One-third of utilities interested in broadband over power lines (BPL), says new Chartwell report


ATLANTA, March 23, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- For years power companies have considered ways to broaden use of their distribution lines. With improved technology and lessons learned from telecom failures of the late 1990s, some may now have a chance to utilize their power lines for more than just providing electric energy, according to a new report from energy research leader Chartwell Inc.

Since 2000, the percentage of utilities planning or considering using broadband has risen steadily from 6% to 20%, states Chartwell's Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) Report 2004. All told, 33% of electric utilities in 2003 reported using, planning or considering broadband, based on Chartwell's most-recent AMR survey of 100 utilities. In addition, broadband is tied for fourth among AMR technologies planned or considered, not far behind mobile (drive-by) and narrowband powerline carriers (PLC), states the report.

"BPL technologies are certainly hot and drawing interest from a lot of utilities," said Chartwell senior analyst Garrett Johnston, who spearheaded the research. "Utilities and vendors have learned a lot from past telecom ventures, and are developing new business models that call for utilities to partner with Internet providers. Still, there are some significant obstacles."

Chartwell's Broadband over Power Lines Report includes five in-depth case studies and summaries of 17 BPL projects. The 65-page, 10,000-word report profiles 10 BPL vendors and organizations and features chapters answering the questions:


 - Why BPL?
 - Why not BPL?
 - Who's interested?
 - What are the business models?
 - What are the technologies?
 - Who are the vendors?

Chartwell's Broadband over Power Lines Report, which is part of Chartwell's Metering Research Series, is available for $495. Chartwell's Metering Research Series is the only unbiased and continuous research service devoted exclusively to the AMR industry. Annual series membership includes access to:


 - 25 past topical reports on AMR;
 - 10 to 11 new topical reports released during the
   membership term each with at least two case studies;
 - monthly intelligence reports on AMR trends and technologies;
   and
 - past and current annual reports focusing on AMR surveys
   of 100-plus utilities.

Membership in The Metering Research Series is $2,995. For more information about Chartwell's Broadband over Power Lines Report or The Metering Research Series, please contact Juli Collins at (800) 432-5879 or (404) 237-9099, or visit www.energylibrary.com.



            

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