 21st century. Power Tagging’s rapidly growing team is focused on delivering excellent solutions that fundamentally transform what is expected from the power grid. Power Tagging leverages its patent-pending technology for digitally “tagging” electric power and attached devices to drive solutions in grid mapping, fault isolation, electric vehicle integration, demand side management and grid cyber security. By working with utilities, the stewards of the power grid, Power Tagging solutions are ready for immediate adoption and maximal impact.
About Dominion
Dominion is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,500 megawatts of generation, 1.2 trillion cubic feet equivalent of proved natural gas and oil reserves, 14,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,000 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates the nation’s largest natural gas storage facility with 975 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in 12 states. Its corporate headquarters are in Richmond, Va. For additional information about Dominion, please visit www.dom.com
Power Tagging Announces National Science Foundation Grant. Download Press Release here.
