Who knew that beaming data back and forth between utilities and smart meters could be so controversial? Wireless communications is quickly becoming the hot button issue in the Smart Grid industry, with companies split into three camps, one advocating the use of public networks (SmartSynch), another pushing proprietary networks (Silver Spring Networks, Trilliant), and the third rallying for WiMAX (Grid Net and now Cisco Systems).
Now SmartSynch, one of the major voices in the fray, is seeking a peaceful solution to the problem by launching what it's calling the GridRouter Ecosystem, a coalition of wireless communications companies building an open, interoperable network for the electrical grid.
Not surprisingly, a piece of SmartSynch hardware sits at the heart of this initiative. Its GridRouter is a device that can use any communications protocol to transmit energy consumption data between smart meters, utilities and their customers. The hope is that it will become the standard choice for utilities across the Smart Grid.
Today, the GridRouter Ecosystem counts AT&T (an early SmartSynch partner), Motorola, T-Mobile, Rogers Communications, Cooper Power Systems, Battelle, Itron, Daviscomms USA, AuthenTec and Japan's Futaba Corporation as members. SmartSynch plans to grow its ranks in coming months -- but don't expect the Trilliants and Silver Springs of the world to join up.
These companies -- incidentally both based in Redwood City, Calif. -- are firm believers in using private networks for Smart Grid communications. The keystone of their argument is security, already a touchy issue among utilities and consumers. Vulnerable networks could lead to data theft and even pricey power outages. Proprietary networks allow utilities to keep close watch on their communications and isolate breaches, Trilliant told VentureBeat last month. But SmartSynch insists its solutions are equally secure.
On top of accepting almost any protocol, the SmartSynch GridRouter lets utilities upgrade their communications systems and metering firmware in one fell swoop, without worrying about a patchwork of different solutions, the company says. Ultimately, this should save utilities and their rate payers money.
This is the second Smart Grid coalition to emerge in the last month, underscoring the collaborative nature of the business. The other, forged by home energy management company Control4, is targeted at consumer education. Including IBM, General Electric, Best Buy and Silver Spring Networks, this group will be researching and implementing strategies to rally utility customers behind the Smart Grid, hopefully mitigating some of the backlash inspired by smart meter installations in Southern California and elsewhere.
SmartSynch raised $11 million in debt financing last month. It also landed a deal with meter maker Itron, which for now is playing both sides of the public vs. private network debate.