Spectrum Policy Seminar for the Utility Sector

On October 5, 2010, after an extensive public notice and comment process, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a report entitled, "Communications Requirements of Smart Grid Technologies. " The complete text of the report, and of a second report addressing data access and privacy issues arising from the deployment of smart grid technologies, can be found at: http://www.gc.energy.gov/1592.htm. One recommendation in the report was to provide more information to the utility sector on spectrum policy issues in light of the role wireless communications will surely play in the deployment of smart grid technologies. At this spectrum policy seminar, senior officials from the Federal Communications Commission and the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration will provide an overview designed for the utility sector of the current spectrum management process. They will also address some of the Federal programs currently available to ensure priority restoration and priority calling for utilities during times of emergency. All members of the public are invited to attend.