The Africa Utilities Telecom Council Johannesburg CC, South Africa 1 st December, 2015
Utilities Telecom Council Global Focus on Utility Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Formed more than 65 years ago in the USA to support emerging telecommunications needs in the utility sector. Continuously evolving to meet the varying needs of members New MISSION: UTC shapes the future of utility mission critical technologies by driving innovation, fostering collaboration and influencing public policy. Equipment/ Services Providers Electricity New VISION: UTC is the trusted advisor to utilities and other critical infrastructure providers globally. The Council serves as the source and resource for our members to deploy technologies and solutions that deliver secure, reliable, and affordable mission critical services. Water Telecom and ICT Gas/ Pipeline
Utilities Telecom Council Global UTC Has Global Reach: Next UTC Pacific Rim?
UTC Leadership Team Chairman of the Board Ron Taylor Salt River Project Vice Chair Matt Schnell Nebraska Public Power Dist. Secretary/Treasurer Kathy Nelson Great River Energy Immediate Past Chair Jason Griffith American Electric Power Interim - President and CEO Steve Vick Utilities Telecom Council Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Mike Oldak Utilities Telecom Council
Member Driven Global Advisory Council Global Advisory Council* AUTC Chair and Vice Chair UTCAL Chair and Vice Chair UTC Canada Chair and Vice Chair EUTC Chair and Vice Chair UTC Chair and Vice Chair * Current Chair Chairman UTC Canada
Global Advisory Council Convened in November 2013 to agree a programme of work that will bring value to all UTC members through international collaboration. Formally incorporated at the February 2013 UTC Board of Directors Meeting An initial programme of four activities: Packet Networks /IP Working Group A programme to share knowledge on cyber security The development of Utility Telecom Networks Key performance Indicators (KPIs) New wireless spectrum to support smart energy networks
Member Engagement Knowledge Sharing and Education Publications and Outreach Conferences and Events Strategic Initiatives Committees and Working Groups Quarterly Journal Publication Annual Conference within Each Global Region Research Education, Training, and Mentoring Programs Email Newsletters Smaller Technical Conferences Focus Groups Peer-to-peer Knowledge Sharing Alerts Policy-oriented Summits Advisor Programs
Member Communications
Influencing Public Policy and Standards Globally European Commission International US-Based Raised the importance of ICT to support smart metering and smart infrastructure networks Invited to participate in Smart Grid Task Force (SGTF) Steering Committee Funded projects in collaboration with utilities, vendors, and regulators: ICT4SMARTDG and FINSENY Pursuing long term strategy within ITU towards an international allocation of spectrum for utilities and other critical infrastructure industries ISO/IEC standards committee on cybersecurity standards IEC Conformity Assessment Board (CAB) working group on industrial control systems cybersecurity certifications Participant in the development of NIST Cybersecurity Framework Advocacy with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Public/private collaboration on cybersecurity in the energy and telecommunications space
Africa UTC A New Trade Association Using the European Model European Utilities Telecom Council (EUTC) was formed in October 2004 as a European Arm of UTC in USA A Utility Trade Association focusing on telecommunications and ICT as needed to support core utility businesses electricity, gas and water Five original members provided a small budget for recruitment of European resources Initial utility telecoms and technology networking group for sharing experiences, challenges and solutions
European Utilities Telecom Council (EUTC) Targeting large geographic area Many different languages Emerging and mature energy markets & networks October 2004: 5 charter members November 2014: 24 Charter members (2 from Africa) many with multiple TSO/DSO businesses
EUTC The organisation Originally run from UTC in Washington DC with a Director working in Europe Established an office in Brussels Belgium to enable formal engagement with European Commission Contracted an association management company to run all back office functions finance, membership activities and events European Director is responsible for events, liaison with European Commission activities and programmes of work Volunteer resources from member companies and external resources are used as appropriate Initial activities, benchmarking service delivery methods, analysis of utility telecom costs for operational telecoms
UTC/EUTC Activities in Africa Two utility members in Africa, Eskom and Ghana Grid Co: Interest in how utilities in Europe are changing: In structure and the way they are regulated In the creation of smart grid Telecommunications and how such services will be provided The opportunities to create Telecom businesses Organized three successful events in Africa: February 2012 at the invitation of Eskom June 2013 in conjunction with Eskom and other energy stakeholders and utility companies in the region November 2014 a Telecoms Summit as precursor for formation of Africa UTC Positive feedback from Africa Utilities convinced UTC of the opportunity for Africa UTC
What Will Africa UTC Do Utility/Mission Critical industry group focusing on Telecoms & ICT issues as they affect this region: electricity, water, rail networks, and gas/oil pipelines Non-profit trade association Registered in South Africa Supported by an Association Management Company fulfilling all back office functions AUTC Board made up of Charter member company representatives Governed by a set of Operating Principles and constitution appropriate for South Africa aligned with requirements of UTC Utility Charter/Regular Members Vendors and other interested parties Associate Members
How Will Africa UTC Operate AUTC Board of Directors Set the agenda, develop initiatives, and address actions and activities Board consists of AUTC utility members and UTC representation An elected Chair and Vice Chair representing AUTC on UTC Global Advisory Council An AUTC Director: Leads the organisation Delivers on board actions Develops membership Organizes annual conference and other events Communicates and collaborates with a wide group of stakeholders, AMEU, PIESA, AFSEC, WAPP, SAPP, SANEDI, FTTH Council Africa etc.
Africa UTC Programmes and Activities Africa Spectrum coordination group Common approach starting with ICASA (ZA) Common voice for Africa utility companies Seeking global recognition through ITU/WRC Global New wireless spectrum to support smart energy networks Strong collaboration across USA, Europe and Latin America Cybersecurity group Leverage UTC knowledge and resources Benchmarking and KPIs For African utility companies Technical support Projects in regional Power Pools Standards for Africa Support AFSEC initiatives Cybersecurity Knowledge Sharing UTC on-line cybersecurity community Cyber security webinars Currently defining a global programme Develop Utility Telecom Networks Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Document in draft, questionnaire will be created and data gathered initially from up to eight companies Packet Networks /IP Working Group Leadership team from three utility companies Workshop held in Monaco at EUTC annual conference
Africa UTC - The Way Forward UTC Board of Directors approved the formation of Africa UTC February 2015 Open meeting to announce the organisation Inaugural meeting of AUTC Board of Advisors Today December 1 2015 Inaugural AUTC conference March 9-10 2015