SUS Innovation Hub Aimed at Water, Electric Utilities

THE OPENING OF Smart Utility Systems' new Water and Energy Resource Innovation Center in Silicon Valley isn't going to solve California's drought. It could, however, lead to any number of novelties that could help address water shortages wherever and whenever they occur around the world.

According to SUS CEO Deepak Garg, the center will be dedicated to addressing the particular issues utilities -- both water and electrical -- face in modernizing their operations.

SUS, based in Irvine, California, says it plans to hire as many as 1,000 researchers and engineers to staff the center.

Garg, in an email interview, said the center will focus on SaaS technologies and product design "informed by ongoing feedback from utilities and their customers."

Since it was launched in 2009, SUS has focused on developing big-data analytics and complex IT integrations for utility clients. That the company has to date deployed its most innovative products to water districts is largely due to a fateful convergence of technological advancements and California's years-long drought.

"It was a matter of kismet," said SUS Marketing Director Lisbeth Spencer. "We walked into an industry noted for legacy thinking and in many cases, outdated systems, just as California's drought was reaching a state of crisis -- and they really needed this particular technology."

SUS's software helps water districts utilize data analytics and mobile SaaS technologies to monitor operations, resources and leak detection, manage workforce deployment and customer engagement -- and ultimately achieve optimal water conservation.

Its latest offering, Smart H2O app, allows consumers to not only access details of their own water use, but also actively partner with their water utility's conservation efforts by reporting unrepaired leaks, defective irrigation systems and water run-off in the street directly to utility authorities. With an additional click, customers can access the latest advisories and rebates as well.

The Smart H2O mobile app is available as a free download for iOS and Android-based mobile devices.

SUS launched its Water and Energy Innovation Center in part because of Garg's conviction that endangered resources cannot be addressed, much less resolved, on a crisis-by-crisis basis.

"What's needed is a new approach to energy and resource conservation that is thoughtful, holistic and inclusive, rather than merely reactive," he said. "We recognize that to meet the evolving needs specific to utilities, technology providers will need to innovate continuously in order to address shifting environmental, business and policy issues that are unique to utilities and water districts."

Utilities, required to justify spending decisions to regulators, municipalities and ratepayers repeatedly, tend to make big-money infrastructure decisions infrequently.
However, the rapid-fire software-driven technological changes now stretching their business model are challenging utilities to respond more quickly.

Garg, fully cognizant of the issues, said that's why SUS plans to work hand-in-hand with its customers and others on the issues.

"Our hope is that this center will serve an integral role in being able to sit down with utilities and strategize innovative methods and technologies that will not only advance products, but also tackle global efficiency and conservation," he said.

"Whether local, national or international, investor or publicly owned, municipal or cooperative -- all are welcome."

Source: Energy Biz

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