This week’s Smart City roundup features a new infrastructure for utilities, and a smart grid solutions provider receives an award and a new CEO.

Aclara’s new smart infrastructure for utilities

Aclara Technologies LLC introduced the Synergize network, a fully integrated solution for gas, water and electric utilities that offers high performance and a low cost of ownership.

The centerpiece of the announcement is the Synergize RF electric network, which builds on the STAR RF protocol and point-to-multipoint architecture for gas and water utilities. The Synergize RF electric network also incorporates features to meet the unique requirements of electric and combination utilities, increasing range while reducing latency.

Over a 15-year period, the total cost of ownership is estimated to be approximately 35-percent less than bandwidth mesh systems. As a result, the network meets the rigorous requirements of today’s smart-grid applications, providing a complete network solution for any electric or combination utility looking for the best advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and smart distribution solution.

The Synergize network brings together all the elements of Aclara’s comprehensive network product offerings, including its Metrum Cellular LTE and TWACS power-line communications solutions which are all controlled through the company’s iiDEAS single-headend platform.

 New CEO for Silver Springs Networks

Silver Spring Networks, Inc. announced the appointment of Michael Bell as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer as well as a member of the Board of Directors. Scott Lang, who previously held the positions, will now serve as the company’s Executive Chairman and will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board. Bell is an accomplished global executive with a demonstrated history of innovation, having spent more than 24 years in leadership and product development positions with Intel, Palm, and Apple.

Aside from getting a new CEO, Silver Spring was also named as the Frost & Sullivan New Zealand Smart Grid Solutions Company of the Year for the second year in a row. Silver Spring’s IPv6 critical infrastructure networking platform was recognized for helping energy retailers, distribution companies and Metering Services Providers (MSPs) in New Zealand’s disaggregated market to provide more reliable coverage in varying topographies, give urban and rural customers up-to-date, two-way information on their usage for better energy management and cost efficiencies, and offer program flexibility to expand to additional smart grid, smart city, and other critical infrastructure applications in the future.

Photo by Oran Viriyincy